Some of your ‘Frequently Asked Questions’…
We asked our new volunteers to list the questions to which they would like more information. These and many other questions are covered at both our information seminars and our training courses and the complete list of over 200 up to date questions is available at ; FAQ2012
Meanwhile here are some of the most frequently asked questions with information that may not be already covered on this site….
How is the time divided between the institutions?
New Volunteers (`Newbies') tend to spend about 65% of their time in Novinki or on Novinki Projects. The programme for Repeats and Newbies vary but generally they will spend time in all institutions.
Any days off? How many days will we actually be working? For the 14 day programme there is an introductory day, with City
tour on day one and then once a week we have a half day (we finish
at 12.30pm) and we also have `late morning starts' on any Sundays we are in Belarus. The working day generally finishes at 6.00pm and we don't return to work until 9.30am the next day so lots of time each evening to tour, rest and relax! For 7 and 10 day programmes time off varies according to the programme.
What medical shots / vaccinations need we get?
In order to protect both the volunteers and those in our care from
infection we have negotiated a list of necessary (compulsory)
inoculations in conjunction with the health authorities in Belarus;
A list of these are given to successful applicants and sufficient time to get covered prior to travel. It is up to each individual volunteer to arrange and get their shots on time and must furnish BOP with a medical letter stating that you are covered. Most of our applicants already have had these shots but may need a ‘booster’. Is there any foods that we that we shouldn't eat over there?
Apples, chestnuts, mushrooms and berries grown sold in the markets should be avoided unless you are sure they are from the Minsk region or imported. Most of the fruit (tropical) is imported. There is a big variety of Pizza and fast food restaurants including McDonalds and TGI Fridays, traditional restaurants (lots of potatoes and vegetables, and lots of other ethnic food is also available.. Anything you are addicted to that you probably cant get it in Minsk, you should bring… like Taytos!
Can you drink the tap water?
Not recommended unless it is boiled as inline with most countries in eastern Europe, but a 5 litre drum of imported spring water per volunteer is recommended to keep at your hotel room for individual use and bottled water is very freely available and very cheap.
What are the average summer temperatures?
The same as if you were going on a sun holiday to southern Europe. Err on the side of caution and remember to bring good sun block and after sun also. June can be Hot and dry, July a bit damp and August sunny and warm. You can wear shorts for 80% of the time and trousers etc in the evenings.
How long is the flight? What is the time difference?
The journey from Shannon direct to Minsk is 3.5 hours and the time difference is 2 hours ahead of GMT. From Dublin via Amsterdam, Gatwick or Frankfurt it can take a few more hours with transfers etc.
What currency do they use in Belarus?
The currency in Minsk is Belarussian Ruble. Euro is the preferred currency for exchanging and exchange services are available and open long hours. You cannot buy Belarussian rubles outside of Belarus.
Are we supervised all the time?
Yes, there are group leaders and supervisors who are either repeat
volunteers or Belarussian Staff or both with you at all times at
work.
Do the people that work in the orphanage speak English?
An increasing number of staff and kids do speak English and many speak French or German. One of our kids even speaks some Irish.
What should we not do with the kids?
BOP volunteers are not responsible for the kids hygiene. So we do
not take the kids to the toilet or do any bathing etc. We also do
not change their clothes or dress or undress them for bed. We have a fully trained team of staff to do this and volunteers liaise with
them. We also under no circumstances discipline the children.. At our hotel Who do we share a room with?
The rooms are for 2/3 people with ensuite shower and toilets... Will we be very tired?
I hope so otherwise it isn't worth the effort is it?. You certainly won’t be bored!
What clothes and footwear should we bring? Shorts and t-shirts, your two BOP red polo shirts (which we will give you), practical clothing for wearing at the orphanage and out in the evenings. Do we work with every kid there?
No. repeat volunteers work primarily with the high dependency kids in line with their abilities and maturity. Newbies get to work with about 65% of the kids.
What about radiation?
We don't pretend to be an authority on radiation, but we only work in internationally recognised radiation free zones and do not visit or travel to any of the ‘purple zones’. We do not work in ‘Chernobyl’! The internet is your best source in this area. Professor William Reville in U.C.C has published some very good articles in the Irish Times which are worth reading which contain the scientific facts in relation to this subject. Google him and the articles for more detailed information.
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