Poverty Alleviation through Tourism (PAT)
PAT is convinced that the benefits of tourism should be widely spread in society and that the poor should benefit from tourism development.
Tourism has been identified an important vehicle in addressing the current development challenges facing Latin America. This is so because tourism has unique characteristics that make it different from other industries. Namely; labor-intensive tourist attractions are located in remote areas, the north-south dichotomy, high multiplier effects and the fact that the tourists travel to the destination as opposed to the product being shipped to the consumer.
The power of tourism can be more effectively harnessed to address the problems of poverty more directly since it’s one of the most dynamic economic activities of our time. As a central component of our work we have initiated research and consultation on the interrelation between tourism and poverty. In most developing countries tourism earns a lot of money but the irony is that only less than 5% reaches the local people whose resources are used to fuel the industry. PAT harnesses the power of tourism to alleviate poverty through the following seven carefully formulated strategies.
Enhancing employment of the poor in tourism enterprises
PAT seeks to reduce poverty levels by undertaking specific measures aimed at increasing the levels of employment of poor people within the tourism enterprises in the marginalized areas.
Stimulating supply of goods and services to tourism establishments by the poor
Tourism establishments outsource a number of supplies which range from food stuffs, curios, linen, uniforms, furniture and building materials - most of these can be outsourced from the communities living next to the establishments. To achieve this, PAT brokers business relationships between the establishments and the local communities and at the same time builds the capacity of the local communities to handle supplies until they are in a position of handling these orders.
Direct sale of goods and services to tourists by locals through the informal sector
The program seeks to create a good working relationship between the formal and informal tourism sector with the sole aim of enabling the locals to make a living selling their products directly to visitors. These products include sale of food in stalls, sale of fruits, handicrafts, guiding services, pottery, taxi services, boat rides, and homestays.
Establishment of community based tourism enterprises
PAT assists the poor to initiate and manage small and sustainable community based enterprises so as to rake benefits from this multibillion industry. PAT encourages local individuals or groups to invest in providing services such as accommodation, catering, transport, retailing of souvenirs, tour guiding and entertainment among other services.
Utilization of tourism levies and taxes to support the poor
Developing nations collect a lot of taxes and levies. PAT advocates for policy change so that these levies and taxes can be used to provide amenities and other services to local communities whose resources are used to fuel the industry.
Increased social responsibility by tourism establishment
PAT encourages tourism service providers to constantly and persistently give back to the society that gives them the charter to operate through their corporate social responsibility programs.
Usage of investments developed for tourism purposes by locals
Tourism development especially in remote areas, requires development of new infrastructure including roads, water, energy, sanitation and communication facilities. PAT promotes the opening up of new tourism facilities in remote areas, which have tourism potentials.
RECLAIM: A Sewing Micro-Enterprise Project (Canada & DR)
RECLAIM: is a carefully formulated non-profit project aimed at addressing the problems facing local women, namely; poverty, unemployment and gender inequality through the selling of sewing materials made by these women. More than 50% of latinas' live below the poverty line (CBS). sewing materials making is one of the best means of helping the poor societies in Latin America since it is practiced by the marginalized communities, requires little capital to kick off and the fact that the business is labor intensive and requires semi-skilled labor.
Essentially, the project works with women since the majority are the sole breadwinners in most rural homesteads. Most women in Honduras o Dominican Republic lack land, adequate employment in clerical, technology, formal employment and or agriculture. Currently, the project boosts of over 30 women members who are benefiting from this small manufacturing outfit.
RECLAIM program uses an alternative dimension to international sewing trade by promoting sustainable development for the marginalized Caribbean and Central America sewing producers in Dominican Republic. RECLAIM's primary goal is thus to help the marginalized and disadvantaged Latin women sewing by advancing micro-loans, promoting producers' independence and gender equality, providing decent working conditions, increasing their production capacity and helping them to sell their sewing or products at fair prices in the Fair Trade.
RECLAIM Program is guided by the slogan "Give the marginalized women a fish and you feed them for today, teach them to fish and you feed them forever". We at RECLAIM believe that sustainable sewing or a business trade is better than aid because it equips the women with a sustainable means of earning their livelihood as opposed to waiting for funds which might not be forthcoming or may not be consistent.
Currently, the project coordinates the production and the marketing of products from three workshops in Latin America: Honduras, Dominican Republic and San Salvador. Each workshop is self-managed; planeed salaries and working conditions are well above other production centers from the same sector. In excess of this members are trained on how to produce high quality products, how to save and reinvest their earnings, how to form social groups and how to improve their welfare. At the moment Honduas Workshop has 32 women members, Sto Dgo workshop has 25 women members in total while San Salvador workshop boosts of 20 women. All of them want also to produce beads products, namely; necklaces, neck collars, bracelets, mats and watch bands or local crafts.
