UKRAINE   2008       

Union Forum

UNION FORUM -  nongovernmental non-profit youth organization founded in 1990 in Lviv, Ukraine, involved in voluntary service since 1989. 

OUR MISSION :  to make the world a better place through promotion of humanitarian values; to make a positive difference in lives of youth and to encourage them to play an active role in society.

Union Forum international voluntary camps last usually 2 weeks and take place in summer. The number of volunteers on each project varies from 8 to 14 including Ukrainian volunteers.

WORK : as an average volunteers work 30 hours per week, spread over 5 days. 

BOARD AND LODGING : is provided. Volunteers should take their own sleeping bags if not specified other. Volunteers mostly cook for themselves with food provided, so don’t forget to bring recipes. Volunteers should be prepared to basic conditions of living , which are typical for Ukraine (limited hot water access in hostels, old sanitary engineering, etc)

LEISURE TIME : Some excursions are always included in a camp programme at week-ends. Other free time activities are organised by volunteers themselves. The cam leader will do their best to support volunteers' initiatives for the recreation programme. 

OTHER DETAILS :
- Union FORUM offers projects most useful and suitable for young people. Anyone from 18 to 30 is welcome. 
- We accept participants by their positive qualities without adverse discrimination on ground of race,  religion, political views, etc.
- The language of the projects is English, but knowledge of Russian or Ukrainian can be helpful, especially on SOCIAL and KIDS camps.
- Union FORUM exchanges only within the network partners organisations. 
- We have no fee on our camps.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT UKRAINE : UKRAINE is a country in Eastern Europe. It borders Russia to the east, Belarus to the north, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary to the west, Romania and Moldova to the southwest, and the Black Sea and Sea of Azov to the south. The city of Kiev (Kyiv) is Ukraine's capital. Ukraine is biggest country in Europe after Russia.
The two biggest attractions in the Ukraine are most likely the country's natural beauty and its rich history. The country's origins go back many hundreds of years and more than 500 of the cities date back some 900 years. Cities such as these – as well as many others which are only a few hundred years behind them – are enriched with monuments, buildings, archaeological sites and incredible palaces. 
The Ukraine is home to 300 museums, seven national historical and cultural preserves and over 150 different examples of culture, history, archaeology, cities, palaces, parks and architecture. Many monuments are of such historical significance that they have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

CAMPS LOCATION: all Union Forum camps 2008 will be located in Lviv region (see map). Lviv Region is situated in the Western part of Ukraine which is traditionally called Galychyna. On the West it borders Poland, on the North with Carpathians. Lviv (Lvov, Lwow) is the capital of the Region and is situated 60 km from the border with Poland (about 350 km from Warsaw and 550 km from Kiev).
Founded in 1256, Lvov, or Lviv, has long been and important centre of commerce in Ukraine. It has under a million inhabitants. The winter is fairly cold and the summers are mild. The city sees a lot of cloud coverage. 
Lviv is also one of the Ukraine’s leading cultural centres of Ukraine which is included in the UNESCO inheritance list.. The first high school in Ukraine was founded in Lviv in 1661. Now Lviv is one of the biggest centres of education, general and branch sciences in Ukraine. There are over 50 higher educational institutions in this Region. 
Lviv Region has the well-developed transport network. The international railways to the capitals of many European countries such as Belgrade, Bratislava, Budapest, Buharest, Warsaw, Moscow, Prague and Sophia pass through its territory and of course with Kiev. 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: 
1) IMPORTANT: Travel passport valid for sixth months beyond date of travel 
2) for visa countries- a valid single entry visa required. Visas, for those needed must be obtained in advance from the Embassy of Ukraine.

NON-VISA REGIME to entry or transit the territory of Ukraine is implemented for the citizens of USA, Canada, all European Union countries, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San-Marino, Iceland, Norway, Vatican, Japan and with all with the CIS countries if staying in Ukraine does not exceed 90 days. 

OTHER: Ukraine is mostly a cash economy. When bringing into Ukraine, ensure that bills are in good condition because those that are worn, torn or written on may not be accepted. 
The Ukrainian national currency is Hryvna (UAH). One hryvna = 100 kopecks. 
Exchange rate for Hryvna as on 1 January 2008 is 5, 05 Hryvna for 1 USD, 7,50 Hryvna for 1 Euro
Money can be exchanged at banks, exchange desks at hotels, shops or currency exchange offices – could be find everywhere. VISA, MasterCard are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, casinos, stores, ATM's. Owners of American Express, Dinners will experience problems when using their cards even in big cities. 
Traveller’s checks and credit cards can be cashed less out of a bank fee (which is 1-4% of the amount) at the majority of banks. Most popular Travellers checks in Ukraine are Thomas Cook and Visa. To cash travellers checks, the receipt of purchase and passport of check owner is required.

