Macedonia Global Village volunteer handbook

home construction green building vulnerable populations Global Village volunteer handbook

Welcome to Habitat for Humanity

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity help build their own homes alongside began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. community farm in southern Georgia. The Through financial support, volunteering or Christian housing organization has since grown adding a voice to support affordable housing, to become a leading global nonprofit working in everyone can help families achieve the more than 1,300 communities throughout the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families build better lives for themselves. and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a

About Habitat Macedonia

Habitat for Humanity Macedonia is a housing organization dedicated to providing simple, decent and aff ordable housing solutions for low income families living in substandard conditions. Habitat for Humanity Macedonia’s activities include building and financing homes, advocacy, strengthening capacities and developing communities. As an affi liate of Habitat for Humanity International since 2004, Habitat for Humanity Macedonia has supported more than 2,784 families in housing improvement and 2,801 in housing support services, contributing to the 500,000 partner families worldwide. For more information www.habitat.org.mk Global Village volunteer handbook

Global Village builds — Macedonia

With the support of the residents and local the completion of four buildings and a total of government, the city of Veles was selected as 24 apartments. The buildings have three floors the New Builds site after it was identified by and the apartments are from 49m2 to 79 m2. Habitat for Humanity Macedonia as a The settlement was built with the assistance of community in high need. The target group of volunteer’s teams from all over the world, this project is low-income families, young working alongside homeowners and their future couples with children and young couples who neighbours. The second phase started in are living in substandard conditions in Veles, springtime of 2013 and will provide a decent without access to simple, decent and affordable and affordable home for 12 more families in housing. The New Builds Veles program began need. in 2009 and the first phase ended in 2011, with Global Village volunteer handbook

Housing Needs in Macedonia

The Republic of Macedonia is a small, landlocked country with population of 2 million. The region troubled by interethnic conflicts during the past years. A result of this is a weak economy, poorly maintained infrastructure, and impoverished people. Macedonia is also challenged by integration into European and international structures Macedonia has four times higher household energy consumption per capita than developed countries. At least 70% of the existing housing stock in the apartment buildings is estimated to be energy inefficient. About 15% of the total population in Macedonia lives in illegal homes Up to three-quarter of Macedonians today live in apartment blocks built during the period of centrally planned economy As much as 78% of the entire housing stock in the country was created during the mass-urbanization period (1946 - 1989) Substandard housing conditions, including poor quality and unsafe constructions, are still widespread About 110,000 homes (16% of the existing housing stock) need immediate reconstruction There is a number of overcrowded homes among certain communities, with below the average of dwelling area per family member Global Village volunteer handbook

About The Project NEW BUILDS VELES

New Builds Veles program began in 2009, with The new project in Veles is scheduled to start in the support of the Government of the Republic the springtime, 2017 and it will take place in the of Macedonia, the Municipality of Veles and the very neighborhood of the existing buildings of local residents. The first phase ended in 2011, New Builds Veles. It is considered as the third with the completion of four buildings and a total phase of the same project. New building size will of 24 new apartments. Buildings are three be 20x14 m, three floors high, up to 10, 2 m. It floors high and the apartments are from 49 m² should be very similar to the Habitat buildings to 79 m². The settlement was built with the from the previous project. The gross area of the assistance of volunteer teams from all over the building will be approximately 900 m² maximum. world, working alongside homeowners and There should be 12 apartments with average their future neighbours. The target groups in size of 60 m². The construction will take place this project were low - income families, young from its basis and there will be, again, some couples with children and young couples living assistance from the homeowners, their future in substandard conditions. neighbours and domestic volunteers. What was considered as a second phase of the Types of work that volunteers might do: project, started spring 2013 and it’s scheduled Transport of construction materials; Excavation to finish during 2017. The building size is 20x14 and cleaning of the building site; Preparation of m, three floors high, up to 10,2 m. It is very rebars; Assembling of rebars; Preparation of similar to the Habitat buildings from the forms; Assembling of forms; Disassembly of previous project. The gross area of the building forms; Cleaning of forms; Concrete preparation; is approximately 900 m². There are 12 Filling forms with concrete; Filling “fert” beams apartments with average size of 60 m². The with concrete; Assembling of “monta – fert” floor construction took place from the foundations to construction; Preparation of trusses; Preparation the roof through building walls, windows and of glue; Massonry; Wall covering with glue, wire doors installation, plumbing and wiring and all mash and hard finishing; Painting; Assistance other necessary phases of construction, all of with assembling of electricity, plumbing and this with assistance of the future homeowners sewage elements. and generous help from international and local volunteers. Global Village volunteer handbook

