Landscaping and Reforestation work in rural Banyumas

  Indonesia

• All Other Areas: 
Semarang

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: December 19, 2009 - January 2, 2010

Description: Sokawera village lies on the slope of Slamet Mountain and is surrounded by beautiful rice fields. Sokawera is home to the Argowilis ("Green Mountain") community centre, a volunteer based organization created 8 years ago. Argowilis is active in the fields of education and literacy, women empowerment, micro credit, economic development and environmental work. The centre provides free education to 700 students (both children and adults), organizes activities for street children, supports villagers through micro credit and training programs, develops environmental projects (including reforestation) and runs social and cultural activities on a permanent basis. Both short- and long-term voluntary service activities have been running in Argowilis since December 2006. Argowilis members appreciate the presence of international volunteers and believe in the possibility of improving the centre through exchange of good practices and ideas with the volunteers.

Along with the community and Argowilis volunteers, the international volunteers will work on the organization of new infrastructure and activities for both students and the community as a whole. During the project, volunteers will help in the creation of a garden in front of the centre, which will be made available to students who will appreciate the space. After this point, the volunteers will educate local community members on the importance of environment maintenance and preservation. In addition, the volunteers will also have a chance to do reforestation work close to the project site.

During free time, volunteers will have the opportunity to visit the Cipendok forest and hike to the waterfall. In Argowilis there are also many chances to learn how to play traditional musical instruments, make coconut sugar, witness traditional handicrafts or engage in sport activities with local youth.

This project will be held in Sokawera village in the Banyumas Regency, 250 km south west of Semarang. The village is located on the slope of the Slamet Mountain and is surrounded by rice fields.

There is an extra fee of 180 Euros for participation in this project, intended to support the local host.

Highlights: Study theme: The volunteers will be introduced to the Indonesian culture and customs in general, with a special focus on the Javanese particularities. Some cultural visits are also foreseen.

Cost in US$: USD 290

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Motivated to work voluntarily within an international team, tolerant, open-minded and cooperative person with adventurous spirit.

Age Range: 18 and over

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel to Indonesia Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

CADIP - Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects's Mission Statement: CADIP promotes peace, cooperation, tolerance and understanding in international, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural surroundings. The organization also promotes patterns and examples of civil activities focused on serving others, on building social ties and strengthening communities, on supporting civil society development. Aims and general objectives: * To promote volunteering as an expression of civic contribution * To strengthen the international contacts among young people * To build tolerance and understanding in multicultural and multi-ethnic surroundings *To promote multiunderstanding among youth all over the world * To facilitate the individual growth of the volunteers through the acquisition of work, life and learning skills * To work for the recognition and promotion of non-formal learning * To support the community initiatives and assist in community development.