Project MARC
Reaching out to forgotten island communities by sharing our resources, time and love to help create a future for all children
Volunteer Work
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Becoming a Project MARC Volunteer
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~ 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions ~
Joining a Project MARC expedition in Vanuatu is not something most volunteers decide to do on the spur of the moment. You are likely to have a lot of questions that need to be answered first, such as:-
1 - what physical/mental stamina are needed ? watch Movie! (next §)
2 - which medical, educational or technical skills will be useful ?
3 - are there more instructional movies or work manuals ?
4 - what are the dates of the 2008 field team expeditions ?
5 - what are the team assignments and are there still openings ?
6 - how to travel to Vanuatu and what personal items to bring ?
7 - what amount of time and money is it going to cost me?
8 - can I protect myself against malaria and other diseases ?
9 - is there a way to stay in touch with people at home ?
10 - where do I fill out the volunteer application form?
By clicking on the blue, underlined links above you will be able to find answers to most of these questions. Systematic browsing of the website menus should provide information about other interests or concerns as well. If not, please do not hesitate to contact us for additional information.
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~ Movie: Life as a Project MARC Volunteer ~
For medical, technical and educational volunteers interested in joining our August, September or October expeditions in Vanuatu, this movie shows the daily life of a volunteer team member.
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| HIGH | 14 min / 73 MB | Play >> |
| MED | 14 min / 44 MB | Play >> |
| LOW | 14 min / 23 MB | Play >> |
| DOWNLOAD AVI (90 MB) | ||
Watch this 14-minute video at the picture quality level (i.e. file size) most suitable for your connection speed (requires Macromedia Flash Player 7 or higher) (Download Flash Player) or download a full-screen AVI-format version to your hard disk. In order to play the movies from your disk, a media player is required that supports AVI playback. You will also need the free DivX Codec: download for Windows or download for Mac.
© Copyright 2006 Project MARC
A free temporary license is granted to copy & display this movie for personal use as well as for public use intended to promote the cause of Project MARC in Vanuatu. For all other use contact the founders/directors.
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~ Working in Remote Environments ~
Although we try to make use of all available logistic resources and telecommunication channels for our field operations in the rural communities of Vanuatu, our volunteer teams are often confronted with the practical realities and limitations of attempting to live and work in these remote, technologically primitive environments.
Besides relying upon seaworthy sailing vessels, satellite transceivers, solar power modules, sheltered accommodations, emergency food supplies and access to purifiable fresh water, we also carry a broad arsenal of field-portable medical tools, supplies and medicines. Nonetheless, inevitable fluctuations in local needs and demands may sometimes prevent us from having all of these immediately available in each particular situation and location.
Fortunately, in most areas our field teams can fall back upon trusted local advisors and interpreters who will often go to great lengths to help Project MARC team members maintain a level of personal safety and comfort that far surpasses what they require for themselves.
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~ Flying by the Seat of One's Pants ~
Some volunteers may be intimidated by the prospect of having to "fly by the seat of their pants", at least initially. However, the inherent opportunity to turn annoying setbacks into cherished accomplishments has motivated many others to keep volunteering for this type of expedition rather than for the more highly scripted and structured "service tourism" trips.
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CHANCES ARE YOUR PROJECT MARC EXPEDITION WILL BE ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING & REWARDING ADVENTURES OF YOUR LIFE !
Looking forward to working with you in Vanuatu;
Henk and Nelleke Meuzelaar
Project MARC directors/coordinators
Project MARC Movies
The MARC@WORK movies on this webpage were produced by Peter Brouwer and Sylvia Steinert from video footage shot while traveling with Project MARC volunteer teams in September of 2005.
