Berkeley Postbaccs January 2011

What we still need

We are still looking for the following items/supplies!

Medical Brigade Supplies

  Miscellaneous:

·         Reading Glasses
·         Toys, games
·         Hygiene Products
·         Toothbrush and Toothpaste
·         Soccer Equipment and Balls
·         Baby diapers
·         Nail clippers
·         Stickers
·         Combs, barrettes, hair brush

Working Material:

·         Ziploc Sandwich Baggies (5,000+)
          Markers
·         Duct Tape (1)
·         Colored tape (1)
·         Garbage Bags (~50)
·         Paper Towels
·         Pill counting trays
·         Measure cups
·         Clip boards (12)

Supplies:

·         Stethoscopes
·         Othoscopes
·         Thermometers
·         Sphygmomanometers (different cuffs sizes)
·         Nebulizer
·         Ear wash kits
·         Pregnancy test
·         Alcohol swabs/wipes
·         Gauzes (different sizes)
·         Band aids
·         Small Suture equipment
·         Paper towels

And of course, any other meds/supplies collected before we leave can still be used!

Public Health Brigade Supplies:
Items for the School at Zurzular

Books in Spanish (math, natural science, social sciences, coloring, story books , etc)
Notebooks/Folders for writing/drawing
Pencils
Pens (Black, blue, red)

Chalk
Permanent markers
Crayons/Markers/Colored pencils/Play-Do
Pencil sharpener
Erasers
Illustrative poster about hygiene
Illustrative poster with stories
Glue
Scissors
Calculator
Stapler and staples
Temperate/Acrylic paints, Paintbrushes
Masking tape (white and clear)
Puppets to act out stories
Backpacks
Basketballs/Soccer balls/Baseballs/Jump Ropes
Toys (cars, dolls, yo-yos, animal figures, stuffed animals)
Materials for cleaning (buckets, bowls, brushes, shovels, machetes, scissors)
Hair ties, small brushes, combs, shampoo
Toothbrushes, dental floss Soap

Day of Departure

We will all meet at the American Airlines counter inside SFO on Jan 7th at 6:00pm sharp!  Please do not check in until instructed to do so by a group leader.


Other notes:
  • Group reservations cannot check-in online; it has to be done at the desk at the airport.  If you try to check in online you could lose the entire group reservation.
  • Please plan on arriving at the airport ON TIME.  Flights are often overbooked and we don’t want any of you to get stranded and have to come a day late.
  • If you have a passport from somewhere other than the United States, please remember to bring any documentation that you need to re-enter the US (green cards, permanent residency cards, etc.)
  • Please double-check your passport expiration date.  All passports must be valid for at least 6 months after you are scheduled to leave Honduras.  If your passport is not valid for that period of time, you will not be let on the plane.

Upon your arrival in Honduras:
  • Global Brigades Staff members will be waiting for you at the airport and will be wearing GB apparel. 
  • After exiting the plane you will proceed through the customs area to the baggage claim.  If not all of your bags show up, please let your brigade coordinator know immediately.  A baggage claim form must be filled out before you leave the airport otherwise you will not be able to get your bag back.
  • Once you clear customs with your luggage there will be baggage handlers in light blue shirts that will want to help you with your bags.  Unless you want to pay them for their services, do NOT let them take your bags.

[updated 12/8]

Group Flight Itineraries

1    272S 07JAN F SFOMIA HK12  855P  510A  08JAN J /E

2    953S 08JAN J MIATGU HK12 1240P  205P /E

3    954S 14JAN F TGUMIA HK12  315P  635P /E

4   1817S 14JAN F MIASFO HK12  835P 1155P /E




In-Country Instructions


What to Expect

A positive & flexible attitude and sense of adventure are the first requirements for a meaningful mission experience.  If you are on your first trip to a developing nation you must keep in mind that things do not always work as we are accustomed to, nor as we expect them to. The infrastructure in Honduras remains several years behind that of the USA and plans often change. Should inconveniences occur, understanding is always greatly appreciated.  Consider yourself ambassadors and Please be prepared to go with the flow.

Travel Documents

A valid passport is required of all volunteers.  Failure to carry proper proof of citizenship will lead to denial of entry to aircraft or a foreign country.  Non-U.S. citizens should contact the Honduras Embassy for any visas that may be required.

U.S. Customs Regulations

Upon returning, each United States resident who has been out of the U.S. for at least 48 hours is allowed a duty free exemption up to $400.  This allowance may include one U.S. quart (32 oz.) of liquor per adult.  In addition to the exemption, gifts may be mailed home to a friend or relative limited to $25.00 per day and not to include more than one ounce of perfume. Products made from endangered animals such as alligator shoes, items made from whalebone, tortoise shell and some furs, cannot be brought into the United States.

***Do not forget your passport! Please make two copies of the photo page of your passport, leaving one at home, and keeping one on you.  We will also take one of the copies you gave us, and leave one copy with a board member in the US.

