Another traineeship I did was the one within IRRREN (International Resource Recovery and Recycling Network) Foundation - a Philippine organization on the island of Palawan. Here's a short description of this internship (written by Puj, my Filipino friend, who is partly responsible for the applicant selection):
Good day! Since volunteering has become an invaluable contribution to the success of programs and projects of the International Resource Recovery and Recycling Network (IRRREN) Foundation, I have prepared this short brief for an IRRREN volunteer applicant.
What is IRRREN?
As mentioned, the Foundation is basically an environmental NGO working with the Puerto Princesa City and other local governments in the province of Palawan in pursuing with Ecological Waste Management (EWM) best practices - the EWM is the flagship activity of this NGO and it is about educating all major societal stakeholders in the area with the proper disposal and recycling of waste materials.
So where do volunteers come in?
Volunteer intervention can come onboard at all levels (i.e. from clerical to technical) depends on both academic specialization and personal touch of the applicant - usually the work entails preparation of materials for symposiums and forums in local govt. units, logistical support; monitoring of marine life integrity in protected, major dive sites in the area; monitoring of waste management practices of schools, resorts, hotels, military camps; and attendance in some environment-related meetings.
If you are very much interested to come onboard, do signify intent and when can we expect you - this is very important because slots for accommodations are limited.
What are the generic requirements to become an IRRREN volunteer?
What about food & accommodations?
The Foundation will take care of your accommodations. Rooms are secured and clean. Food is not a problem (as most if not all missions are provided for), but it will be if you are iffy about seafood and Filipino dishes. Don't worry though because there are modest shops & grocery joints in the city where you can buy French bread and other stuff.
Are there security risks?
Palawan, fortunately, is not a high-risk, socio-political area in the Philippines. But don't worry (this is for info of your parents too!), in missions, you will be, most of the time, be provided with Army or Navy escorts depending on the mission you will be undertaking.
How long can I stay?
First, this depends on your visa, of course. You can stay as long as you like but this you have to discuss with Management.
Is there a lighter side to things as IRRREN Volunteer?
Yes indeed. Palawan is the last frontier of the Philippines and at its best, our version of Paradise regained. Your monitoring visits will afford you the chance to be in close communion with the best, both touristy and quiet, natural sites in the province. IRRREN Volunteers are treated most of the time as VIPs and are treated with respect (so you should act accordingly) and most of your visits go for free (which means your tours and other personal activities can actually coincide with official business - this is the fun part!).
On quiet days, you may be provided access to my small, rustic beach house within the city to enjoy the sunrise and sunsets, with a canopy of stars in the evening, and the singing of sea gulls, beer in the left hand, and a book on the other. Of course, if you wish to hang out with other Europeans/ North Americans, you can very well hit several bar & restaurants that jot the city landscape.
Can you provide any other tips?
Common sense, humor and people savvy skills are the most important things you will need if you wish to enjoy this adventure. A guidebook is always helpful but be reminded that it is just a guidebook, and the rest is up to you to discover. Bring also, formal clothes (good enough for high profile meetings and activities) because it's not all jonesing and traipsing here and there.
No marijuana leaves or illegal drugs whatsoever! The Foundation has close relations with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Police so it is a must not to handle such things for your own sake!
Other detailed tips will be provided through literature written by previous IRRREN volunteers and visitors. You just check through their computer files. Before I forget, do read up on environmental management updates on your respective countries because this will be one of the usual discussion points. Bring some environmental waste management materials.
So I guess that sums up most of the volunteering universe. If you have other questions, feel free to ask. I'll be most happy to answer them. Once you e-mail the necessary requirements and your preferred volunteer intervention schedule, I will review your papers, and ask a few questions by e-mail just so we can know you better. If we find your application ok, I will relay this to the Foundation to be noted.
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