SHORT TERM MISSIONS:
Community based Ecotourism, Ecotourism projects, Missions; Sustainable tourism; Ecotourism, Rural community tourism, etc.
All these travel schemes seeks to provide tourists with a memorable opportunity where they are in a position of visiting the various tourist attractions in Dominican Republic while at the same time have a chance of helping to solve some of the social problems facing Dominicans such as poverty, youth unemployment, and gender inequality.
Short Term Missions (STM) operates as a conventional tour operator in that we package various tours and trips and price them accordingly. In excess of this since we are non profit making organization we are in a position of offering tourists with activities which are considered to be less profitable such homestays, Donkey or horse rides, nature walks, cultural tours and missionary tours.
Our Eco-Tours are highly personalized tours that enable our clients to appreciate and enjoy the natural and cultural heritage of the destination visited and at the same time contribute to the improvement of the livelihoods of the locals in the areas visited. The carefully packaged thematic tours have different themes that range from cultural tours, community-based tours, ecotourism projects, agro-tours, missionary tours and homestay.
STM acknowledges that tourism is a Top Priority in the fight against poverty and gender inequality. All eco-tours proceeds are ploughed back to the community through community. STM's mission is to ensure that tourists enjoy nature, share experiences with the local communities and contribute to their well-being, traveling by our motto "Travel responsibly and touch the heart of a poor Person".
Dominican Republic is currently among the leading sustainable tourism destinations in the world; the destination continues to lure new visitors from all over the world and also to enthrall the most seasoned eco-travelers. To assist you in making the right choice, click the link below which will take you to some of the fixed departures that we operate. However, we appreciate the fact that you might be interested in eco tours outside the scope of this site and this is why we give you an opportunity to place the request of a Tailor-Made Eco tours through Hineni Media Cross Cultural Services. Click on the Eco-tours of your choice for more information.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Canada Corporate CommUNITY Partners
MoM's Canada Corporate CAN-mUNITY Partners
Your business can enter into a unique partnership aimed at reducing poverty and creating a just, sustainable, interdependent and peaceful world.
Communities across Latin America ( Central America and the Caribbean) are seeking assistance to develop their skills in education, health, administration, community development, human rights and trades.
By sponsoring a MoM volunteer placement, you will be providing skills to an international community so that they are empowered to take control of their own development.
What’s more, your contribution will be magnified through the generosity of the volunteer who is giving two years of their time – That's over $100,000 in value !!.
No other form of aid is this effective or this cost effective.
You can choose to support work in a field most relevant to your business (education, health, etc.), an international region most relevant to your business or utilising a volunteer from your own region.
MoM will provide regular updates on the progress of your sponsored community, including personal stories from the volunteer which provide a fascinating insight into another culture and how we can best work together to address poverty.
In 2010, MoM is seeking Canadian Corporate CAN-mUNITY Partners to support:
•Education in Honduras, San Salvador, Nicagua and the Caribbean region specifically the Dominican Republic;
•Health in San Salvador;
•Disability in San Salvador;
•Community Development in Honduras and The Dominican Republic;
•HIV/AIDS programs in Dom Rep.;
Not everyone can volunteer, but by supporting those who can you are able to be part of a positive change in the lives of many.
To find out more about becoming a MoM Canada Corporate CAN-mUNITY Partner, contact MoM via email Maria Garcia or phone (416) 244.3699.
Your business can enter into a unique partnership aimed at reducing poverty and creating a just, sustainable, interdependent and peaceful world.
Communities across Latin America ( Central America and the Caribbean) are seeking assistance to develop their skills in education, health, administration, community development, human rights and trades.
By sponsoring a MoM volunteer placement, you will be providing skills to an international community so that they are empowered to take control of their own development.
What’s more, your contribution will be magnified through the generosity of the volunteer who is giving two years of their time – That's over $100,000 in value !!.
No other form of aid is this effective or this cost effective.
You can choose to support work in a field most relevant to your business (education, health, etc.), an international region most relevant to your business or utilising a volunteer from your own region.
MoM will provide regular updates on the progress of your sponsored community, including personal stories from the volunteer which provide a fascinating insight into another culture and how we can best work together to address poverty.
