Human Rights Traveller Narrative Report

August 3-20, 2007

prepared by Natalie Dorosh and Victoria Kopchak

In order to describe the sequence of the work camp it is necessary to pay attention to the determined elements of every short-term volunteer project, i.e. work, study, rest, evaluation and follow-up parts as well as to give a grasp of the group dynamics and peculiarities of conducting workshops in different camps.

Work:

The work elements of the Human Rights Traveler (HRT) consisted of two parts: creating a workshop plan and dividing responsibilities and conducting workshops at other work camps. During the preparation stage which took place during 2 days in Artemovsk volunteers chose the theme of the workshop, determined its aim and objectives and developed the workshop plan. They divided the responsibilities in preparing and conducting activities in a way, that every volunteer was equally involved and responsible for certain part of the workshop. This division remained the same till the end of the camp and proved its efficiency.

The workshop that volunteers developed consisted of 2 parts 3 hours long each. Detailed workshop schedule is attached. The schedule itself was tentative, because in every camp our group visited we had to adjust to the work schedule they had. For example, in Paraskoveyevka special boarding school the whole workshop was conducted in one day.

HRT volunteers while visiting other camps were also helping in activities in which the volunteers were engaged. For example, in Kleban Byk they were helping in collecting trash, in Medvezanka – in collecting rocks necessary to make natural filters for the stream water, in Paraskoveyevka – in putting up the wall paper, in Gomolsha – in reconstructing stair walk. So, all together, volunteers worked approximately 3-4 hours a day.

Study:

The study part was very intense on the second day of the work camp. We think it is necessary to stress the role of the trainer, who did his best for the volunteers to receive necessary knowledge on the Human Rights issues as wells as skills in conducting workshops.

While visiting other camps study part included information about SVIT-Ukraine, the aim and the objectives of each camp as well as excursions through the territory of landscape parks and protected areas.

Rest:

When volunteers had free time they were going hiking, exploring local bars, reading, etc. In Artemovsk volunteers tasted different sorts of wine and champagne at the Factory of Sparking Wines. In Gomolsha every volunteer received posters and booklets with information about the park.

During the camp volunteers participated it two intercultural evenings: one in Kleban Byk and the other in Medvezhanka. Everyone had a chance to sing national anthem. We think it was entertaining and rewarding experience for everyone. At the final stage of the project volunteers had an excursion about Kharkiv - first capital of Soviet Union. They enjoyed dinner in Italian restaurant and beer in music club.

Evalution and follow-up:

While evaluation process volunteers shared their opinion about the food, accommodation, quality of organization the workcamp. They discussed what they learnt from the workcamp, how it affected them personally and how they contributed to make the camp successful for both the volunteers and the project. Volunteers had a follow-up and expressed their desire to take part in other projects organized by SVIT-Ukraine.

Group dynamics:

To our opinion HRT volunteer group was one of the most motivated and stable if comparing with the groups from other camps. From the very beginning the atmosphere was friendly and tolerant. While studying and working everyone showed high level motivation and enthusiasm. Volunteers were willing to join participants from the other camps in their work even though they didn’t have to.

When thinking about differences in group dynamics in different camps we visited it is necessary to stress the importance of at least moderate level of English and balance in origin of participants. It was obvious that in the camps where there was more then 2-3 Ukrainians, they were dominating, speaking their language and so other participants seemed to be partially excluded from some of the camp activities. Even though we are aware about the lack of volunteers in almost every camp, we are sure that it is necessary to consider mentioned above facts in the future.

As for the HRT workcamp, it’s important to mention that 5 volunteers is optimal group size. Considering the fact that it is traveling camp it would be more difficult to organize transportation if there were more people.