INTERNATIONAL TIME: Ukraine’s time is 2 hours later than Greenwich Mean Time- +1 hour to Western European Time.

LEAVING UKRAINE: When you leave Ukraine, you will be asked to present the customs the immigration card that you received upon entry. 

LES CHANTIERS 2008

UF - 1   DZERELO   LVIV   End of June 2008 (will be confirmed by April)   SOCI/DISA/KIDS

PROJECT: The camp will be carried out together with DZHERELO (“SPRINGS”) – the rehabilitation centre for children and young people with cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders. Center helps them to attain their full potential in physical function and independence, intellectual development and social integration. Through verified methods of education the Centre trains professionals and educates families and the community at large. Children receive quality education and rehabilitation at Dzherelo Centre, enabling them to take their rightful place in society.
Every year children of Dzherelo attend summer camps. There, kids often spend time by interacting with each other, performing various job-related activities, learning different survival skills, and just simply having fun. Despite relatively severe physical and sometimes mental problems those young people have very active life attitude. Volunteers’ help is needed to organise kids’ everyday activities, help children look at the world differently, interculturally, learn new skill, get new experience, live some new adventures :)

PARTNER: DZHERELO rehabilitation centre. (www.dzherelocentre.org.ua/eng/)

WORK: Support and animation of physically disabled youngsters (7 to 15 years old), performing useful and creative tasks, such as territory and garden improvements, furniture maintenance, sewing, art workshops (making bunches of flowers) etc. The activities will be simple and more attention will be paid to the relationship with handicapped persons. Different types of communication such as Non-verbal communication and physical contact play an important role in communication with the disabled. Volunteers won't take responsibility for the sanitary aspect of the youngsters.

SPECIFIC INFORMATION: Motivation letter. The volunteers should be creative, imaginative and curious to discover the world of the handicapped persons. It would be very nice if volunteers could learn at least some (20-30) of simple words in Russian or Ukrainian (Yes, No, Thank you, Please, Give, Take, etc). Come with your ideas and games!

LEISURE TIME: trips together with the kids to historical places, in Lviv and Lviv region.
BOARD AND LODGING: Either in Lviv in DZERELO premises or in a recreation camp out of city (if will find additional financing). Concrete information will come with infosheet.
FOOD: as planed breakfast prepared by volunteers, lunch and dinner will be provided.

WHAT TO BRING: games, some typical things from your country (clothes, musical instruments, pictures, … anything that might interest the kids), anti-mosquito cream, Sleeping bags might not be necessary (please check in final details in infosheet)

LANGUAGE: English. Russian/Ukrainian are optional

MEETING POINT: LVIV city, UKRAINE (international air code LWO, direct travel or easy to reach from Warsaw and Kiev).Detailed information and maps will come with infosheets. 

UF - 2   PETS SHELTER    LVIV    06 July – 19 July    RENO

PROJECT: This camp is going to take place in Lviv suburbs called Bryuhovychy (30 mins from Lviv city centre). It is a place where the only shelter in Western Ukraine for homeless dogs and cats is located. This shelter run by Lviv association of animal protection – non-profit charity organisation.
Nearly each dog and cat in the shelter have it own sad story. Some people ruthlessly leave their pets outside and go away. Some pets appears on the street after their beloved old-aged owner die. Some of the animals are found laying by the roads traumatized by cars. At the moment there are about 220 dogs and 30 cats in shelter. Adult dogs live outside in big yard. Kittens and puppies stay in separate rooms with their mummies. All the animals are vaccinated against rabies.
There is no full time staff in a shelter. That is why there is a strong need in volunteers help as the single mean to .

WORK: territory accomplishment and landscaping, levelling, cleaning, making the territory ready for building open-air cages, digging trenches, possibly -refurbishment of the place (installing, windows, doors), assistance in taking care of animals –watering, other. 

VOLUNTEER’S SKILLS AND INTERESTS: No special skills needed. Those who are not indifferent to homeless animals are welcome. 

BOARD AND LODGING: Volunteers will be accommodated in the hostel in Bryuhovychy village. 

FOOD: Most likely that breakfast will be prepared by volunteers and all other meals will be provided. 

