February 21 - March 1, 2015
About Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago is a two-island republic in the Caribbean Sea, just 7 miles off the coast of Venezuela. These are two extremely bio diverse islands, unique in plants, animals and insects and makes for great diving, fishing, birding as well as fantastic caving and hiking. Trinidad has a lake containing the largest natural deposit of asphalt in the world and Tobago, has the largest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere with wonderful unspoiled, secluded beaches.
T&T has a rich culture and history influenced by many nations. Traces of the Spanish, British, Dutch, Courlanders, French and even the Americans can be seen in the many festivals celebrated yearly across the islands. This can be heard as the sounds steel pan music carries across the breezes or in the biggest festival of the year, Carnival (Feb 16th and 17th, 4 days prior to our arrival), where music, dancing and elaborate costumes are a norm!!
The nation has a tropical climate, with a temperature averaging 25C year round, January to early June being the dry season.
About Habitat for Humanity Trinidad and Tobago
Community leaders in Trinidad and Tobago received approval to open a Habitat for Humanity affiliate in 1996. Shortly afterwards, the keys to the first Habitat house were handed to a family in Sangre Grande. Since then, Habitat houses have been constructed in other communities: Mayaro, Rio Claro, Penal, Point Fortin and Couva.
Habitat houses are built using the culturally preferred materials for construction – concrete blocks and galvanized roofs. HFHTT’s core mission is the provision of simple, decent and affordable housing. Locally Habitat for Humanity Trinidad and Tobago (HFHTT) has constructed more than 178 houses, served 314 families and 1570 individuals to date.
Type of construction for volunteers
Volunteers complete improvement, finish work, repairs and expansions. International volunteers may work in all stages of construction, from digging the foundation to painting the houses. Regardless of what stage the house is in when the team arrives, responsibilities will likely include carrying bricks, mixing cement, compacting dirt and moving materials.
There will be designated resting zones with drinkable water and portable restroom with water and soap on work sites. The team will be supervised by technical advisors and construction experts who will provide construction goals every day.
Itinerary
- Feb 21, Saturday: Arrive at Piarco airport
- Feb 22, Sunday: Cultural activity day in Trinidad
- Feb 23-27, Monday-Friday: Build on-site & celebration dinner Friday evening.
- Feb 28, Saturday: R&R (TBA)
- Mar 1, Sunday: Depart for home or independently continue your travels.
(Please note that the above itinerary may be subject to changes)
Accommodations
Habitat Trinidad & Tobago will determine the best lodging option for your group, taking into consideration the group size as well as proximity to the construction site. Work teams usually stay in hotels, retreat centers or dorm-style accommodations that are basic, safe and clean.
The team will be accommodated with double or quadruple occupancy, per room. Typically, rooms are equipped with a private bathroom, though in some locations, only shared bathrooms are available. Volunteers are not required to bring any bedding, but will sometimes need to pack a towel.
Costs:
This trip to Trinidad and Tobago will cost approximately $ 1880 + round-trip airfare + $350 for R&R*.
The trip cost includes: lodging, food, ground transportation, traveler’s medical insurance, orientation materials, and a donation to HFH Trinidad and Tobago and the Global Village program. Participants will need to arrange and pay for air transportation from their point of departure to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. This arrangement should be done in consultation with the team leader.
*Habitat for Humanity Canada will issue a charitable donation tax receipt for the trip cost and the airfare – this will be 2 separate receipts. The costs for R&R portion of the trip are not eligible for a tax receipt and this money must not be sent to HFH Canada. Your team leader will let you know how to pay this.
There are additional travel costs such as passport, visa and immunizations which the team leader will discuss with you. These costs are not tax deductible.
Team Leader:
Hi my name is Todd Payne and I am a Quality Control Tech, with a large paper company.
My main passions are photography, hiking and travel!! I am very excited to be building is such a great place as Trinidad and Tobago!!
I have been participating with GV builds since 2009. I have been a team member on builds in Romania and Kenya, and I have led builds to El Salvador, Malaysia, Madagascar and currently Macedonia (2014). I have fallen in love with the idea that I get to see the world, meet many fascinating families, and experience their cultures, as well as giving them a helping hand along the way. The experience really makes my life worth living and I am glad I get to share it with so many great teammates and maybe this time you!!
Please feel free to contact me at: tpayne@nbnet.nb.ca if you would like to learn more about this trip or apply now using our on-line application!!!
Come join me in Trinidad and Tobago and make a difference!!
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