About The Trip – Before You Leave IMMUNIZATIONS AND HEALTH ATTIRE ON THE BUILD SITE REMINDERS • Dress appropriately: Pack the appropriate clothing and footwear before leaving home. Contact your doctor or visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at • Many tasks will involve concrete, cdc.gov/travel for traveler’s health unfinished wood, reinforcement bars. You information, recommended preparations and should have at least one pair of trousers vaccinations. and a long-sleeved shirt for those tasks. • Work shoes should have a sole hard enough to resist punctures from nails, PACKING SUGGESTIONS wires and cut ends of rebar. Athletic shoes do not offer sufficient protection. We advise you to travel light and bring only • Necklaces, rings and bracelets tend to get what is necessary for the trip. caught on things and have led to some gruesome injuries. If you must keep your wedding ring on while on site, please cover ELECTRICITY it with tape. Electricity in Macedonia is 220V at a 50Hz • We will provide hardhats whenever we frequency. If you are plugging in an appliance can; however, the ones available for sale that was built for 220-volt electrical input or an in Macedonia are not of a very good appliance that is compatible with multiple quality. We would appreciate it very much voltages (read the small print on your if you would bring your own. charger), then an adapter is all you need. • Safety glasses will be required during Here’s some additional info on electricity in many jobs, since those jobs present eye Macedonia: hazards from sharp wires or rebar, https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/us/Macedonia. splattering concrete, power tools and so forth. Again, it would be greatly appreciated if you can bring ANSI-rated safety glasses from home. • Whether working with bricks, blocks, concrete or unfinished form boards, you could easily go through a pair of good work gloves each week on our sites. Global Village volunteer handbook

About The Trip – Upon Arrival

. AT THE AIRPORT CURRENCY The team will fly into Skopje International Macedonian currency is the DENAR. There Airport (SKP). Once team members have are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 50 Denars and passed through customs, they need to go notes of 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000, and 2000 through to the public waiting area where they Denars. In larger cities, it is common to find will be met by your team leader. Once the ATM machines and all major credit cards team has arrived, the team will travel to their will usually be accepted. However, in the hotel. smaller cities and villages, often you will only be able to use cash. Money can be exchanged at hotels, banks, and exchange offices. All major credit cards are accepted, TIME ZONE such as American Express, Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard, and Eurocard. Traveler’s Macedonia is in the Central European Time checks can be exchanged in any major zone (UTC+1). Macedonia observes Central bank. Bank post offices are open between European Summer Time (UTC+2). 7 am and 7 pm during the week and Macedonia is 6 hours ahead of US Eastern between 7 am and 1 pm on Saturdays. Standard Time. If it’s too much to remember, just use this clock: The exchange rate is approximately $1 = https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/repu 41 denars and 1 euro = 61.5 denars however rates can vary. blic-of-macedonia/skopje.

