Transcript Slide 1
Sustainable Energy and
Renewable Energy for the
Developing World Belize 2012
Orientation
Chris Miller
Heartland Community College
Tech 296 at a glance
• Students complete an 8 week online course
• Combined with ten days spent in Belize completing
hands-on renewable energy installations
• Credits earned may be applied towards HCC
Renewable Energy Degree or as an Independent
Study
Our Belize Partnership
ProWorld – Nicole Andrewin
501-669-5553
The have a web site and you will get a password and login
information from them. www.myproworld.net
Heartland Community College
Chris Miller
309-212-2218
Logistics
Be at the Rendezvous point outside the baggage
claim area at the Belize City International Airport
by 2:00 pm on Jan 4.
- Exit airport and turn RIGHT look for chicken
Bus Travel to Punta Gorda (~ 4 hours)
Belize in
Mayan
means
muddy
water
Punta Gorda is
located in the
southern tip of the
Toledo District on
the Gulf of
Honduras
Overview of Punta Gorda
• Known as “P.G.”
• Open market in the town starts at 8:00am
• Small rural town of around 6-7000
residents
• English is spoken as well as Kriol
• Can get small amenities like shirts, shorts,
flip flops
• No big stores
What to bring
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Go light and easy to dry items.
avoid cotton hard to dry no blue jeans
Exercise type polyesters work well
Get socks and underwear that dry quick as well
Limit items to bring, possibly bring items that if lost or ruined will not be a
major bummer
Bring old stuff or good stuff that can be donated when we leave.
Wear decent gym show that can get dirty and muddy and is comfortable for
hiking
Sandals, footwear is a good to have
Have an active swim / day wear type
outfit
How to pack
Carry on
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One change of cloths
Medicines, bandaids, toothbrush
Important documents make a copy of all
credit cards, passport Id ect
Winter related items for return
Deck of cards / book
Wear gym shoes
Use a backpack that can be used for travel
in country
Empty water bottle
A few wet wipes or hand sanitizer small
camera
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Cloths
A few shopping bags
Tools or pocket knife
Flashlight, head light
Small suitcase / large duffle bag, easy to
carry and shuffle around
Put a large ribbon / marker on it for
recognition
Pack light reuse shirts and shorts
Leave room for items to bring back
Communications
• There are two internet café shops near our residence
• No internet at the place of stay
• There is a phone at the residence that we can use to call back home
with
• We will share a phone card purchased in Belize for the phone
• Might not want to bring much e no need for laptop or electronics
• It is possible AND EXPENSIVE to use a cell phone in Belize, do not
worry about it. Bring it and turn it off when you arrive. Check with
your carrier for exact rates and conditions if you want.
• Electricity is the same as in the States
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Food and Drink
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Lots of Fresh Fruit
Largely Vegetarian Meals
If traveling, try to stick with bottled beverages
Bring a personal H2O Bottle (tap ok in P.G.)
Chiles and coconut in moderation
Bring OTC GI remedies with you
Use common sense with alcohol
Plants and animals
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The best, and the scariest part of Belize
Do not eat unknown plants Duh
Be mindful of thorns/brush
Mosquitoes
Safety in Belize
Don’t be a fool pay attention to yourself and be
aware that you are in a new environment.
In the United States if you have problems call my
mobile phone 309-212-2218
In Belize Call Nicole Andrewin, ProWorld, and she
can assist us Belize mobile 501-669-5553
Workplace Safety
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Do not expect OSHA standards
Use good judgement and common sense
You have stop work authority
If in doubt, stop and ask
Travel to workplace may be challenging
Electrical hazards
The sun is a RISK
Use care on roofs
Tetanus risk!
Personal Protective Equipment
Important Facts and Figures
• Center Disease Control for Belize
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http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/belize.htm
We will be in areas where there had been Malaria reported. However, our stay and work sites are
not in the area of concern.
• CIA World Facts on Belize
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https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bh.html
Pre-Trip Logistics
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Make a photo copy of all travel documents
Credit card, bank card, license, passport
Leave a copy with a contact or at home
Contact bank and let them know you are
bringing their card
• Get up to date shoots and vaccines if you
wish