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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 • • • • • • • • • 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 Checked • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 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 • • • 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 • Food and Drink • • • • • • • 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 • • • • 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 • • • • • • • • • • 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 • • 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 • https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bh.html Pre-Trip Logistics • • • • 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