InSolidarity 2015International Exposure Visits

to Partner Churches

Introduction to InSolidarity 2

India: Darjeeling Region 3

Vanuatu 4

Fiji (Family-Friendly) 5

Bali (Schoolies) 6

India: Amritsar Adventure 7, 8

West Timor and Jakarata 9

Fundraising / Training Information 10

“I think what really impressed me was the generosity of the people, when they had so little themselves. That was really amazing.

They take pride in what they give away, not in what they have.” Courtney, 18, Queensland

Contents

Interested in combining your love of travel with supporting people from the UCA’s partner churches overseas? Looking for a short-term overseas

‘experience’ where you actually engage with local people? Considering volunteering overseas in the future but not sure where or what it might involve?

The Uniting Church in Australia is committed to strong relationships with church partners across Africa, Asia and the Pacific.

These relationships with partners are genuine, mutual and vibrant as we share together in God’s mission in the world. It is in the context of these dynamic partnerships that UnitingWorld’s InSolidarity program operates.

UnitingWorld InSolidarity Exposure Visits are all about connecting in real ways with the Uniting Church in Australia’s overseas partners.

They’re a chance to experience culture and faith in a new context. You’ll visit Uniting-World’s projects and meet project staff, learning about development in action and how the church is reaching out to their communities.

We focus on: - mutual learning - cross-cultural fellowship - experiencing what it means to be the global church as we participate in God’s mission in the world

The trips range from 8 days to 2 weeks and groups are limited to 10 participants. Each visit is led by two leaders with significant experience with the context and partner, who will also guide the group in reflections throughout the trip.

InSolidarity Exposure Visits are also a way for participants to contribute towards the work and ministries of our partner churches by raising funds for UnitingWorld’s projects in these areas. This helps build links between partners and communities in Australia.

In 2015, UnitingWorld will be running 6 InSolidarity Exposure Visits to 5 of our overseas

partner churches in India, Fiji, Bali, West Timor and Vanuatu.

Introduction

This booklet gives you a snapshot of each trip.

So start planning and get in touch with UnitingWorld

to book your spot!

Fundraising A significant way to support the work of our

partners is by giving financially. We ask InSolidarity participants to commit to raising a minimum of $300 towards the projects visited on the trip. Suggestions and procedures for fundraising will be available to all participants. We encourage participants to consider using this as a significant fundraising opportunity to raise even more funds to contribute to this valuable work. You are not expected or advised to take gifts or money for the project staff, church staff or children.

Costs (prices based on twin share)Flights: Approx $1620 (including travel agent fees)Other: Approx $1600 (including accommodation, comprehensive travel insurance, internal transfers, tourist activities, some meals, administration costs, training materials and leader’s costs). Participants are responsible for their passports, visas, bottled water, vaccinations and some meals.

Selection Process Applications are invited from anyone over

the age of 18 and places will be filled on a first come first serve basis. All participants must be willing to work under and sign agreement to the guidelines of the UCA and the Code of Conduct for international volunteers Applications close 31st of January (1 months prior to departure). Please contact Megan Calcaterra for more details or an application form on 02 8267 4251.

Anti TraffickingMay

Experience the unique sights, sounds, and tastes of North-Eastern India

while seeing first hand the anti-trafficking work of UnitingWorld

•Explore the historic town of Darjeeling

•Visit Linbong* Anti Trafficking School and the DISHA centre to learn about how

UnitingWorld and the Church of North India (CNI) combat human trafficking through

education and vocational training

•Travel through the picturesque North East Indian Himalayas

•Immerse yourself in the local culture by wandering around the markets of Darjeeling

and Kalimpong

•See the tea fields, factories, and churches in the town of Siliguri

•Visit remote villages and schools to witness the work of CNI in the margins of society

* Name has been changed to protect the community

India

Fundraising A significant way to support the work of our

partners is by giving financially. We ask InSolidarity participants to commit to raising a minimum of $300 towards the projects visited on the trip. Suggestions and procedures for fundraising will be available to all participants. We encourage participants to consider using this as a significant fundraising opportunity to raise even more funds to contribute to this valuable work. You are not expected or advised to take gifts or money for the project staff, church staff or children.

