Field Conditions
Volunteers (max. 6) are welcome at the project in Abepura; they will stay in a twin room. You have a bathroom outside, there is no hot water, but remember, Papua has warm tropical climate. Your stay during the project will be on  a -“full board basis”-. That means breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided. Most meals consist of rice with vegetables and meat or fish. But we will try to offer the volunteers a western style breakfast. We have a laundry at the orphanage, but if you prefer to take your clothes to a laundry outside we advise you to use the service off nearby located hotels. You will get your clothes returned fresh and clean. The hotel is located very close by.

Skills required
No specific skills or previous experience working with children is required in order to take part in this project. However you do need to be flexible, patient and enthusiastic about working with children. You need to be at least 17 years old.
The local people will treat you respectfully, but because you are a guest in their country you will be expected to show equal respect for their customs and way of life. You will be living in a peaceful orphanage, but you will be also expected to adapt to a life in a cosy city. Smoking, drinking alcohol or using drugs is not allowed in and around the orphanage. This orphanage location is good for active people who want to explore more than just tourist places.

Training and qualification
Every volunteer will get a participation certificate after they finish the project. Should the volunteer wish to later pursue a student internship at the Pak Project, this certificate can be added towards their participation. In fact, students are especially welcome, and we will support you during your training with advice and help with study assignments. International volunteer work or internship is very good for your CV.

Duration
Minimum length of a volunteer internship is one week. Maximum length is two months. If you want to stay longer then two months you need a special visa and we can not guarantee you that you will be able to get one. Another option is that you can leave the country for a day and you should be able to get a new visa on your return. After this you can participate again for maximum 2 months. Our foundation staff will help you to get a visa for a longer stay.

Date
Volunteers are very welcome to the Pak Project throughout the whole year. It’s also very nice to celebrate Christmas and New Years Eve with the children at the orphanage.

Financial costs
The project fee has a maximum of € 780,- per month (4 weeks). This includes accommodation on full board basis, return transfer from the airport to the project, a certificate of participation, fee to the Pak Project and a Lake Sentani tour. At the time of booking you have to pay 50% of the total fee, the rest of the contribution must be paid at least 4 weeks before arrival. 

Arrival
The volunteer should book an air ticket to the Airport of Jayapura/Sentani, the airport code is DJJ. If you travel via another airport, we can arrange cheap air tickets via our sponsor travel agent “Emerald Indonesia tours & travel”. You will be picked up at the airport by one of our orphanage employees and will then travel by (mini) bus or public taxi to the orphanage. The distance is about a 15 minutes drive.

Personal expenses while on the project
Volunteers will only need money for private purchases such as postcards, internet or phone cards, souvenir, shopping and so on. Each volunteer has different expenses but € 200,- to € 250,- per month is average. € 250,- per month should probably be more than sufficient, unless the volunteer plans to travel around Baliem Valley (or Papua) in their leisure time, in which case they should increase this amount accordingly.
It’s also possible to combine different project locations during one trip to Indonesia. You can get a discount from PT. Emerald Indonesia tours & travel. At the front side of their building they have a traditional ecotourism souvenir shop where you can buy or order their traditional souvenirs, you will be supporting the Pak Project with every product you buy at the shop. They also sell local souvenirs from the orphanage in Torajaland.

Medical information
We always advise our volunteers to be vaccinated for Hepatitis A (or A &B) and a DPT. Some prefer to include a typhus vaccination as well. Malaria is a problem, so you will need tablets for you stay in Papua. It’s also advisable to bring an anti mosquito spray and a mosquito net with you to the project for extra protection. We also advise you to consult your doctor/medical service for current information prior to you arrival. You should also bring a small First Aid box with you, including some painkillers, iodine, plasters and disinfectant.