In 2010, MoM is seeking Canadian Corporate CAN-mUNITY Partners to support:
•Education in Honduras, San Salvador, Nicagua and the Caribbean region specifically the Dominican Republic;
•Health in San Salvador;
•Disability in San Salvador;
•Community Development in Honduras and The Dominican Republic;
•HIV/AIDS programs in Dom Rep.;
Not everyone can volunteer, but by supporting those who can you are able to be part of a positive change in the lives of many.
To find out more about becoming a MoM Canada Corporate CAN-mUNITY Partner, contact MoM via email Maria Garcia or phone (416) 244.3699.
MoM's CAN-mUNITY Partnerships
Community Partnerships in Canada
MoM's Canada CommUNITY Partnerships are a unique opportunity for Canadians communities to open their hands to the world. To see the sort of work a Partnership can support, joing our Facebook page who provide support for MoM volunteers in Latin America. To become part of a MoM's CommUNITY Partnership contact Eunice.
The CommUNITY Partner provides:
•Support for the volunteer during their placement
◦Working in another culture is not easy. Often a volunteer can feel lost and alone in their new setting. Knowing that communities in Australia support what they are doing and are with them in solidarity can make these difficulties easier to overcome.
•Financial support to help recruit, prepare, send and support the volunteer
◦The overseas community cannot afford to cover the costs of getting a qualified doctor, teacher, nurse, agriculturalist, business manager, etc. to work in their community. The funds raised by Palms CommUNITY Partners go part of the way to covering these costs.
•An opportunity to achieve true sustainable development
◦A major part of Palms volunteers' mission is to transfer their skills to local staff. This reduces dependence and maintains the dignity of the overseas community.
The CommUNITY Partner receives:
•Regular updates of the volunteer's progress
◦The support given from Canada is not forgotten. The volunteer will send regular updates of their work, life, successes and trials, so that those still in Canada can learn about the issues facing the materially poor, life in another culture and the way development should work.
•Food for thought
◦As part of the volunteer's regular newsletters key points for reflection will be highlighted focusing on a variety of topics from personal to global issues. These can be discussed as part of a group or just used for personal reflection.
•The satisfaction of being part of a peaceful global mission
◦MoM's international mission is a peaceful alternative to the often invasive approaches taken by governments and other organisations. Working relationships are developed, the dignity of all parties is respected and a greater cross-cultural understanding is achieved.
•The best value aid that money can buy
◦It may sound strange, but it is true. The value of your donation is magnified through expertise donated by the volunteer. By assisting MoM to raise as little as $10,000 to keep a volunteer in placement, you can help provide expertise to the value of more than $20,000.
Your Canada CommUNITY Partnership group might:
•Run fundraising activities such as trivia nights, movie nights, market stalls, fetes, fun-runs, concerts, raffles, just pass a hat around once a month, season or year or come up with your own unique ways to have fun while helping out.
•Host a returned volunteer to hear first-hand about their experiences in the field
•Meet to discuss issues of justice, equity, conflict and peace and appropriate ways of approaching them
•Be made up of people from your congregation, school, work or family or just a group of friends who want to make a difference.
MoM's Canada CommUNITY Partnerships are a unique opportunity for Canadians communities to open their hands to the world. To see the sort of work a Partnership can support, joing our Facebook page who provide support for MoM volunteers in Latin America. To become part of a MoM's CommUNITY Partnership contact Eunice.
The CommUNITY Partner provides:
•Support for the volunteer during their placement
◦Working in another culture is not easy. Often a volunteer can feel lost and alone in their new setting. Knowing that communities in Australia support what they are doing and are with them in solidarity can make these difficulties easier to overcome.
•Financial support to help recruit, prepare, send and support the volunteer
◦The overseas community cannot afford to cover the costs of getting a qualified doctor, teacher, nurse, agriculturalist, business manager, etc. to work in their community. The funds raised by Palms CommUNITY Partners go part of the way to covering these costs.
•An opportunity to achieve true sustainable development
◦A major part of Palms volunteers' mission is to transfer their skills to local staff. This reduces dependence and maintains the dignity of the overseas community.
The CommUNITY Partner receives:
•Regular updates of the volunteer's progress
◦The support given from Canada is not forgotten. The volunteer will send regular updates of their work, life, successes and trials, so that those still in Canada can learn about the issues facing the materially poor, life in another culture and the way development should work.
•Food for thought
◦As part of the volunteer's regular newsletters key points for reflection will be highlighted focusing on a variety of topics from personal to global issues. These can be discussed as part of a group or just used for personal reflection.
•The satisfaction of being part of a peaceful global mission
◦MoM's international mission is a peaceful alternative to the often invasive approaches taken by governments and other organisations. Working relationships are developed, the dignity of all parties is respected and a greater cross-cultural understanding is achieved.