Costs (prices based on twin share)Flights: Approx $1050 (including travel agent fees)Other: Approx $1600 (including accommodation, comprehensive travel insurance, internal transfers, tourist activities, some meals, administration costs, training materials and leader’s costs). Participants are responsible for their passports, visas, bottled water, vaccinations and some meals.

Selection Process Applications are invited from anyone over

the age of 18 and places will be filled on a first come first serve basis. All participants must be willing to work under and sign agreement to the guidelines of the UCA and the Code of Conduct for international volunteers Applications close 31st of January (4 months prior to departure). Please contact Megan Calcaterra for more details or an application form on 02 8267 4251.

Vanuatu

Education and TheologyApril/May

Are you interested in the roles that education and theology play in

people’s everyday lives? Want to experience the sites, tastes,

and sounds of Vanuatu from the local perspective?

• Visit a local village involved in the WASH program (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene)

•Worship on Sunday with our partners and friends in the Presbyterian Church of

Vanuatu (PCV)

•Engage with Ni-Vanuatu children and teachers through books, games, and songs

while learning about the ways UnitingWorld works with the PCV to strengthen

education in Vanuatu

•Tour Talua Theological College and meet with the women on scholarship through

our Transforming Lives Through Leadership program

• Enjoy a picnic lunch near the stunning waters of the Blue Lagoon

• Enjoy an exciting fire show and dinner put on by Won Smolbag’s talented,

young fire dancers

Fundraising A significant way to support the work of our

partners is by giving financially. We ask InSolidarity participants to commit to raising a minimum of $500 per family (or $300 per person) towards the projects visited on the trip. Suggestions and procedures for fundraising will be available to all participants. We encourage participants to consider using this as a significant fundraising opportunity to raise even more funds to contribute to this valuable work. You are not expected or advised to take gifts or money for the project staff, church staff or children.

CostsDue to wide variation in pricing that involves children, we are unable to provide an exact trip cost estimate. Prices will vary depending on age and number of children. Please contact us for a specific price quote. Participants are responsible for their passports, visas, bottled water, vaccinations and some meals.

Selection Process Applications are invited from families with children over the age of 10. Preferences will be given to families but others are welcome to apply. Places will be filled on a first come

first serve basis. All participants must be willing to work under and sign agreement to the guidelines of the UCA and the Code of Conduct for international volunteers.

Applications close 28th of February (7 months prior to departure). Please contact Megan Calcaterra for more details or an application form on 02 8267 4251.

Family-Friendly VisitSeptember School Holidays

If you’re looking for a way to encourage your children to explore their faith,

this family-friendly InSolidarity trip is for you!

•Explore the capital city of Suva including the Municipal Markets and the Municipal

Handicraft Centre

•Enjoy the famous white beaches of the Mamanuca Islands with a day trip

•Visit the Nanuku Squatter Settlement where UnitingWorld supports a scholarship

program

•Tour the UnitingWorld Pacific office and join in a Q&A with our Pacific team

•Explore the rural village of Lautoka learning about the local culture, wildlife and

UnitingWorld projects operating there

•Meet with a women’s group to discuss gender equality in Fiji and experience first

hand the workshops they run aimed at building women’s capacity

•Learn about the history and culture of Fiji with a visit to the Fiji Museum

Fiji

Fundraising A significant way to support the work of our

partners is by giving financially. We ask InSolidarity participants to commit to raising a minimum of $300 towards the projects visited on the trip. Suggestions and procedures for fundraising will be available to all participants. We encourage participants to consider using this as a significant fundraising opportunity to raise even more funds to contribute to this valuable work. You are not expected or advised to take gifts or money for the project staff, church staff or children.

