To read about how TEECH and supporters achieved a project in Moldova in 2022 view the photos here.
WELCOME TO THE DETAIL ABOUT volunteeRING WITH US in 2023
TEECH aim to carry out a project in the summer of 2023 at two schools in the villages of Mindresti Noi and Sloveanca, both in the Sîngerei District in Moldova, the poorest Eastern European country.
The project will be a challenge and there is a lot of planning and preparation to do before we set off on the trip but it’s achievable, with strong team work. If you are interested in joining the team then read on and find out what we are going to be doing, and then contact holly@teech.org with any questions, for further information or an application form.
The project will be a challenge and there is a lot of planning and preparation to do before we set off on the trip but it’s achievable, with strong team work. If you are interested in joining the team then read on and find out what we are going to be doing, and then contact holly@teech.org with any questions, for further information or an application form.
So what are the facts and other info.........
When: Saturday 12th August to Sunday 28th 2023 (Lorry drivers from Thursday 10th)
Where: Mindresti Noi and Sloveanca, Moldova
Why: The team will be working at both schools (likely one for a few days before moving to the other one). Neither school has indoor toilets. They currently use an outhouse (brick building) which has a concrete floor, and then holes in the floor which is over a pit. The new bathrooms within the schools will provide hot and cold water, hand driers and sinks, which not only provides them with indoor toilets for the first time, but privacy and hygienic conditions. The team will also tile, paint and anything else we might have time for in the 8 days in Moldova.
Where: Mindresti Noi and Sloveanca, Moldova
Why: The team will be working at both schools (likely one for a few days before moving to the other one). Neither school has indoor toilets. They currently use an outhouse (brick building) which has a concrete floor, and then holes in the floor which is over a pit. The new bathrooms within the schools will provide hot and cold water, hand driers and sinks, which not only provides them with indoor toilets for the first time, but privacy and hygienic conditions. The team will also tile, paint and anything else we might have time for in the 8 days in Moldova.
What to expect:
* Tiling
* Plumbing of toilets, sinks, urinals, boilers
* Electrical work for hand driers, lighting, water heaters
* Carpentry and the construction of toilet cubicles
* Connecting waste pipes for the new toilets/sinks to the existing drainage
* And much more
- To see an amazing country: Moldova is picturesque and very different to what you may have experienced before. In villages, life is basic and people walk, cycle or use horse & cart to travel around. Homes generally have no running water (let alone bathrooms), therefore there are wells in the village to obtain water, and people generally have long drop toilets in small shed like buildings in their gardens. The school is connected to mains water, currently to the kitchen, so this can be tapped into for the new bathrooms.
- To be hot! Temperatures can reach 35+ degrees in August but it can feel cooler in the buildings, but be prepared for the heat!
- Toilet facilities: Whilst at the school there will be no indoor flushing toilets facilities (that is why we are there). We will use their existing toilets, which are outside and are just holes in the ground. It is also a bit of a trek to the toilets. At night we would provide ladies with camping porta loos within the building if required.
- Shower facilities: Again there are no formal washing facilities, therefore we take tents to shower in. Each volunteer is asked to take a camping shower bag, which is filled with cold water in the morning and magically (as its so hot) will be very warm by late afternoon. The bags can be hung in the tents and do work really well. Flip flops are advised for showering in.
- Sleep arrangements: Volunteers sleep in classrooms within the school. Classrooms will be allocated between men and women, therefore a sleeping bag and camp bed/air bed is required.
- Other people: You will meet those who might have been on a trip before, those that haven’t and those that are so hooked they've been doing this for years. Everyone is welcome and made to feel welcome.
- The locals: Each year the TEECH team is delightfully overwhelmed by the welcome received from the locals, their hospitality (they usually bring food for us to try) and the help provided on site.
- Drivers: We aim to take 4 vehicles on the trip, therefore require volunteer drivers with PSV and HGV licences.
- The work: There are various tasks which will be undertaken to transform empty rooms into two bathrooms, including:
* Tiling
* Plumbing of toilets, sinks, urinals, boilers
* Electrical work for hand driers, lighting, water heaters
* Carpentry and the construction of toilet cubicles
* Connecting waste pipes for the new toilets/sinks to the existing drainage
* And much more
- Food: Whilst on location we have volunteers who take on the task of cooking for the team. A hot meal will be provided each evening with plenty of other food at lunchtime to ensure everyone is fuelled for the physical work they are undertaking.
- Tradesmen: We require volunteers with experience in carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. Even with no experience we hope to offer everyone the opportunity to work alongside someone with experience to learn a few new skills.
- What to pack and further information: Once volunteers have signed up, further monthly information will be provided on the run up to August, along with packing lists and everything else you’ll need to know.
transport
Volunteers travel by coach overland, travelling through 7 countries to reach Moldova. The journey takes three and a half days. Leaving on the Saturday and arriving during the day on the Tuesday at the school.
The cost:
Each volunteers is required to pay £800.....the cost is split:
* £600 covers expenses - the coach hire, 4 hotels on route to/from Moldova, food (not drinks) at those hotels (evening meal/breakfast), insurance, a t-shirt and food on location, plus contributes to the lorry expenses (fuel, road tolls, ferry).
* £200 contributes towards the cost of the actual project - sanitary ware, electrical supplies, timber, plywood, paint, tiles and much much more!
Volunteers are encouraged to fundraise using TEECH preferred donation platform (Wonderful) to help towards their costs. Gift Aid rules are required to be followed when asking others to sponsor you (please get in contact to check the rules).
How to apply: For an application form then please contact holly@teech.org. On application a minimum £70 deposit is required to secure your place.
Volunteers are also required to purchase their own travel insurance, including manual work package, therefore please factor this into the cost you will be required to fund.
For further information also see our FAQ and How a Trip works pages.
Each volunteers is required to pay £800.....the cost is split:
* £600 covers expenses - the coach hire, 4 hotels on route to/from Moldova, food (not drinks) at those hotels (evening meal/breakfast), insurance, a t-shirt and food on location, plus contributes to the lorry expenses (fuel, road tolls, ferry).
* £200 contributes towards the cost of the actual project - sanitary ware, electrical supplies, timber, plywood, paint, tiles and much much more!
Volunteers are encouraged to fundraise using TEECH preferred donation platform (Wonderful) to help towards their costs. Gift Aid rules are required to be followed when asking others to sponsor you (please get in contact to check the rules).
How to apply: For an application form then please contact holly@teech.org. On application a minimum £70 deposit is required to secure your place.
Volunteers are also required to purchase their own travel insurance, including manual work package, therefore please factor this into the cost you will be required to fund.
For further information also see our FAQ and How a Trip works pages.