•The best value aid that money can buy
◦It may sound strange, but it is true. The value of your donation is magnified through expertise donated by the volunteer. By assisting MoM to raise as little as $10,000 to keep a volunteer in placement, you can help provide expertise to the value of more than $20,000.
Your Canada CommUNITY Partnership group might:
•Run fundraising activities such as trivia nights, movie nights, market stalls, fetes, fun-runs, concerts, raffles, just pass a hat around once a month, season or year or come up with your own unique ways to have fun while helping out.
•Host a returned volunteer to hear first-hand about their experiences in the field
•Meet to discuss issues of justice, equity, conflict and peace and appropriate ways of approaching them
•Be made up of people from your congregation, school, work or family or just a group of friends who want to make a difference.
CANADIAN-COMMUNITY SUPPORT
CANADIAN-COMMUNITY SUPPORT
CAN-mUNITY is an initiative of MoM aimed at connecting Canadian and international communities through our volunteer program.
It is an opportunity for those who are unable to volunteer, to support those who have chosen to give two years of their life to developing communities. CAN-mUNITY provides an opportunity for Canadians to benefit from the experience of volunteers and other cultures.
CAN-mUNITY provides most of the financial support required to keep a volunteer in placement for two years. MoM can place a teacher in Dominican Republic for two years by raising as little as $13,250 through CAN-mUNITY Support.
Compare this amount to what this teacher would earn over two years in Canada and the value is obvious. CAN-mUNITY contributions are spent only on program costs (all administration costs will be covered by grants from our Canadian international Volunteer Network (CIVN)), so you know that your money is used wisely.
In addition, Can-mUNITY contributes to long-term sustainability for the overseas communities hosting a volunteer. By exchanging skills, MoM's volunteers reduce the community's dependence on future aid.
CAN-mUNITY is an initiative of MoM aimed at connecting Canadian and international communities through our volunteer program.
It is an opportunity for those who are unable to volunteer, to support those who have chosen to give two years of their life to developing communities. CAN-mUNITY provides an opportunity for Canadians to benefit from the experience of volunteers and other cultures.
CAN-mUNITY provides most of the financial support required to keep a volunteer in placement for two years. MoM can place a teacher in Dominican Republic for two years by raising as little as $13,250 through CAN-mUNITY Support.
Compare this amount to what this teacher would earn over two years in Canada and the value is obvious. CAN-mUNITY contributions are spent only on program costs (all administration costs will be covered by grants from our Canadian international Volunteer Network (CIVN)), so you know that your money is used wisely.
In addition, Can-mUNITY contributes to long-term sustainability for the overseas communities hosting a volunteer. By exchanging skills, MoM's volunteers reduce the community's dependence on future aid.
Volunteers needed in 2010
Ministry of Mission currently has many requests from partner communities for volunteers to begin placements in 2010. Below are some samples of requests which MoM is seeking to fill. We welcome enquiries for suitable candidates for these positions or from skilled or professional people in any other field.
Administration
Project Manager/Librarian - San Salvador; Honduras; Dominican Republic
Community
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer - San Salvador; Honduras; Dominican Republic
Education
Various teaching + administration roles in schools - Dominican Republic
Teacher Professional Support - Dominican Republic
Education and Administrative Support - Honduras
Health
Nurse - San Salvador, Dominican Republic, Honduras
Occupational Therapist and/or Physiotherapist - Dominican Republic
Physiotherapist - San Salvador; Honduras
Medical doctors, nurses and midwives - San Salvador; Honduras, Nicaragua
Doctor - San Salvador; Honduras;Nicaragua
Trades
Workshop + Fleet Manager - San Salvador; Honduras; Dominican Republic
Agriculturalist/Farmer - Dominican Republic
Maintenance Person - San Salvador; Honduras; Dominican Republic
Administration
Project Manager/Librarian - San Salvador; Honduras; Dominican Republic
Community
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer - San Salvador; Honduras; Dominican Republic
Education
Various teaching + administration roles in schools - Dominican Republic
Teacher Professional Support - Dominican Republic
Education and Administrative Support - Honduras
Health
Nurse - San Salvador, Dominican Republic, Honduras
Occupational Therapist and/or Physiotherapist - Dominican Republic
Physiotherapist - San Salvador; Honduras
Medical doctors, nurses and midwives - San Salvador; Honduras, Nicaragua
Doctor - San Salvador; Honduras;Nicaragua
Trades
Workshop + Fleet Manager - San Salvador; Honduras; Dominican Republic
Agriculturalist/Farmer - Dominican Republic
Maintenance Person - San Salvador; Honduras; Dominican Republic
Volunteer with MoM
Volunteer @ MoM
Volunteering with M&m Org. enables you to:
Engage in meaningful activities to benefit women of your community
Learn new skills
Practice and improve your previously acquired skills
Network with people and make new friends
Learn about new cultures
Contribute to your community
Volunteer activities include, but are not limited to:
Ministry of Mission Organization is seeking volunteers to help with the following areas:
PR/Communications/Marketing
Membership Coordinator (database mgt. & data entry)
Archivist
Join our Board of Directors & other committees to participate in our Projects
Reception (greeting and directing visitors, answering, screening and directing phone calls, providing program information, etc.)
