VOLTRA 義遊 因遊得義, 因義而遊 A JOURNEY TO THE WORLD COMMUNITY INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTARY PROJECTS 2016/17
Contents Contents 1 About VolTra 1 International Network 2 Local Partner Organizations 2 General Info of our projects 3 New Projects 4 Project Description 5-8 Contact Information 9 Lamma Island, Hong Kong
About VolTra Founded on 16 April 2009, VolTra is a non-governmental voluntary organization (NGO), which is a registered charitable institution in Hong Kong (IR File No.: 91/11726). VolTra is dedicated in promoting international voluntary services in Hong Kong through a well-established worldwide network of international workcamp organizations. VolTra together with other international workcamp organizations all over the world provide over 3,000 international workcamps and voluntary service projects every year in more than 100 countries. At the same time, VolTra also organizes international workcamps in Hong Kong for both local and overseas volunteers to participate in the voluntary services and cultural exchange activities in Hong Kong. Vision To enhance global citizenship and friendship as well as to strengthen solidarity of the local communities through international voluntary services Mission - To become a leading and reliable platform connecting passionate Hong Kong people and international voluntary services - To promote voluntary services, charitable work and international cultural exchange and understanding - To support both local and overseas community development - To educate Hong Kong youngsters with a sense of belonging and self-recognition as well as advocate their personal growth and development Values - Volunteerism - Responsible Travel - Sustainable Development - Mutual Respect - Equality 1
International Network VolTra is Member of the Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS) Member of the Network for Voluntary Development in Asia (NVDA) Partner of the Alliance of European Voluntary Organisations (Alliance) Member of The Hong Kong Council of Social Service(HKCSS) Local Partner Organizations 突破 Breakthrough 長春社 Conservancy Association 鮮魚行學校 Fresh Fish Traders School 香港社區發展網絡 Hong Kong Community Development Network 土地正義聯盟 Land Justice League 馬寶寶社區農場 Mapopo Community Farm 嶺南大學 Lingnan University 蒲窩青少年中心 Warehouse Teenage Club 和富社會企業 Wofoo Social Enterprises 2
General Info of our projects TYPES OF PROJECTS Farming in the city becomes a trend in the city in recent years as more and more people are concerned of rural urban balance. Therefore, agriculture and environment are one of our major types of projects. ACCOMODATION AND FOOD All of our workcamps required sleeping bags and mats. It is basic in conditions with electricity, tap water provided. Volunteers will cook and clean in turns. AIRPORT Hong Kong International Airport is well connected to most of the major cities over the world. WORK SCHEDULE Volunteers will work 6-7 hours per day. During the free days, they will organize on their own with the help from local volunteers and camp leader. TRANSPORTATION Hong Kong has one of the most convenient public transport systems with frequent metro, bus and ferry. Most of the project sites can be reached in 1-2 hours from the airport. INTERNET There is no internet in all of our project sites. SIM card with data can be purchased everywhere. INSURANCE The local organizers of VolTra s international workcamps will only provide very basic and limited insurance to compensate losses in case of accidents or injuries at the workcamp sites during the workcamp period. Workcampers are therefore needed to buy travel and medical insurance of enough coverage before joining the workcamps. EXTRA FEE There is no extra fee in our international workcamps. 3
New Projects Long Valley in Sheung Shui Hong Kong International Airport Ping che in Fanling Lamma Isand Code Name Location Date Type Int. Vols Local Vols Age HKVT16-01 Long Valley Rice Harvesting Long Valley 117/2016-24/7/2016 ENVI/AGRI/RENO 4 3 18+ HKVT16-02 Long Valley Rice Harvest Festival Long Valley 29/12/2016-12/01/2017 ENVI/AGRI/RENO 4 3 18+ HKVT16-03 On the Island: Appreciating the nature Lamma Island 22/12/2016-02/01/2017 CULT/RENO/HER 8 6 18+ HKVT16-04 Saving our homes in Ping Che Fanling 12/08/2016-25/08/2016 SOCIAL/ENVI/AGRI 8 6 18+ Note: There are a few more workcamps to be finalized. We will send you the info via email if updated. 4
PROJECT DESCRIPTION HKVT16-01 Long Valley Rice Harvesting 11/07/2016-247/2016 Work The project is co-organized by VolTra and The Conservancy Association (CA). CA, founded in 1968, is the non-government environmental organization with the longest history in Hong Kong. A nature conservation management project for Long Valley has been organized since 2005, which aims to conserve Long Valley s landscape and biodiversity through a series of active habitat and species management measures. Voluntary work: 1. Rice and crop harvesting work 2. Weed and apple snail removal work 3. Wildlife monitoring work Accommodation Location Terminal Remark Local Organizer In the farming hut. The living environment is very simple and basic but in a peaceful rural living style. Sleeping bags and mat required. Long Valley is located at the northern urban edge of Hong Kong. With a total area of 150 hectares, it is the largest agricultural freshwater wetland in Hong Kong. Hong Kong International Airport Very basic living condition in the nature. Outdoor physical work The Conservancy Association (CA) is dedicated to the protection of the environment and the conservation of natural and cultural heritage. CA s mission is to enhance the quality of life of both this and future generations, and to ensure that Hong Kong shoulders her regional and global environmental responsibilities. We achieve this by advocating appropriate policies, monitoring government action, promoting environmental education and taking a lead in community participation. Since the establishment of the Association, we have been devoted to monitoring government environmental policies and promoting environmental education. [Official Website: http://www.cahk.org.hk] 5
