What I Want To Do...
My name is Rhett Shirley, and I'm a small town boy who has been blessed with opportunities that have shown me that there is more to the world than what most of us see day to day. My parents have been the driving force behind my exploration of both myself, and the world, but, other than pictures and stories, I haven't had a way to truly share my experiences and new found perspective with them, until now.
As an Environmental Science Major at Mercer University, I had many study abroad and mission trip opportunities. All of these were centered in Trinidad and Tobago, so I've gained many connections and friends there over the years. I wish to use these connections to return to the country I fell in love with and perform service work alongside my father. He's never been able to do anything like this, and I feel that now is the time.
Help me share the joy of volunteering abroad with my father...
Send us to help these organizations during the month of June:
Asa Wright Nature Centre
- Two to three weeks of building and maintaining nature trails in one of Trinidad's most prominent reserves. We will also assist with guest relations and general maintenance of buildings and facilities on the grounds.
-We will be provided shelter, but we must buy and prepare our own meals while there.
- In addition to our time, we would also like to donate $1500 US to the Centre to ensure their continued success.
http://asawright.org/
Brasso Seco Roman Catholic Primary School
-Brasso Seco RC School is a 60 student facility for grades K-5.
-They have recently expanded from a one room 'school-house' to a larger steel frame building with seperate rooms for each grade, as well as a small library and computer lab.
-The school is in need of books (both course based, and general reading), computers, and physical education equipment.
-Having worked with this school before, reading education is one of their most urgent issues, as many of the student's family members are illiterate, or have very basic reading skills.
-We wish to donate at least a week of our time to act as reading tutors and mentors for children in the community.
-We wish to donate at least $2000 US to the school so that it may purchase books, computers, and other equipment they are in need of.
http://www.moe.gov.tt/pri_directory.html
St. Joseph Catholic Church, Brasso Seco
-While volunteering at Brasso Seco RC School, we will also contribute our time to the church and its community. We will assist in general maintenance of the buildings, as well as help organize community events and projects.
-We seek to donate at least $500 to the church for needs it may be facing.
Animals Alive, Trinidad and Tobago
-Animals Alive is a non-profit, non-governmental, no-kill charity commited to the humane treatment of animals. Homeless pets are a major issue in T&T, and this group works hard to not only re-home ownerless pets, but to also educate surrounding communities on the importance of spaying and neutering companion animals.
-They are the only 'no kill' based organization on the island, as well as the only organization making efforts to educate the youth about the importance of humane treatment of animals. These instilled values can help bring about societal change, as well as insure higher standards of sanitation and hygiene in communities.
- They are currently working to open a volunteer based veterinary clinic as well as a pet shop to generate income for the facility. They are also expanding the on site 'housing' for neglected animals.
-Current need for this facility to accomplish its goals is $10,000 US, and we wish to contribute at least $1000 and a week of our time onsite, building facilities and working with animals.
-There is no housing provided for volunteers, and we will be required to provide our own meals. We plan on camping onsite for the duration of our time there.
http://animalsalivett.com/
http://animalsalivett.com/projects.html?page_id=41
Papa Bois Conservation Group
-Papa Bois Conservation is an advocate for the environment in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. Film and photography are used to bring awareness and education to the public.
-A number of environmental projects have been identified, including, but not limited to, a Lionfish education and eradication project, sea turtle protection, UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for Trinidad & Tobago's turtle nesting beaches, and an awareness drive to educate about the dangers of plastic pollution named "A Plastic Free Caribbean Sea".
-Nearly all environmental problems in the Caribbean are regional problems. Most islands are short on resources and long on environmental challenges. Papa Bois Conservation aims to bring together environmental efforts from Florida in the North to the Guyanas in the South. Caribbean nationals, representing different regions of the Caribbean, will be offered positions on the board of Papa Bois Conservation.
-This group has multiple interests throughout the country, and we plan on working with them at every available opportunity during our time there.
-We wish to donate a week of our time to help them with community outreach, as well as assist in the production of educational materials to be used for the increase of awareness regarding local issues.
-We wish to donate $1000 US towards new equipment that will help them operate more efficiently and effectively.
-Founding member Stephen Broadbridge is a well known figure in the worlds of photography, filmography, conservation, and history of Trinidad and Tobago. His work has been featured in many publications and projects throughout his career. He will also be our main contact on the island.
https://www.facebook.com/PapaBoisConservation
St. Dominic's Children's Home
"Home is where you are truly safe (Nouwen)."
Founded in 1871, this organization's goal is to promote the healing and development of children and young people who have experienced trauma and loss and facilitate their earliest possible reintegration into a caring family system.
They utilize small, family-style households where skilled and committed caregivers nurture and guide the children and young people in their care, providing them with the safety, security, stability and support they need to resolve their trauma/loss issues and fully develop their human potenial.
Once on the island, we will be in touch with this group, and working with them as much as possible while in the city of Port of Spain, our 'home base'.
We already have our passports and most neccesary supplies. Contacts have been made with each organization. Final itenerary and timing is dependant on the amount of funding we receive. The more we get, the more we can help! Portions of donations may be needed to cover unforseen costs such as transportation about the islands, as well as occasional lodging and food. At current date, roundtrip plane tickets are roughly $600 per person, which we plan on covering ourselves.
Being able to share this experience with my father will be nothing short of life changing, both for he and I and for the communities we will be able to help.