Volunteer Trip To Akkar Area

Prices:

700$/Student (For a maximum of 10) For every 10 participants registered, 1 teacher can join free of charge.

Rate Includes:

• Professional 24/7 ASSISTANCE of Pia ABBOUD: Tour Operator, Travel Expert and Heritage management specialist.
• Full 7 days TOURS, ACTIVITIES & VISITS & site ENTRENCES. (referring to the program)
• All Airport PICK UPS and TRANSFERS.
• Private TRANSPORTATION with all fuel expenses throughout all the journey according to the program.
• 7 Nights ACCOMODATION at Farmville Barouk
• MEALS: 6 Breakfasts + 7 Lunches + 6 Dinners
• Local team and guides for the volunteer activities and visits

Rate Excludes:

• International Flights
• Optional Travel Insurance covering daily activities and tours (Ask for the price depending on the option you choose)
• Any Alcoholic drinks during all mentioned meals
• Laundry service
• Personal expenses and souvenirs.
• Optional activities not mentioned in the program.
• Any other Item not included under “RATE INCLUDES”
• PCR tests if needed

What valuable learning outcomes do travelers gain from this experiential trip? How does it enrich their educational journey:

Hands-On Learning: travelers get to engage in real-world activities such as agriculture, product processing, and environmental awareness. This hands-on experience goes beyond theoretical knowledge, allowing them to apply concepts learned in the classroom to practical situations.   Cross-Cultural Communication: Interacting with the local community, who might have a different cultural background, language, and way of life, enhances travelers' cross-cultural communication skills. They learn to navigate diverse environments and effectively communicate across linguistic and cultural barriers.   Sustainability Education: Through involvement in environmental awareness activities and sustainable farming practices, students gain a deeper understanding of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable living. This knowledge equips them to make informed decisions about their own lifestyles and contribute to global sustainability efforts.   Problem-Solving and Adaptability: In a dynamic and hands-on setting like a farm, students encounter real challenges that require problem-solving skills and adaptability. They learn to think on their feet, devise solutions, and adjust their approaches based on changing circumstances.   Collaboration and Teamwork: Working alongside the local community members and fellow students fosters collaboration and teamwork. Students learn how to effectively contribute to a group effort, listen to others' perspectives, and collectively achieve shared goals.   Entrepreneurial Thinking: Observing the operations of the farm-to-table restaurant and guesthouse exposes students to entrepreneurial aspects such as customer service, marketing, and innovation. They gain insights into how business ventures can be successfully integrated with agricultural practices.   Personal Growth and Confidence: Successfully participating in various farm activities and community engagement initiatives boosts students' self-confidence and sense of accomplishment. They gain a sense of responsibility, independence, and the ability to step out of their comfort zones.

How can travelers best prepare for the trip, engage in pre-trip research, and make the most of the experience afterwards?

One month ahead of the trip we will send the students a brief about the region and farm in order to understand the context and familiarize themselves with the farm, the local community, and the cultural norms of the area. We still recommend for them to  make their own research the region's history, geography, and relevant current events to have a well-rounded understanding.   During the trip the students must actively participate and engage in all activities, whether it's working on the farm, participating in environmental cleanups, or interacting with the local community. Embrace every opportunity to learn and contribute.   It is recommended for the students to document their experience. They can keep a journal, take photos, or make short videos that will help remember reflect on the journey later and come up with insights gained during the trip or propositions for growth and improvement, which can help solidify their learning. It can help in developing valuable post trip discussions between the students sharing different perspectives.

 What specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will the travelers be working with during the trip? How does the project contribute to addressing these goals?

SDG 2: Zero Hunger: The agricultural activities on the farm, including orchards and dairy production, align with SDG 2 by promoting food security and improved nutrition. The project supports local food production, reducing the reliance on external sources.   SDG 4: Quality Education - By engaging in research and experiential learning which is the main purpose of their visit.   SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: Through its various initiatives, the project helps create employment opportunities and sustainable income streams for the local community. It supports decent work and economic growth by enhancing the viability of the farm-to-table restaurant, guesthouse, and related services.   SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - Through their research and interactions, the student’s aid in enhancing urban and rural areas, contributing to the development of sustainable communities. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - The project's emphasis on cross-cultural exchange and knowledge sharing between us and the university student   SDG 15: Life on Land: With a focus on agriculture, farming, and environmental conservation, the project directly aligns with SDG 15. It promotes the responsible use of land resources, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem protection.

How are risks managed (for example, insects bites, getting hurt while using a tool, very hot/cold weather, breaking something, conflict between students and the local community…) and measures you plan to mitigate the risks.

Depending on the risk faced each will be treated accordingly. Knowing our experience and flexibility in working in risky situations in Lebanon all risks are taken into consideration knowing that:

• In Lebanon there are no insect bites that are venomous like African or south American countries. In general insect bites in Lebanon can be either simple mosquito (like the ones in Europe) or minor insects. In case by any chance one of the students was a bit more sensible and a mosquito bite inflated he will be directly escorted to Emergency hospital by the tour leader no matter the time or place. Same for another medical emergency like getting hurt by using a tool, or any injury that may occur.

NB: Each student must have travel medical insurance that covers the trip and activities in Lebanon. If you wish to purchase it from us it is also possible to provide through local insurance partners. I can send you prices and options if you wish.

• About the weather by choosing this specific proposal as advised it is best to come in spring or summer. In that case the transportation will be fully equipped for any weather situation with functioning Air condition. As for the Accommodation and activities they are located in the higher mountains in Lebanon. The farm is located at around 1500 m altitude. In case of extreme heat, fans will be provided in rooms. In case you will choose to come during winter times or colder seasons. Heating and extra blankets is guaranteed in the accommodation too.

In addition 1 month prior to the trip date I will send you a full list of WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE COMING that will include essentials to provide in the suitcase and recommendations on what to wear and bring that will be suitable for the weather. About the fieldworks and activities in case it is too hot or cold during a  day to do the work. We are very flexible in changing the day program at last minute and proposing something more convenient.

• About breaking something for example. In that case it really depends on the value of what they break. But in general whatever they break they should pay for its fixing or its price in order for what is broken to be replaces.
• In case of conflict between students and local community, Pia Abboud the tour operator will be there to make sure this does not happen having strong relationships with them. As the team is highly experienced in youth activities and team building and knows the community closely, working with them on a daily basis to make sure this is not a risk.

Registration policy:

• The trip dates and number of participants shall be confirmed at least 45 days before arrival in order to coordinate logistics on site.
• Registration will not be taken into consideration or confirmed unless you pay at least 50% DEPOSIT out of the total amount.
• The remaining shall be transfered 1 month prior to the trip date
• Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after the departure date.

Cancellation policy:

• In case of any local dangerous disruption in Lebanon or airport closures related to COVID measures the trip will be postponed to a later date or you can choose to cash back all the amount paid.

  In other normal cases:

• IF you cancel your reservation, 2 months before your scheduled arrival date, The full amount you paid will be refunded, minus the bank charges.

 

• IF cancellation occurs one month before your scheduled trip date, Half of the amount you paid will be refunded. (Subject to case by case)

 

• IF cancellation occurs Starting and less than 15 Days before your scheduled arrival dates the full amount will be unrefunded. (Subject to case by case)

NB: *Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur. For more Information and Registration: Email: info@discoverybeyondborders.com Calls, SMSs and WhatsApp: +33 6 68 27 22 16 OR +961 3 00 76 86 Facebook: Discovery Beyond Borders Instagram: discoverybeyondborders