LEISURE TIME: will include sightseeing tours in Lviv - the pearl of Ukraine, city under UNESCO protection, city of EURO 20012. Possible trips to castles around Lviv or Carpathians.

WHAT TO BRING: working & rain prove clothes, strong shoes, anti-mosquito lotion, sun screen lotion, your love to animals :) and desire to help :). Sleeping bag might be not needed – read more in infosheet coming later.

LANGUAGE: English

MEETING PLACE: LVIV city, UKRAINE (international air code LWO, direct travel or easy to reach from Warsaw and Kiev).Detailed information and maps will come with infosheets. 

UF - 3    LYCHAKIV     LVIV     06 July – 19 July     RENO

PROJECT: This camp is going to take place in Lviv–cultural centre in the Western Ukraine. Lviv, the city of Lions, is the perhaps the most picturesque of all Ukrainian cities. The central city of Lviv has long been admired for its architectural beauty and in 1998, its historical town centre was included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO. The city celebrated its 750th Anniversary in 2006.
The work will be carried out at LYCHAKIV Cemetery. It covers 40 hectares and since 1991 it has formed a state-sanctioned historical-artistic reserve. It is one of the oldest graves in Europe, dating back to the 1500's, and has been described more as a sculpture garden than a cemetery due to the ornate monuments, tombs and sarcophagi within its grounds. It's a museum under the sky. Even those, who do not like to walk on cemeteries, will like this one for sure. Every tombstone is a real art, each one is unique. Lychakiv cemetery is full of green trees and looks more like a park, than necropolis. Unfortunately City Consul do not have human and financial means to maintain the cemetery territory that is why volunteers help is highly appreciated.

PARTNER: Foundation for the Preservation of the Historical Architectural Heritage of the City of Lviv. (“Lviv Foundation”)

WORK: may include the following: territory, paths and walks cleaning from dry twigs, leaves and felled trees; Clearing away of ancient graves from shrubberies and self sowed plants (grass, bushes); cleaning of gravestones from mosses, lichens (under supervision of professional restorers); improvement of stone elements of graves, fences, benches (under supervision of professional restorers),etc

VOLUNTEER’S SKILLS AND INTERESTS: No special skills needed. 

BOARD AND LODGING: accommodation at the hostel.

FOOD: Most likely that breakfast will be prepared by volunteers and all other meals will be provided. 

LEISURE TIME: will include sightseeing tours in Lviv. Possible trips to castles around Lviv or Carpathians.

WHAT TO BRING: working & rain prove clothes, working shoes, anti-mosquito lotion, sun screen lotion, music, :) sense of humour and group games. Sleeping bag is not necessary.

LANGUAGE: English

MEETING PLACE : LVIV city, UKRAINE (international air code LWO, direct travel or easy to reach from Warsaw and Kiev).Detailed information and maps will come with infosheets. 

UF - 4    HISTORICAL PARKS    LVIV    06 July – 19 July    RENO

PROJECT: This camp is going to take place in Lviv–cultural centre in the Western Ukraine. Lviv, the city of Lions, is the perhaps the most picturesque of all Ukrainian cities. The central city of Lviv has long been admired for its architectural beauty and in 1998, its historical town centre was included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO. The city celebrated its 750th Anniversary in 2006.
The work will be carried out at old historical park which unites so called “Vysokyi Zamok” – High Hill Castle Park and “Shevchenkovskyy Gaj” - the open air Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life. 
Territories of historic cities, which were strategic and played key roles for the city in old times, become places of rest and recreation in due course. Parts of Lviv, where Vysokyi Zamok was standing once–  defence citadel of the whole city where old, pre-Christian pagodas and sanctuaries existed, are transformed into park zones and the open-air Museum and are favourite rest places for many inhabitants of Lviv.
Interesting hilly natural relief, which played an important defensive function in past and which is so inviting nowadays for spending leisure time for Lviv citizens, needs great efforts to maintain it in proper condition. Steep slopes and knick points lead to soil erosion  by rain torrents, to washing tree roots, destruction of natural grass plantations. And also unfortunately the nature preservation culture is not so good developed among citizens. City Consul, which is bothered with the acute threat of ancient houses decay in the historical centre have no human or financial means to maintain historical park zone. This is the area where volunteers help needed very much.

