HIB Voluntary Summer Project in East Africa - 2010

The HIB (Health Improvement Board) of COEJ is a body which seeks to raise awareness about health in several communities. The main aim of the board is to work towards improving the health and well being of our community. For more information visit: www.coej.org/hib. HIB are organising a summer trip to East Africa where individuals are able to participate and volunteer within various charitable centres and organisations.

This is a life-changing opportunity for individuals to gain experience by helping those who need it most. This invaluable experience will provide you with skills and experience that may be required not only for future careers, but also in life! East Africa has been specifically chosen as it will allow us to work with and assist our own communities.  Not only will this be a life-changing opportunity for yourself but also for those that you may meet during your trip.

HIB has various affiliations with charitable centres in East Africa, enabling us to provide you with a varied and life changing experience of voluntary work. Such centres are independent organisations, encouraging rural development in Tanzania through education and self-sustainable projects designed to promote the well-being of the community regardless of sex, race or religion.

Their activities are divided into: Education, Medical, Social-Welfare, Wells and Tabligh.

•    Education: Various Education Projects are run by the centres, providing resources such as books and teaching. In addition to academic schooling, the children are taught about Islam but also about disease and illness in order that they can lead full, healthy lives.

•    Medical support: A few examples of the widespread work includes the sponsoring of cataract surgery and providing necessities such as beds, wheel chairs, stretchers and incubators to hospitals throughout the country.

•    Social-welfare: The charities organise food parcel distribution programmes during Ramadhan. At the end of the month Eid gifts are distributed to orphans and the underprivileged.

•    Wells: These are a crucial aspect of survival for so many rural families in Africa. Each year, through local organisations, hundreds of shallow wells are dug in Dar es Salaam and other coastal regions. Typically, such a well would provide 300 families with 2500 litres of drinking water each day and last for approximately 10 years.

•    Tabligh: This is a very active aspect of many of the charities. In the spirit of propagating the true teaching of Islam as taught to us by the Holy Prophet (SAWW) and his ahlul-bayt, various religious lectures are arranged throughout the year, particularly during the month of Ramadhan and Muharram.

This is a 3 week trip to an area known as Kibaha, located near Dar es Salaam. Here volunteers will have the opportunity to work with children in schools and orphanages. Volunteers may be able to lead lessons and there will also be the opportunity to help with the day-to-day maintenance of these centres. Additionally, day trips to a cancer unit, well digging project and safari park will be organised.

Participants will be encouraged to fund-raise prior to the trip to raise money for the centres they will visit.

Flights

Flights to/from Dar-e-salaam

Travel Dates

17/07/10 to 08/08/10

Includes day trips to cancer unit, well-digging project and safari park

Accommodation
At this centre food and accommodation will be provided at no added cost

Costs

Costs will include those for flights, coaches and day trips. Approximately £750 (subject to cost of flights).
(This is a self financing project)

Conditions and Exclusions

1.    Application consists of online booking, £200 non-refundable deposit and photocopy of passport. Deposit will be refunded if full quota is not met.
2.    Selection of participants will be based on first-come basis in conjunction with a fair system of allocation to each Jamaat.
3.    Individuals are required to purchase their own travel insurance and submit proof before travel.
4.    Costs for the travel do not include transfers between UK airport and place of residence.
5.    Organisers may refuse applications without any reason provided.

Further Information
Sakina Walji
Email: sakinawalji@coej.org or hib@coej.org

Application

1.    Click here to complete the online application form Application now closed
2.    Pay a deposit of £200 (Payment by cheques can also be made to COEJ and will not be deposited until confirmation of place)
3.    Send a copy of passport by e-mail or post to the COEJ office

The Council of European Jamaats
22 Estreham Road
London
SW16 5PQ
Tel: 0845 330 6012
Fax: 0845 330 6014

Secretariat@coej.org

HIB