VOLUNTEERING
Phil Isaacs (Upper Blue Mountains)
VOLUNTEERING IN INTERNATIONAL SERVICE
• PP Phill Isaacs
• Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary Club
• PURPOSE
• Getting more Rotarians involved in International
• PROCESS
• One persons experience
• PAYOFF
• Hopefully we will get more Rotarians involved in volunteering
IN THE BEGINNING…………
• Member of Rotary since 1973
• Worked full time and did not have time for volunteer work for
an extended period
• Molecular Biologist but most time in Management in Asia
• Was district ROMAC representative for 4 years while working
• When time available began volunteering with RAWCS
FIRST STEPS
• PNG Mando
FIRST PROJECT
• Cambodia
FOMU
The need for computers in schools
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Relationship with TAFE developed
Microsoft agreement
18 months of development
Need for a trial site
FOMU
• School built and functioning with library
• No Power
• Funds available
Where are we now?
• Africa and Philippines
• Vanuatu – four installations (45 Computers and 5 solar
systems)
• TAFE student funding
• Some District funding
• PNG Company set up
• Other computers (over 300) and TAFE assistance
• Vanimo, African Refugees, Congo, Disability Services etc
• Solar development
SOLAR
WHAT ABOUT THE PRACTICALITIES?
• This project is a service for others
• Need to work with another Club which needs computers (or
solar). Have worked with Kenthurst, Winston Hills, Hall and
others
• Project Management and the steps
• Costing – airfare, meals, accommodation, transport
• Alcohol, sightseeing, additional items
• Timing
• Local Rotary involvement
PRACTICALITIES continued
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Experience required – training is the name of the game
Where to find projects on which to volunteer
Registration for project is now on line
Insurance cover
Health necessities
Need to personally register with DFAT
Pre departure discussions
Identification while travelling and on important occasions
BUT you must have fun!!! You are a volunteer
AND NOW A SPECIFIC REQUEST
• ROMAC patient from Vanuatu (Charlie) treated at John Hunter
for talipes was a star
• East Maitland Rotary Club want to support
• Following visit to Vanuatu in May, a project has developed
• Lighting Charlies village
• Need for volunteers to help with installation in
September/October 2015
• Looking at minimum two trips per year on which we will need
Volunteers
• Please see me if this project interests you
PAYOFF
So, be a gift to the World by focussing on Rotary values by
volunteering on an International project
QUESTIONS?
Phill Isaacs
Upper Blue Mountains Rotary Club
[email protected]
+61 408 966 173
27 Olympian Parade
Leura 2780
BE A GIFT TO THE WORLD