PARTNER: Foundation for the Preservation of the Historical Architectural Heritage of the City of Lviv. (“Lviv Foundation”)

WORK: may include the following: Cleaning pathes and walks at the territory from dry twigs, leaves and felled trees; Putting in order of rubbish, which was piled during many years; Protection of slopes (by ecological means); filling up and protection of soil in the places, which are being eroded of rain streams; redecoration and renovation of elements of national architecture of museum (thatched roofs, wicker fences, shingle roofs e.g.) under supervision of professional restorers; Accomplishment and clearing away of water drainage systems ( draining ditches near paths), etc

VOLUNTEER’S SKILLS AND INTERESTS: No special skills needed. 

BOARD AND LODGING: accommodation at the hostel.

FOOD: Most likely that breakfast will be prepared by volunteers and all other meals will be provided. 

LEISURE TIME: will include sightseeing tours in Lviv. Possible trips to castles around Lviv or Carpathians.

WHAT TO BRING: working & rain prove clothes, working shoes, anti-mosquito lotion, sun screen lotion, music, :) sense of humour and group games. Sleeping bag is not necessary.

LANGUAGE: English

MEETING PLACE: LVIV city, UKRAINE (international air code LWO, direct travel or easy to reach from Warsaw and Kiev).Detailed information and maps will come with infosheets. 

UF – 5    FOREST LAKES     SAMBIR Lviv region   27 July – 9 August    RENO/ENVI

PROJECT: picturesque and diverse variety of Carpathian foothills combines multicoloured beauty of forest spaces, crystal flow of lake pools and rivers, bird singing and a huge variety of animals. One of such places is a territory of forestry near the village Susidovychy. Creating conditions under which lakes renewed their natural volume and natural flowing is necessary for lakes’ water regulations improvement. From other side unfortunately in Ukraine we have very poor nature respect and preservation culture. We continuously try to change “taking” behaviour to “giving” towards to nature. That’s why we call for volunteers to wish to support our ideas and join to realise it, which foresees saving those ecologically clean natural zones. Everyone who likes nature and is not indifferent to the environment is more than welcome to this project :)

WORK: clearing shores from bushes and felled trees; for decreasing human dirtying on natural complexes of lakes to determine and set up areas for recreation and implementing their welfare (route schemes, fireplaces, etc)
Putting information boards on nature preservation and rules of behaviour in the nature, storing up food for wild animals for winter. Last year volunteers started the building of wooden belvedere as a part of recreation area. This year volunteers will continue and finish this work.

WHAT TO BRING: working clothes, gloves, strong shoes, anti-mosquito lotion, sun screen lotion, sleeping bag, sleeping mat.

LEISURE TIME: planned trips to historical places, castles, museums, monasteries. 

BOARD AND LODGING: in tents. In case of bad weather in an old wooden hut. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be prepared by volunteers. 

LANGUAGE: English

MEETING PLACE: Sambir railway station on 27 July 2008 (by local train via Lviv. Detailed information and maps will come with infosheet). 

UF – 6    ACTIVE SUMMER    LVIV     02-16 August   KIDS

ABOUT THE PROJECT: Volunteers are welcome to join this camp and bring their international spirit to encourage children to further progress in their fields and in English language studying. 
It will be English-Ukrainian teaching – studying project for both volunteers and children :) Children aged 10-15. Informal teaching in form of games, songs (and possibly performance) will be beneficial for children who rarely, if at all, visit foreign countries and meet representatives of different cultures.
Volunteers will have a chance to share their enthusiasm, knowledge, experience with children, who in their turn will help volunteers to discover Ukrainian culture and traditions.

WORK: As it is a teaching camp, volunteers are expected to have 2 or 3 lessons per day. It means some time either in the mornings or evenings will be devoted to preparation. There will be breaks between lessons. There is an idea to prepare a performance which can be staged and attended by children’s parents and guests at the end of the camp.

SPECIFIC INFORMATION: Volunteers are expected to be creative with a very good command of English. Please send us motivation letter. 

WHAT TO BRING: anti-mosquito lotion, ideas and games, some interesting materials about your country in order to make your country presentation. Sleeping bags might not be necessary (please check in final details in infosheet)

BOARD AND LODGING: the accommodation place is to be decided.

FOOD: Breakfast and dinner will be prepared by volunteers, lunch will be provided by the school.
LANGUAGE: English

MEETING POINT: LVIV city, UKRAINE (international air code LWO, direct travel or easy to reach from Warsaw and Kiev).Detailed information and maps will come with infosheets. 