Please note the following new international security precautions travelers have experienced at the different airports in the US recently:

Only ticketed passengers can go through security.
No curbside check-ins. 
No cigarette lighters (including Zippos) or blades of any kind will be allowed in the cabin…this includes razors, files, and nail clippers.
No steel toed boots.
Random ID checks are possible in the secured areas

Luggage

Baggage allowance of US for international travelers is limited to two (2) pieces of checked luggage and one (1) carry-on.  The checked pieces may have a maximum weight of 50 pounds (23 kg) each and a maximum linear dimension of 62” (with 62” being the total of the length, width and depth of the bag).  The carry-on piece cannot exceed 40 pounds and must be no larger than 9” x 14” x 22”.   We ask that everyone pack personal items (ie your clothing for the week) into a carry-on bag.  Each brigader will be responsible for two suitcases of medications that we will check.

If you bring medicines in your luggage for donations or medical brigades, please make sure they are not expired, otherwise they will get confiscated by the Honduran customs agents.

IMPORTANT NOTE Please carry the following essentials in your carry-on luggage: mosquito repellent (with DEET), eyeglasses, medicine, camera, and passport. Any film left in your checked luggage will be destroyed by the powerful x-ray machines now in use in most airports 

 
Staying Healthy

No vaccinations are currently required for entry to Honduras. However, we strongly suggest that you consult your physician for advice on any recommended vaccines or special precautions whenever traveling outside the United States. It is always recommended to be up to date on your tetanus vaccine as well as to consider Typhoid and Hepatitis A & B vaccines when traveling to foreign lands where you will be in close contact with local citizens which all of us will be doing on the medical brigades. Anti-malaria pills should also be considered when traveling to Honduras. Travelers can also check the latest health information with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov or calling at 1-877-394-8747 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              1-877-394-8747      end_of_the_skype_highlighting If at any time you do not feel well please contact one of the doctors on the trip. We will have a supply of medication for diarrhea and other ailments. We typically will start an antibiotic (Cipro) at the first sign of diarrhea or other GI symptoms

Clothing

Although Honduras is located in the tropics, due to the altitude, temperatures can vary quite a bit.  The daytime sun can be fierce, with highs reaching 85-90, while the nights could be in the 60’s, but will most likely remain in the 70’s. It is recommended that you bring a light sweater or light to medium weight jacket for possible cooler evenings.
 
Conservative, casual and comfortable dress or medical scrubs are the rule for mission work and sightseeing. Jeans, khakis, shirts, or shorts are recommended for daily wear. Please note that the "Charla" portion of the HPDP station will likely be held outdoors.  If you do decide to wear shorts and tees, be sure and apply sunscreen to any exposed skin. The midday sun is very strong at this latitude. 
 

Money and Tipping

Currency: Lempira

US $1 = 18.89 Lempira

Honduras is an extremely inexpensive destination. An average meal costs only $5 US.  Most businesses deal exclusively in lempiras, so it will be necessary to exchange some of your dollars upon arrival.

Most Hondurans do not tip. In places where tourism has left its mark, tipping is more common, usually anything from a little loose change up to 10% of the bill. Bargaining is not as common in Honduras as in other Latin American countries, but at outdoor markets you might be able to save a lempira or two.

 
INFORMATION REGARDING TO NUEVO PARAISO, THE HACIENDA AND WIL PLACE 

FOLLOWING PLEASE FIND SOME INSTRUCTIONS PERTINENT TO THE TRIP, ARRIVAL AND STAY IN NUEVO PARAISO

While in Honduras, we will be the guests of Sociedad Amigos de los Niños, a nonprofit organization founded 40 years ago by Sister Maria Rosa Leggol. We will enjoy tranquil facilities in or close to the village of Nuevo Paraiso a community for single mothers and orphaned children.

The village also includes a chapel, a day care center, an elementary school, a high school, a health clinic, and a hospice for children with AIDS (Montaña de Luz), a farm for young boys (Flor Azul), a vocational training center and a variety of micro-business.

Groups can also stay near Nuevo Paraiso at the “Hacienda” or at “Wil Sueño”, beautiful places close to the village with great views and open spaces, surrounded by trees and special people that will make your stay even better.

“In working together through our unique gifts, we have moved a step closer in bringing the Americas together through spiritual and physical healing.  Your involvement is what is important. The greatest gift is your presence with us, giving and sharing community.”

- Sister Maria Rosa

Founder of Sociedad Amigos de los Niños (SAN)

ARRIVAL

Upon arrival, we will go through immigration before claiming our luggage. It would be helpful if the bags for the entire group are marked in a similar fashion, (e.g. with wide yellow, red or green tape as this will help us in retrieving them at baggage claim). The professional staff will be at the airport to help us through customs. Groups can also wear distinctive t-shirts for better group control.

Money changers are usually located outside the entrance to the airport we will arrange for a money exchange later when we board our bus, after leaving the airport we will precede to Sister Rosa’s for a late lunch. We will then travel to Nuevo Paraiso, which is located one hour east of the Capital, on the road to Danlí, El Paraiso.  Dinner will be served in the village, followed by an orientation meeting with the staff. We are staying in Nuevo Paraiso in the compound at Posada Azul, which is near the Flor Azul compound and school. 

