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WATER FOR PEOPLE COMMITTEE |
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Have
you ever dreamed of seeing the wilds of Africa, the ancient cultures of India,
or the jungles of South America? There is a way you can have the adventure of a
lifetime and help the less fortunate at the same time. It is through Water For
People’s World Water Corps program.
This all-volunteer program gives people the opportunity to travel abroad in support of Water For People’s work. The skills of volunteers are matched with specific needs in the field. Volunteer teams are dispatched to perform defined tasks, such as program monitoring, scoping studies, evaluations, and mapping assignments. This growing program presents an exciting opportunity to get involved with Water For People in a very tangible way.
Volunteers are self-nominated for short-term assignments that generally last two weeks and are placed to support key Water For People objectives in-country. Water For People is seeking skilled volunteers to assist with a variety of programs that contribute to the shared vision of a world where all people have access to safe water and adequate sanitation.
Launched in 2006, the World Water Corps is rapidly expanding and will continue to grow. The organization and the people it serves are benefiting tremendously from the influx of knowledge and talent on the ground. There are dozens of volunteer opportunities available each year within the countries where Water For People works.
Supporting Water For People’s Model
World Water Corps volunteers provide professional support to Water For People’s work overseas within the parameters of its successful community-based model. Volunteers are not involved with the actual design and construction of water and sanitation systems. These functions are left to local government and nongovernmental organization partners, as well as community members themselves, who must take ownership of these systems and understand how to operate and maintain them for the long term.
Instead, World Water Corps volunteers engage in such activities as mapping to prove baseline data for development, monitoring the functionality of past projects, and evaluating overall program effectiveness. Volunteers have conducted scoping studies and needs assessments to determine where Water For People should expand. They might also be called upon to “train the trainers” abroad, photograph Water For People at work, or provide technical assistance to partners. The possibilities are endless.
What to Expect
If selected as a World Water Corps volunteer you will be assigned to a team with a specific task to perform. Some tasks require special advance training in Denver prior to your service, while training for other tasks is conducted after you arrive in-country.. World Water Corps volunteers are expected to pay their own costs for travel to the project site, lodging, and food in-country. Water For People will generally provide for In-country travel and insurance coverage for volunteers while abroad.
The Caveats
This type of volunteerism is not for everyone. Accommodations and meals are not going to be what you are used during vacations, even if a seasoned traveler abroad. Your choices in foods may be limited, so you must have a willingness to try the local fare. Medical facilities are limited, so it is important that you consult your physician prior to accepting a particular assignment.
In addition, I have met those that cannot see past the current plight of the people that you visit. This can be overwhelming. However, for those that can see the possibilities for improving lives in these communities the experience can change the way you view your life and the things you consider important. To coin an oft used phrase it can be a life changing experience.
If you would like to learn more about the World Water Corps please visit the Water For People web site or speak with Dave Fox at 515 233-0000. The Iowa Water For People Committee needs your support. If you are interested in serving on our Committee, or if you just have suggestions or comments, please feel free to contact me at the numbers below. To learn more please visit www.waterforpeople.org.
More than 6,000 people die each day due to unsafe water and poor sanitation
Mark Cramer
Chair, Iowa Water For People Committee
mcramer12@mchsi.com
Telephone: 319 447 0750
Mobile: 319 202 1283