UF -7    GIVE YOUR HAND    LVIV    03-16 August    SOCI/DISA/KIDS

PROJECT: Boryslav orphanage for children with poliomyelitis and cerebral spastic infantile paralysis has been functioning since 1962. There are 109 children in the orphanage right now. 80 % of the kids are disabled since childhood. In summer most kids have an opportunity to have rehabilitation away from the city in camps located in forests, recreation zones. Most summer camps offer everyday activities for young people including education and recreation, provide individual support. Despite relatively severe physical problems those young people have very active life attitude. Volunteers’ help is needed to organise kids’ everyday activities, help disabled children look at the world differently, interculturally, learn new skill, get new experience, live some new adventures :)

WORK: Support and animation of physically disabled youngsters (7 to 15 years old), performing useful and creative tasks, such as territory and garden improvements, furniture maintenance, sewing, art workshops (making bunches of flowers) etc. The activities will be simple and more attention will be paid to the relationship with handicapped persons. Different types of communication such as Non-verbal communication and physical contact play an important role in communication with the disabled. Volunteers won't take responsibility for the sanitary aspect of the youngsters.

SPECIFIC INFORMATION: Motivation letter.The volunteers should be creative, imaginative and curious to discover the world of the handicapped persons. It would be very nice if volunteers could learn at least some (20-30) of simple words in Russian or Ukrainian (Yes, No, Thank you, Please, Give, Take, etc). Come with your ideas and games!

LEISURE TIME: trips together with the kids to historical places, in Lviv and Lviv region.

BOARD AND LODGING: Volunteers will be accommodated in the summer camp in Lviv region. 

FOOD: Breakfast is prepared by volunteers, lunch and dinner by the staff in the summer camp.

WHAT TO BRING: games, some typical things from your country (clothes, musical instruments, pictures, … anything that might interest the kids), anti-mosquito cream, Sleeping bags might not be necessary (please check in final details in infosheet)

LANGUAGE: English. Russian/Ukrainian are optional

MEETING POINT: LVIV city, UKRAINE (international air code LWO, direct travel or easy to reach from Warsaw and Kiev).Detailed information and maps will come with infosheets. 

UF - 8    SAFE THE HERITAGE    LVIV    16 August – 29 August    RENO/ART

PROJECT Lviv is the open air museum. In 1998 its historical town centre was included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Architectural ensembles, ancient houses, sacral buildings fascinate and charm everyone, who gets to our city. In consequence of decadence and ignoring of architectural heritage during many years, now we are facing for a good few of problems, which were gathered in this time period. Ruined cornices, lost elements of ornamental d?cor of front elevations, ancient wooden and hammered doors and gates, which were disfigured by incorrect usage of inhabitants – it is only a short list of sore spots, which are catching an eye of tourists and simply admirers of ancient architecture. Huge amount of remembrances located in Lviv are reflecting enormous number of problems, which need to be indicated, evaluated and generalized. Only monitoring of destruction problems of architecture decoration of house front elevations will give the opportunity to prepare and realize the projects, which will be dedicated the preservation of unique original architecture heritage.

PARTNER: Foundation for the Preservation of the Historical Architectural Heritage of the City of Lviv. (“Lviv Foundation”)

WORK: Will consist of two types divided during the day. First part of the day: a couple of hours volunteers will do renovation work on the adjacent territory of Armenian Cathedral. Not as for religious institution, but as for important historical monument of XIV-XV centuries which was very much abandoned and littered since Soviet times to nowadays. Another part of the day volunteers will be divided to groups of 3, each group will get their sector (street, square) in historical part of Lviv and they will do photo fixation (taking pictures), evaluation of condition, problem description, forming of database of endangered places on the fa?ade of monuments of architecture, Documenting (written description) of ruin problems of d?cor elements on the monuments of architecture; Sketching of endangered architectural details, etc.

VOLUNTEER’S SKILLS AND INTERESTS: we would to especially welcome volunteers with knowledge of essentials of architecture and architectural details, skills in photo fixation (making quality pictures) of the whole object and its ornamental details, might be in sketching. But of course the most important is admiring of historical-architectural heritage. We hope that volunteers will bring their own quality digital cameras (we would need 1 camera for group of 3).

BOARD AND LODGING: accommodation at the hostel.

FOOD: Most likely that breakfast will be prepared by volunteers and all other meals will be provided. 

LEISURE TIME: will include sightseeing tours in Lviv. Possible trips to castles around Lviv or Carpathians.

WHAT TO BRING: working & rain prove clothes, working shoes, anti-mosquito lotion, sun screen lotion, music, :) sense of humour and group games. Sleeping bag is not necessary.

LANGUAGE: English

MEETING PLACE : LVIV city, UKRAINE (international air code LWO, direct travel or easy to reach from Warsaw and Kiev).Detailed information and maps will come with infosheets.