Costs (prices based on twin share)Flights: Approx $1250 (adjusted for peak season and including travel agent fees)Other: Approx $1500 (including accommodation, comprehensive travel insurance, internal transfers, tourist activities, some meals, administration costs, training materials and leader’s costs). Participants are responsible for their passports, visas, bottled water, vaccinations and some meals.

Selection Process Applications are invited from anyone in their

final year of high school. Each visit has a maximum of 10 people and places will be filled on a first come first serve basis. All participants must be willing to work under and sign agreement to the guidelines of the UCA and the Code of Conduct for international volunteers Applications close 31st of March (8 months prior to departure). Please contact Megan Calcaterra for more details or an application form on 02 8267 4251.

Schoolies with a DifferenceLate November/Early December

Are you keen to give your Schoolies a purpose by connecting with people living out their Christian faith in a multi-faith context

and experiencing more than the ‘typical’ tourist glimpse of Bali?•Meet local people engaged in poverty alleviation and witness a community

development project in action

•Find out how livelihood programs, women’s empowerment, cattle fattening,

bio-gas production and composting are all making a difference to people’s lives

•Engage with local issues facing Balinese people, including the impact of increasing

tourism on the culture and natural resources of this small island

•Visit local villages and various livelihood projects

•Stay at the Widhya Asih Orphanage, and experience dancing, gamelan music, local

produce markets, and taste local dishes.

•Attend worship at Blimbingsari Church and spend the day in this uniquely Christian

village

•Spend time on Bali’s famous beaches and snorkelling spots and explore the popular

destinations of Seminyak and Ubud

Bali

Are you interested in experiencing the sights, tastes and sounds of an Indian

metropolis? Interested in combining this with an adventure trek? Join us for our

2015 Adventure Tour and experience India in a multitude of ways!

•Visit the beautiful and fascinating Golden Temple – the most significant religious site for

Sikhs worldwide

•Engage in discussion with project staff and church leaders about the role of the church

in India and inter-faith engagement

•Reflect on spirituality and the environment as you trek through the Himalayas of

Northern India

•Experience the work of UnitingWorld with a project visit to the Education Program for

Disadvantaged Children

•Lose yourself in the Indian culture while you explore Amritsar

•Take in the majestic views of the Garhwal Himalayas and the rolling Indian Plains

•Pass through remote villages and experience first hand the lifestyles of other cultures

•Explore the village of McLeod Ganj, home to the Dalai Lama

The activity level of this trip is rated Moderate. Trekkers are expected to be able to trek up to 3 kilometres a day on uneven and steep ground.

Please consider your fitness levels or ability to prepare prior to application.

in partnership with

India Adventure TrekOctober

Fundraising A significant way to support the work of our

partners is by giving financially. We ask InSolidarity Trek participants to commit to raising a minimum of $750 towards the projects visited on the trip. Suggestions and procedures for fundraising will be available to all participants. We encourage participants to consider using this as a significant fundraising opportunity to raise even more funds to contribute to this valuable work. You are not expected or advised to take gifts or money for the project staff, church staff or children.

Costs (prices based on twin share)Trip Costs: Approx $4200 (including flights, accommodation, trekking costs and gear, internal transfers, comprehensive travel insurance, tourist activities, some meals, administration costs, training materials and leader’s costs). Huma Registration Fee: $200Participants are responsible for their passports, visas, bottled water, vaccinations and some meals.

Selection Process Applications are invited from anyone over

the age of 18 and places will be filled on a first come first serve basis. All participants must be willing to work under and sign agreement to the guidelines of the UCA and the Code of Conduct for international volunteers Applications close 1st of April (6 months prior to departure). Please contact Megan Calcaterra for more details or an application form on 02 8267 4251.

Triund Peak is the closest 3,000 metre peak to the Indian Plains and a worthy objective

for a first time trek to the Indian Himalayas. We combine this trek with time out in the

historic hill station of McLeod Ganj, home of Dalai Lama and Tibetans in exile. With the

amazing peaks of Dhaula Dar stretching to the Indian Plains, we trek to Truind which

ascends through farming settlements and magnificent oak, conifer and rhododendron

forest to an alpine glade that affords easy access to McLeod Ganj. From 3,000 metres,

we return to the Indian Plains and visit Agra home of the Taj Mahal, a sunrise not to be

forgotten.

