Euro 2008 Returned Volunteer Aidan Leavy

Presentation by; Aidan Leavy, Returned DW Agency: Then Agency for Personnel Services Overseas (APSO) Post: Local Development Planning Advisor Country: Honduras, Central America Duration: 2 years initial (stayed 1998-2002)

Pre-departure agency support 9Access to Library and Audio-visual facility 96 months between notification and departure 9Country Packs and Partner information 9Designated contact person within APSO 9Contact with partner facilitated 9Useful contact with X-DWs who worked in same region 9Efficient administration 91 week language training 93 week intensive training covering; Cross-cultural Communications, Conflict Resolution, Stress Management, Basics of Development, Key aspects of Capacity Building, How to facilitate groups and Project Management. Note: (1) A whole variety of professionals were assigned to different partner organisations participated in training. (2) People selected for 2 year contracts were already deemed to have a host of skills.

In placement support mechanisms

that worked well 9 August 1998: 9Two month in-country training: Language, Cultural adaptation, project . management. 9Placed with a local family that requested DWs. 9 Assignment to partner organisations but…

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Hurricane Mitch became the joint fourth strongest Atlantic hurricane on record. A central pressure of 905 mb was measured along with sustained wind speeds averaged over one minute of 155 knots (180 mph). Due to its slow motion from October 29 to November 3, Hurricane Mitch dropped historic amounts of rainfall in Honduras and Nicaragua, with unofficial reports of up to 75 inches (1900 mm).

The human cost of Hurricane Mitch was enormous. It will probably never be known exactly how many died. As of 19 November 1998 estimates were as follows:Honduras: 7000 dead, 8300 missing Nicaragua: 3000 dead, 2200 missing Guatemala: 258 dead, 121 missing El Salvador: 272 dead, 100 missing The Cost: winds and flooding caused extreme damage, estimated at over $6.2 billion (1998 USD, $8 billion 2008 USD).

In placement support mechanisms

that worked well 9 Two month in-country training: Language, Cultural adaptation, project management. 9Placed with a local family that requested DWs. 9 Rapid response and team effort because of flexible, adaptable and strong leadership with relevant experience 9 We were listened to! 9 Constant motivation through timely training for DWs and partners based on their immediate needs. 9 Financial Support for Micro-projects channeled via APSO. 9 Promotion of Exchange of Best Practice visits between DWs and their partners. 9 APSO Staff at the end of a phone despite being ‘up the walls’ busy. Also active interest in ‘your situation’ - changing contexts, the joys, the frustrations, the dangers, your career plans and importantly partners needs. 9 Strong sense of identity and solidarity amongst DWs. 9Poorer Support: Knowledge Management systems, M&E Systems.

Support received upon return home and continued engagement upon return home. 9 Support Services from COMHLAMH 9 Very helpful Returned DW weekend 9 Advice on Finance, social security / benefits 9 Advice on careers.

9 Encouraged to do local press releases and radio shows. 9 Current Engagement 9 Signatory to the Code of Practice 9 ISI: Member of the Volunteering Options Working Group 9 ISI: Participant in Pilot Phase of the Self-Assessment of the Code of . Practice 9 Member of DOCHAS 9 Active in the field of disability and development.

Over to you..