Office assistance (photocopying, typing, faxing, researching, liaising with staff, etc.)
Plus we always have projects involving writing,fixing up MoM Or.(painting, handyman, etc.)-- plus others.
If you have the experience, skills, and time to help, or if you know someone who does, please contact us. You can send an e-mail or click here to fill out a form* telling us your interests and skills.
Please be patient -- sometimes we get so overwhelmed with the day to day, we may take a while to respond!
Volunteering with M&m Org. enables you to:
Engage in meaningful activities to benefit women of your community
Learn new skills
Practice and improve your previously acquired skills
Network with people and make new friends
Learn about new cultures
Contribute to your community
Volunteer activities include, but are not limited to:
Ministry of Mission Organization is seeking volunteers to help with the following areas:
PR/Communications/Marketing
Membership Coordinator (database mgt. & data entry)
Archivist
Join our Board of Directors & other committees to participate in our Projects
Reception (greeting and directing visitors, answering, screening and directing phone calls, providing program information, etc.)
Office assistance (photocopying, typing, faxing, researching, liaising with staff, etc.)
Plus we always have projects involving writing,fixing up MoM Or.(painting, handyman, etc.)-- plus others.
If you have the experience, skills, and time to help, or if you know someone who does, please contact us. You can send an e-mail or click here to fill out a form* telling us your interests and skills.
Please be patient -- sometimes we get so overwhelmed with the day to day, we may take a while to respond!
MoM's Volunteer Program
Through our local and global volunteer program, MoM can place you with a community who requests your particular expertise to help develop the skills of local people. Your service overseas or in Canada can assist to build the capacity of a local community and advance a sustainable future. Your own growth will be even greater.
Application and Preparation
We welcome application from singles, couples and families. The process encourages significant self-appraisal. This entails specifying your background and experience, completing a reflective questionnaire and participating in interviews that thoroughly investigate relevant issues. A commitment to a placement is not required or given, until most of the process is completed.
The preparation program will build on your credentials. Skills can be developed for individuals through the correspondence program, while the mutual growth of participants is inspired through focus workshops and our pre-departure Orientation Course.
It is a valuable program even for those who may decide not to leave home.
For more information about volunteering with MoM:
1.read through our questions about volunteering
2.complete an online inquiry* or call (416) 244.3699.
After receiving your enquiry we will send you an Information and Application pack* and a copy of our latest MoM Post. This will help you better understand MoM's international volunteer program.
In the field
You will have a unique experience working up to three years, immersed in another culture. Our staff arranges accommodation, pastoral support, a basic living allowance, return travel to the receiving community, and a comprehensive insurance policy throughout the time in the field.
MoM provides support for you while in the field and can assist develop links between your new community and communities in Canada. This fosters a greater understanding in Canada of volunteering, development and other cultures and provides an additional level of support for returned volunteers.
Application and Preparation
We welcome application from singles, couples and families. The process encourages significant self-appraisal. This entails specifying your background and experience, completing a reflective questionnaire and participating in interviews that thoroughly investigate relevant issues. A commitment to a placement is not required or given, until most of the process is completed.
The preparation program will build on your credentials. Skills can be developed for individuals through the correspondence program, while the mutual growth of participants is inspired through focus workshops and our pre-departure Orientation Course.
It is a valuable program even for those who may decide not to leave home.
For more information about volunteering with MoM:
1.read through our questions about volunteering
2.complete an online inquiry* or call (416) 244.3699.
After receiving your enquiry we will send you an Information and Application pack* and a copy of our latest MoM Post. This will help you better understand MoM's international volunteer program.
In the field
You will have a unique experience working up to three years, immersed in another culture. Our staff arranges accommodation, pastoral support, a basic living allowance, return travel to the receiving community, and a comprehensive insurance policy throughout the time in the field.
MoM provides support for you while in the field and can assist develop links between your new community and communities in Canada. This fosters a greater understanding in Canada of volunteering, development and other cultures and provides an additional level of support for returned volunteers.
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