What’s included:

•Expert bilingual guide

•Group camping equipment and good quality camping accommodation

•A Huma Charity Challenge Trek Pack, including a quality sleeping bag,

down/fibre fill jacket, and insulated mat

•Park entrance/ sightseeing fees and trekking permits

•Private transport throughout trek

•Souvenir Huma Charity Challenge kit bag

Trek Details

Fundraising A significant way to support the work of our

partners is by giving financially. We ask InSolidarity participants to commit to raising a minimum of $300 towards the projects visited on the trip. Suggestions and procedures for fundraising will be available to all participants. We encourage participants to consider using this as a significant fundraising opportunity to raise even more funds to contribute to this valuable work. You are not expected or advised to take gifts or money for the project staff, church staff or children.

Costs (prices based on twin share)Flights: Approx $1550 (including travel agent fees)Other: Approx $1600 (including accommodation, comprehensive travel insurance, internal transfers, tourist activities, some meals, administration costs, training materials and leader’s costs). Participants are responsible for their passports, visas, bottled water, vaccinations and some meals.

Selection Process Applications are invited from anyone over the

age of 18 and places will be filled on a first come first serve basis. All participants must be willing to work under and sign agreement to the guidelines of the UCA and the Code of Conduct for international volunteers Applications close 28th of February (3 months prior to departure). Please contact Megan Calcaterra for more details or an application form on 02 8267 4251.

Education and Livelihoods May

Interested in experiencing the culture and faith of one of Australia’s closest neighbours? Then join us on this trip to Indonesia.

•Meet with UnitingWorld partner TLM, tour their offices, and learn about microfinance

operations in West Timor

•Explore local markets, visit with shop owners, and see UnitingWorld’s microfinance

projects in action

•Visit a church-run school and discuss the church’s relationship to education

• Witness firsthand how our partners serve within the margins of society

•Meet scholarship recipients and join in on a student fellowship meetin

•Learn about the Bible translation project undertaken by our partners

•Visit fishing villages to see the impact of development projects and ministry on

everyday Indonesians

WestTimor and Jakarta

FundraisingInSolidarity Exposure Visits are not only a great way to experience the life of the global church in another context but also give participants the opportunity to contribute towards the fantastic work being done by our overseas church partners through UnitingWorld by fundraising for specific projects. Participants are given information about the project for which they are fundraising and are encouraged to involve their church and local community in the fundraising effort.

While each trip has a minimum fundraising cost per participant, we let you decide what your final goal will be. Throughout your fundraising, UnitingWorld will offer assistance, advice, and resources. All participants will receive a fundraising pack to assist with their goals. In addition to the materials provided in this pack, we will also connect you with team members as a way to encourage each other and offer support or suggestions. All funds raised by InSolidarity trip participants will be used to support and strengthen our church partners as they work with local communities.

TrainingParticipants in InSolidarity Exposure visits are required to complete an online training course prior to departure. Participants will learn important information ranging from country information and how to be a respectful visitor to the principles that outline good development. InSolidarity visits aren’t your average holiday and participants aren’t your average visitors. Participants engage with local communities in a way that most travellers will never get the opportunity to experience. It is important that participants understand how to engage with our partners in a respectful and thoughtful way while also accurately representing the Uniting Church in Australia. In addition to your training, you will also receive some briefing information from your trip leaders.

PO Box A2266 Sydney South NSW 1235 Australia

Ph 02 8267 4251 Fax 02 9262 7936

ABN 16 939 630 947

UnitingWorld is an agency of the National Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia.

If you would like to know more about InSolidarity visits,

order individual trip brochures, or apply for a trip,

please visit our website at www.unitingworld.org.au

or email: Meganc@unitingworld.org.au

Megan CalcaterraProjects & Administration Officer, UnitingWorld