WEATHER The climate in Macedonia varies. The mildly continental climate covers most of the country. The summers are usually hot and dry, with average temperatures of 30° to 38°C, but it can reach over 40°C. You should also not be surprised if you get caught in a summer shower. The days are usually very sunny, so you might need to take some precautions for sunstroke and dehydration. Global Village volunteer handbook

About The Trip – General Info TELECOMMUNICATIONS SHOPS In order to place an international telephone You have small grocery shops at the centers call from Macedonia, you have to dial: of every town(s). 1. 00 to indicate that an international connection is required 2. The telephone code of the target country RESTAURANTS 3. Code within the target country, usually There are couple of restaurants in every omitting the zero (0) that precedes it town(s). 4. The subscriber’s telephone number Costs of regular items: bottled water,( small) snacks Note: Phone calls made between 2000-0800 (10 PM – 8 AM) cost 50% cheaper You can buy bottled water, (small) snacks, juice etc. for less than 2$ or 1,5 Euro. For your family at home, to call Macedonia: 1. The country code for Macedonia is 389 You can also use VoIP to make international calls. There are two ways to do that: POST OFFICE 1. Go to an Internet cafe There is one central post office in every city(,) 2. Buy a VoIP voucher card and use any and small ones in the neighbourhoods. phone free of charge.

INTERNET SERVICE You will find numerous Internet Cafes in Skopje and WiFi networks in public places. There is also internet access in the office of HFH Macedonia. Global Village volunteer handbook

Macedonia’s History and Culture

The Republic of Macedonia is a small Time Zone: CET (Central European Time), landlocked country, situated in the southern GMT + 01:00 part of the Balkan Peninsula. It borders with Political system: Parliamentary democracy Serbia and Kosovo to the north, Albania to Other spoken languages: Albanian, Turkish, the west, Greece to the south and Bulgaria to Serbian, Vlach the east. It is a natural bridge, connecting Climate East and West, North and South. The climate in Macedonia varies. The mildly Macedonia abounds in natural beauty. Many continental climate covers most of the have named it “The pearl of the Balkan”. The country. The summers are usually hot and numerous mountains, forests, rivers and dry, with average temperature of 30° to 38° C, lakes present great tourist attractions. but it can also reach over 40° C. You should The cultural map is exceptionally rich and also not be surprised if you get caught in a versatile. Valuable archaeological sites, a summer shower. The days are usually very large number of churches and monasteries sunny, so you might need to take some with their icons, wall paintings and precautions about sunstroke and dehydration woodcarvings, they are all testifying about the Tradition(s) cultural heritage of the country. Folklore art in Macedonia Visit these websites for more information Closely related to their motherland, the about Macedonian history and culture: Macedonians lived throughout the centuries www.exploringmacedonia.com with their tradition, which they have passed www.culture.org.mk on from generation to generation and thus, www.gomacedonia.com.mk creating a new, rare and unusual substantial and spiritual culture, with patriarchal features. From their extensive cultural heritage, the Full name: Republic of Macedonia Macedonian creators of impressive folklore Population: 2.114.550 inhabitants poetry and music preserved that significant Official Language: Macedonian cultural heritage, even till today. Capital: Skopje, 500.000 citizens Ethnicity: 64.18% Macedonians, 25.17% Albanians, 3.85% Turks, 2.66% Roma people, 1.78% Serbs, 0.48% Vlachs and 1.88% others Religion: 64.7% Orthodox Christians, 33.3% Muslims, 0.37% Protestant, Catholic and other religions Local currency: Denar (DEN) 1 Euro = 61.5 DEN Global Village volunteer handbook