HKVT16-02 Long Valley Rice Harvest Festival 29/12/2016-12/01/2017 Work The project is co-organized by VolTra and The Conservancy Association (CA). CA, founded in 1968, is the non-government environmental organization with the longest history in Hong Kong. A nature conservation management project for Long Valley has been organized since 2005, which aims to conserve Long Valley s landscape and biodiversity through a series of active habitat and species management measures. Voluntary work: 1. Set up, decorate and operate the booths for traditional kiln, straw art, food making in the Long Valley Harvest Fest 2. Prepare, build and transport the facilities and materials for the Long Valley Harvest Fest 3. Eco-crop packaging work Accommodation In the farming hut located in the farmlands of Long Valley. The living environment is very simple and basic but in a peaceful rural living style. Location Terminal Remark Local Organizer Long Valley is located at the northern urban edge of Hong Kong. With a total area of 150 hectares, it is the largest agricultural freshwater wetland in Hong Kong. Hong Kong International Airport Very basic living condition but among the beautiful nature The Conservancy Association (CA) is dedicated to the protection of the environment and the conservation of natural and cultural heritage. CA s mission is to enhance the quality of life of both this and future generations, and to ensure that Hong Kong shoulders her regional and global environmental responsibilities. We achieve this by advocating appropriate policies, monitoring government action, promoting environmental education and taking a lead in community participation. Since the establishment of the Association, we have been devoted to monitoring government environmental policies and promoting environmental education. [Official Website: http://www.cahk.org.hk] 6
HKVT16-03 On the Island: Appreciating the nature 22/12/2016-02/01/2017 Work The project is co-organized by VolTra and Lamma Fisherfolk s Village. Hong Kong was a fishing village hundred years ago but fishery industry is now on the decline. Many of the traditional culture and history have been forgotten. Our aim for this project is mainly to educate the public the culture and history of fishery industry in Hong Kong, as well as enabling them to appreciate the natural beauty of the Island. Voluntary work: 1. Repairing the facilities on the floating dock 2. Participating in cultural exchange activities 3. Visiting elderly 4. Photo taking and sharing 5. Preparing exhibition and music events Accommodation Location Terminal Remark Local Organizer In the hostel. The living environment is very simple and basic. Sleeping bags and mats are required. Lamma Island, Hong Kong Hong Kong International Airport Volunteers with photography / music skills e.g. guitar, will have an advantage Situated at the beautiful Sok Kwu Wan on Lamma Island, Lamma Fisherfolk s Village is a showcase of the local fisherfolk culture and the history of fishery industry in Hong Kong. Occupying an area of over 20,000ft², the Village comprises authentic fishing junk, traditional dragon boats, an exhibition hall, themed folklore booths, fishing rafts and dwellings. Visitor can learn and appreciate the heritages and livings of the boat community of Hong Kong. [Official Website: http://www.fisherfolks.com.hk/english/index.php] 7
HKVT16-04 Saving our homes in Ping Che 12/08/2016-25/08/2016 Work The project is co-organized by VolTra and Ta Kwu Ling/Ping Che Alliance for Saving Our Home. The aims of Ta Kwu Ling/Ping Che Alliance for Saving Our Home are to protect villagers home and culture and to conserve the environment. Currently, the government and the villages are in discussion on the North East New Territories New Development Areas Planning. Voluntary work: 1. Beautify or renovate of village road or houses 2. Rehabilitate agricultural land 3. Assist in community liaison Accommodation Location Terminal Remark Local Organizer Workcampers are accommodated in village house of vistors centre. Sleeping bags and mats are needed. In contrast to the densely populated areas of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, Ping Che is a sub-urban area characterised by natural scenery, charming small villages and stunning sunset. The place is also situated just next to Shenzhen, China. Hong Kong International Airport There are a few pet dogs living in the visitors centre Founded in 2012, Ta Kwu Ling/Ping Che Alliance for Saving Our Home is a selfinitiated alliance by Ping Che villagers in Hong Kong. The visitor s centre is set up to let the public know more about the lives and works of villages in Ta Kwu Ling/Ping Che. In June 2013, Ping Che Village School Art Festival was coorganized by the alliance. [Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pingchehomeland] 8
Contact Information Telephone No. (+852) 2683 5900 Address Flat 02, Block A, 13/F, Wing Hin Factory Building, 31-33 Ng Fong Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Skype Website Facebook YouTube Flickr Email voltrahk http://www.voltra.org http://www.facebook.com/voltrahk http://www.youtube.com/user/voltrahk https://www.flickr.com/photos/84825896@n06/ General - info@voltra.org Incoming - hkw@voltra.org Outgoing - app@voltra.org 9