Maburveh village (40km from capital, Freetown) is the site VWASL is trying to develop as an agricultural experimentation centre. It is a typical small African village, which still has thatched huts, hardly seen around the country these days. VWASL had its own house there on its plot of land, which used to be an exciting spot for many volunteers coming from all around the world in the 1970's and 1980's. The building was brought down by a ten-year civil war which took place in the 1990's. VWASL has been trying to re-erect this modest building in the last few years with the participation of volunteers from Europe and the Americas. This camp this year will largely be concentrated on tree-planting/nursing and gardening. We hope to be moving the seedlings to plant in communities so as to help promote the afforestation culture.
General Information
Health:
There are no serious contagious diseases in the country, especially in the camp site community setting. However, campers are advised to bring along one or two clothing that cover the whole body as a measure against possible itchy grass in the camp and as an additional measure against mosquitoes at night. Mosquito nets and insect killers are provided by the Association.
Sanitation:
There is no tap water in the camp area. Water is scooped from water wells during winter and there are running non polluted and not too deep fresh water streams during the raining season where campers enjoy swimming and diving. Treated drinking water is however supplied to the camp by the Association.
Communication:
There is now improved communications in the country, especially in the area of mobile phone links. One can call any part of the world from any part of the country. Also, there are telecentres all around, where anybody can pay a minimal fee to make a call. Internet facilities are however only available largely in Freetown for now. There are limited facilities of this type in the provincial cities.
Accommodation:
VWASL Camp House.
Arrival:
Volunteers are encouraged to arrive 2-3 days before the project start date for orientation and rest.
The city of Freetown and the airport are separated by the Atlantic Ocean. A ferry is used to cross to the city and back. The volunteers will be met at the airport by a member of the Association.
Participation Fees:
US$250 or EUR150, to be paid on arrival at VWASL office.
Rokel village (22km from capital, Freetown) is one of the new settlements outside Freetown, going into the interior of the country. Harvest Primary School is one of the government (public) supported schools in the country. As a new settlement, the school authorities requested to host VWASL volunteers to help plant trees, grass, flowers and do any other thing that will add to the beauty of the school.
General Information
Health:
There are no serious contagious diseases in the country, especially in the camp site community setting. However, campers are advised to bring along one or two clothing that cover the whole body as a measure against possible itchy grass in the camp and as an additional measure against mosquitoes at night. Mosquito nets and insect killers are provided by the Association.
Sanitation:
There is no tap water in the camp area. Water is scooped from water wells during winter and there are running non polluted and not too deep fresh water streams during the raining season where campers enjoy swimming and diving. Treated drinking water is however supplied to the camp by the Association.
Communication:
There is now improved communications in the country, especially in the area of mobile phone links. One can call any part of the world from any part of the country. Also, there are telecentres all around, where anybody can pay a minimal fee to make a call. Internet facilities are however only available largely in Freetown for now. There are limited facilities of this type in the provincial cities.
Accommodation:
In a school building.
Arrival:
Volunteers are encouraged to arrive 2-3 days before the project start date for orientation and rest.
The city of Freetown and the airport are separated by the Atlantic Ocean. A ferry is used to cross to the city and back. The volunteers will be met at the airport by a member of the Association.
Participation Fees:
US$250 or EUR150, to be paid on arrival at VWASL office.
« I can say that the best things about the workcamp and this whole experience were the chance of making a real difference to the lives of very needy children. This is an extremely valuable project where volunteers can have a massive impact. Also the possibility of learning a huge amount about a country so different from our own. I learnt ten times as much by carrying out a workcamp than I would ever do backpacking. »
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