Macedonia’s History and Culture

CUISINE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS Macedonia has a long and praised tradition Macedonians are very hospitable people. of food delights. Over the centuries, many Usually, that hospitality will turn into civilizations have enjoyed the products of the overfeeding you. Locals treat foreigners with country’s fertile soil. respect and curiosity. Do not be surprised if Macedonia is also rich in meat, producing they show their interest in you as a foreigner. beef, chicken, pork and lamb. Macedonia is Generally, Macedonians are very friendly known for its cheeses: the soft white cheese people. When introduced to someone, it is a (“sirenje”) and the yellow cheese custom to shake hands. When talking to each (“kashkaval”). Every Macedonian village other, they usually stay close, which is a offers unique local varieties. gesture of respect and cordiality. Close friends kiss each other on both cheeks when Macedonia is also famous for its wines, they meet. Do not be surprised if they want to produced by high quality sort of grapes, such hug you or tap you on the shoulder when they as Vranec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. meet you. They may soon become your Today, several small wineries in Macedonia friends and you may find your heart captured produce delectable red and white wines. by them. Besides its wines, Macedonia is producing a potent brandy- grapa (“rakija”) and mastika. Traditional Macedonian cuisine combines Balkan and Mediterranean features, inherited largely from Turkish cuisine, that prevailed during the centuries of the Ottoman’s rule. Specialties such as “taratur” (sour yogurt with bits of cucumber), “pindzur” (cream salad with peppers and eggplant) and the world-famous “baklava”, are distinctive food features in this region. Other Turkish-influenced dishes include grilled beef kebabs and burek, a flaky sort of pie filled with ham, cheese, spinach, ground beef and other ingredients. Make sure to try Macedonian “tavce gravce” (baked beans), “shopska salata” (a salad made of sliced tomato, cucumber and onion, topped with ground soft white cheese), “selsko meso” (pork chops and champignon mushrooms in a rich brown gravy), “pastrmajlija” (a sort of pizza topped with meat and sometimes egg) and, above all, “ajvar” (the national sauce, made of sweet red peppers). Global Village volunteer handbook

Cultural Experience Options

GEMIDZII MONUMENT • The imposing monument, 6,5 meters height, represents an involution of 12 sun rays which symbolize the twelve members of the revolutionary group Gemidzii who in the dawn of the revolt of Ilinden made famous attacks and bombings of Salonica while trying to draw the attention of Europe to the Macedonian question. Read more at: http://travel2macedonia.com.mk/tourist-attraction/gemidzii- monument-veles MLADOST LAKE - VELES LAKE • The artificial Mladost lake (Veles lake), situated 8 km north from the town in the surroundings of the Otovica village, represents one of the most visited destinations in the area. The Mladost lake (Veles lake) itself represents very popular tourist destination and it is the main holiday resort for the citizens and tourists. It is strongly recommended for transit-travelers, as a place for a short break. Read more at: http://travel2macedonia.com.mk/tourist- attraction/mladost-lake-veles SAINT JOVAN VETERSKO MONASTERY • Saint Jovan Vetersko is an interesting monastery church, built on a rock and can be seen from the rest area. It is presumed that the Vetersko monastery was built in 1670. According to the writings of the great Macedonian reformer Jordan Hadzi Konstantinov-Dzinot, this sacral building had a big library of scripts and printed books in the middle of the 19th century, which proves that monks have been staying in the monastery. Read more at: http://travel2macedonia.com.mk/tourist-attraction/saint- jovan-vetersko STOBI • Stobi was first mentioned in the year of 197 BC by Livius. According to him, Stobi is located on the flow of river Crna into Vardar, where Philip 5th king of Macedonia, defeated the Dardanians. According the archeologists Stobi was founded during Hellenistic period. Read more at: http://travel2macedonia.com.mk/tourist-attraction/stobi Global Village volunteer handbook

Safety On The Work Site

• No alcohol or drugs are permitted on site at any time. Volunteers who need prescription drugs (inhalers, etc.) should make sure they have a sufficient supply on site. • Wear sun screen of a suitable factor and re-apply it throughout the day. • Wear appropriate clothing for the tasks involved. • Drink plenty of water — at least 2 liters a day, even more when it is hot. • Wear your hard hat at all times on site, except in designated break areas. • Proper gloves can protect your hands • Wear eye protection when: from: ▪ You or someone nearby is using a ▪ Cuts when carrying sharp-edged hammer or chisel or breaking blocks. materials and equipment. ▪ You or somebody next to you is using ▪ Skin irritation from cement, paint, lime any type of power tool. and other chemicals. ▪ You are mixing or pouring cement. ▪ Getting a blister while working with the tools for long time. • Wear proper footwear at all times: • Wear ear protection when: ▪ Open-toed shoes are forbidden on the site. ▪ Any equipment is being used nearby that may cause damage to your ears. ▪ Footwear must be covered and hard- soled. ▪ Heavy machinery is working nearby you for prolonged time. ▪ Steel-toed safety boots are strongly recommended. • Wear a face mask when: • When lifting an item: ▪ You understand the mask type and its designation. ▪ Know your capacity and weight limits. Ask your site supervisor. ▪ Using chemicals, painting or mixing cement. ▪ Keep legs slightly apart, bend the knees, keep the back straight. ▪ Scraping old paints and sanding the items to smooth. ▪ Grab by both hands, and lift with the legs, not the back. ▪ Ask for help! Global Village volunteer handbook