Contact info:

Sociedad  Amigos de los Niños
Colonia Miraflores
Contiguo a Clínica San Roque
  P.O Box 1054
                     Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Telephone:           
011-504-228-3665
011-504-230-4452

Fax   
011-504-230-3064 - or-6782

E-mail.     [email protected]
Website:   www.saninos.org

Immediate or urgent contact persons (on site):

Enrique “Quique” Rodriguez
Executive Director and Co-Founder
Global Brigades, Inc.
[email protected]
Cell Phone: 011+(504) 9970-9478

 
Pedro Vallejos
Honduran Brigade Coordinator
[email protected]
Cell Phone: 011+(504)-3317-9603


William Vallejos
Honduran Brigade Coordinator
[email protected]
Cell Phone: 011+(504)-9936-6717


WATER

NEVER drink the tap water in Honduras. Bottled water and juices will be readily available at all times. It is very important to brush your teeth ONLY with bottled water and to avoid rinsing your toothbrush with anything but bottled water. It is also important to keep your mouth closed while showering. The staff at Nuevo Paraiso will take all the necessary precautions when preparing our meals and beverages. Outside of Nuevo avoid ice and only drink commercially bottled water or fruit juices.

MEALS

All meals will be provided.  Lunches will vary depending on the location and timing of the day’s activities. Meals include lots of fruits and vegetables, chicken, rice, beans, tortillas, and fruit juices. The meals are typical Honduran. Please let us know before you arrive if you have any special requirements (e.g. vegetarian meals). The kitchen staff tries very hard to please their guests. 

Special dietary considerations should have been submitted when signing up for your BFS page.  If not, please e-mail Ashley.  (You can check this by looking at your "Account Info", but let me know if you update)


ELECTRICITY IN NUEVO PARAISO AND WIL SUEÑO

110V, 60Hz and 220V (no adapter or converter needed)

 
SOME RECOMMENDED THINGS TO PACK
A hat to block the sun
Sunglasses
Sunblock
Digital Camera or Regular Cameras, extra batteries and plenty of film
Comfortable walking shoes
Sandals (for shared showers)
Lightweight cotton clothing (such as hospital scrubs)
You may want to pack clothes that you could leave for the villagers.
Insect repellent (CONTAINING DEET!!!!)
Personal first aid kit
Flashlight
Jacket, sweater, and/or sweatshirt
Water bottle to carry on brigade
Traveler’s pouch to carry cash and passport
Waist pack and/or backpack to carry personal items to mission sites
Snacks (granola bars, chocolate (it might melt), Pringles, etc.)
Rain poncho and/or small travel umbrella
Kleenex tissues
Pre-moistened cloths ("Wash & Dry", "Wet Ones") and/or anti-bac gel/Hand sanitizer
Hand soap
Ample supply of any prescription medications plus OTC medicines for allergies, upset stomach/ intestinal sickness, etc
Malaria meds
Spending money ($75 - $100) for souvenir shopping, beverages (Within the compound beer is $2 and wine is $15/bottle, cash only), $37.35 exit tax (US dollars are fine). Hold this money back. You can’t leave the country without it!
Extra copies of your passport- keep them in your bag!

COURTESIES TO CONSIDER

Some of the women at Nuevo Paraiso supplement their small incomes by selling handmade goods after dinner. It is greatly appreciated if you make a small purchase.

You are encouraged to give your laundry daily to the kitchen staff in a plastic bag (marked with your name). It will be returned at the end of the day or the next morning.

Any clothing, towels or sheets left for the villagers is greatly appreciated.

SOCIEDAD is working to develop a sense of dignity among the mothers and children. It is critical to help them in this effort and not give money to anyone under any circumstance. Gifts of any kind should be approved first by the staff.

 

RECOMMENDED DONATIONS

Over the counter medicines
Children’s clothing (new or gently used)
Children’s OTC medications
Baby diapers
Children’s tennis shoes or shoes
Hygiene supplies (shampoo, soap, combs, toothbrushes…..)
Games, toys, Spanish children’s books, bingo games and prizes
Reading glasses (the generic drugstore kind, various strengths)

The Medical Brigade Department welcomes you!

You will make a big difference in the lives of those in need!

[updated 5/12]

Miscellaneous Prep

Cell Phones: If you plan on bringing a cell phone, check with your provider to find out if your phone is activated for international use and applicable rates for calls, data, and roaming.

Credit/debit cards: Contact your bank/credit card company if you plan to use a credit or check card abroad to avoid having your card deactivated for suspected fraud. (This sometimes happens if international charges start showing up and you have not notified your bank/credit card company that you are traveling abroad).  There is an ATM at Valle Angeles and soome merchants at Valle Angeles (where we will go souvenir shopping) accept credit card, but do not expect to be able to use a credit card or access an ATM throughout the week.