Gift Giving Policy

Basic Policy Habitat for Humanity discourages short-term trip teams and individual team members from giving personal gifts while engaged in or as a result of being engaged in a short-term trip. Because they travel the world, teams encounter diverse cultures that view the giving of gifts in distinctly different ways. Many cultures feel that to receive a gift means that a gift must be given in return. In most cases, the person or family to whom a gift is given is not in a position to reciprocate. This results in the disappointment of the very people the team is intending to make happy with the gift. Because it may set precedent, gift-giving can have a negative impact on the host affiliate, other volunteers that build with the affiliate and future HFH teams. To avoid potential problems, embarrassment, hurt feelings and unhappiness, it is best that gifts not be exchanged between the team or individual team members and individual children, the local masons/volunteers, on- site construction supervisor, partner family, host volunteer coordinator, host affiliate staff, national organization staff, team leader or anyone else. One Exception When a team of volunteers descends on a worksite, a crowd of inquisitive local children will not be far behind. The giving of gifts to individual children is discouraged. However, if the host coordinator approves, team members may feel free to share small items such as balloons, bubbles, pencils, paper, etc. with the children at the worksite. Use restraint and common sense to avoid hurting anyone’s feelings. If you give to one, it is expected that you will give to all. Keep in mind that once word spreads the worksite will be overrun with children. Bringing items to play with at the worksite like a soccer ball, jump rope or Frisbee is permissible, as long as the items are taken home every evening. Other than small items such as those listed above, gifts should not be given to individual children, at the worksite or elsewhere. Any gifts for children should be given to the host volunteer coordinator who, after the team departs, will see that they are appropriately distributed. Donating Tools Teams often bring small tools to use and then donate them to the affiliate upon departure. Tools that the team is planning to donate should be given to the host coordinator following the final day of building. They should not be given to the: construction supervisor, affiliate staff, partner family, local volunteers nor to neighbors at the worksite. Donated tools are retained by the affiliate and may be used on future builds. Sponsorships Agreeing to any type of sponsorship while a member of a short-term trip team is highly discouraged. Team members sometimes are approached about the possibility of “sponsoring” children in the host country. They might be the partner family’s children, children of a host affiliate staff member, of an extended family, or simply a local resident befriended by a team member. Avoid getting involved in sponsoring anyone while a member of a team.

Questions about gift-giving, donations and sponsorships should be directed to the team leader or a Habitat for Humanity contact.

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Global Village Volunteers’ Experiences

“It was AMAZING!!! It was my first ever global village trip, and while I had minor skepticism going in, my expectations were mostly very high. Everything about this trip exceeded my expectations. The planning, coordination, information and execution allowed me to feel comfortable and confident about traveling to a new area and all of the people on the team were of like mind and ambition and the camaraderie was incredible. The organization was well done, and I truly felt that the community was happy and welcoming to have us there and appreciated the contribution we were able to provide. 1,000 thumbs up!”

—Danica C. Habitat Global Village volunteer 2017

“GV is a fantastic way to see different cultures and meet new people-both the local people and other volunteers on the team. And GV also provides a way for travelers to enhance their travel experience with community and humanitarian service which makes our world a better place to live. The work projects are well organized, the trip leaders have been fantastic and the local Habitat leaders are talented and great to work with. A GV trip also includes local cultural activities which add to the trip's "fun" experience, and it promotes team cohesion as well. A GV trip is a valuable, effective and enlightening travel opportunity for those who want to put a bit more into as well as get a bit more out of their world travels.” —Mark. J Habitat Global Village volunteer 2017 every hand makes a difference