Terms and Conditions
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Students are accepted subject to criteria deemed appropriate by lead teacher, Connected Citizens (hereinafter referred to as Connected or Connected Global Citizens) suggest application and interview process. Following selection a deposit of £250 per participant must be paid. At this time it is agreed you are bound by the following terms and conditions.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
1. Deposit is payable within 21 days of acceptance of place.
2. Full payment of the Project (defined as the beginning of the excursion, from UK airport meeting point and ending in UK arrivals hall at the end of the excursion, hereinafter referred to as ‘the Project’) must be received within the required payment schedule dates. These dates will be agreed between Connected and lead teacher on acceptance of Project schedule and full, final payment must be transferred no later than 28 days before travel.
CANCELLATIONS
The contract may be cancelled within 14 days of accepting each student’s place and a full refund payable of any fees received, excluding the deposit. Thereafter the full outstanding fee becomes due and payable. Should a student require to cancel for medical reasons, this will be considered on a case by case basis. Connected Citizens (SC802505) reserves the right to make the final decision on this. For the avoidance of doubt, Project payment instalments are not refundable at any time other than during the 14 day cancellation period after receipt of acceptance of place. In the event that a cancellation occurs due to 'force majeure' such as fire, flooding, infectious diseases, acts of God, government, terrorism, natural disaster, war, labour conditions and power failures and other events out with the parent/carer or Connected Global Citizen's reasonable control that prevent the student from participating, no refund of fees will be made.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
All students should be covered under the appropriate Local Authority/school travel insurance policy and we insist on insurance that is fully comprehensive, with trip cancellation cover which includes protection against altered/cancelled travel plans as a result of any COVID 19 restrictions which might exist at the time of departure or at any time during the Project. Connected Citizens is not responsible for any deficiencies in your insurance policy. In addition, Connected Citizens does not cover any damages or breakages of personal items, unless this is clearly the fault of Connected Citizens or a Connected Citizens member of staff. Students must take responsibility for their personal possessions.
RESPONSIBILITY/LIABILITY
Connected Citizens will exercise due care in arranging and conducting the Project. However, we cannot assume responsibility or liability for any damage, loss, claim or injury of any kind whatsoever resulting from any act of omission, commission or inadvertence of any accommodation provider or carrier or other company or person rendering any of the services required as part of the Project. Connected Citizens is not responsible for any student who breaks the rules and regulations and in doing so suffers loss or injury. Students causing harm to themselves or others will not be tolerated. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL CONNECTED GLOBAL CITIZENS BE LIABLE TO THE STUDENT OR PARENT/CARER FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, STATUTORY OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES; OR ANY OTHER CLAIMS BROUGHT AGAINST CONNECTED GLOBAL CITIZENS PARTY, EVEN IF THE OTHER PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR IF SUCH DAMAGES ARE FORESEEABLE. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that Connected Global Citizens is held by a competent jurisdiction to be directly responsible for any loss or damage, we will pay to the parent or student who has suffered loss up to the amount equal to the price paid to Connected Global Citizens for the relevant Project.
Connected Citizens will not assume responsibility or liability for any damage, loss, claim or injury resulting from events beyond its control including, without limitation, acts of God, strikes, incidents of terrorism, politically or religiously motivated violence, war, sickness, government restrictions or regulations, weather, quarantines or wilful or negligent acts of third parties or suppliers to Connected Global Citizens. Nothing in these terms and conditions shall exclude any liability of Connected Global Citizens for death or personal injury arising from its own negligence nor affect any rights which the parent/carer or student have as a matter of law.
PASSPORTS/TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
All participants should be responsible for carrying and keeping their own passports. You should submit a photocopy of your passport (the page with the photograph and details) to the lead teacher prior to travel in case it needs to be replaced while abroad. It is also be advisable to leave a photocopy with someone at home. A valid passport is essential for travel to all Project destinations with an expiry date of at least 6 months beyond the end date of your visit. All students are responsible for arranging appropriate travel documentation, such as visas.
COMMUNICATION
UK phones do work in Project destination countries. Lead teachers should make sure they check with their service provider that their phone is set up for international roaming before departure if it is required for personal use. Students do not need to bring a phone and it is unlikely that it will be able to be used in the same manner as at home. Charging multiple devices is problematic and an unnecessary strain on a fragile power system. It also can detract from the group dynamic as well as potentially inviting opportunistic crime. A pay as you go handset will be available for participants to use and can be topped up as required. This phone can also receive calls if so desired. Connected Global Citizens strongly discourages students from taking their mobile phones to the Project. Updates will be shared via social media platforms and through established school means, e.g. group call, parental email. Students will also have access to a mobile call that they can use to call home at any time for a small charge. Lead teachers will have access to Wi-Fi. This works on a top up account and will be regulated by the group leaders. The Wi-Fi will not support more than two or three devices at a time therefore we advise that it is only used by group leaders.
DAILY ROUTINE
Although there are likely to be some alterations, your daily routine is expected to be:
9am – 10.30am building site
10.30am – 11am break
11am – 12pm building site
12pm – 2pm lunch and rest. It is very important to stay out of the sun during these hours.
2pm – 4pm building site
4pm – 6.30pm free time
6.30pm onwards all group members should have returned to their accommodation, subject to agreement of lead teacher.
The safety of every participant is of the utmost importance and several precautionary measures are recommended to ensure a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. All participants must be back in their accommodation by 6.30pm and not out after dark. Sunset is typically around 7pm in equatorial destinations and it gets dark very quickly. Roads in developing countries can be particularly hazardous at night therefore all travel should be restricted to daylight hours (exceptions are made on roads to and from the airport as these tend to be well lit and well maintained).
MONEY
All meals, accommodation, transport, excursions and the building costs are included. Participants should bring Bank of England £50 notes for any other items they wish to purchase- soft drinks, snacks, gifts etc. The leaders will change currency on the first day. Group money will be used for day to day spending including food and bottled water. Group members should take turns to cook for everyone, taking responsibility to shop for necessary ingredients. The leaders will allocate money to the cooking team each day who will work to a budget. It is not possible to refrigerate food therefore every effort should be made to minimise waste on a daily basis. Any food not consumed can be donated to the host, if appropriate. Tap water can be used for teeth brushing; however some participants may opt to use bottled water.
HEALTH
All participants should be fully vaccinated at the time of travel and pre-existing medical condition should be disclosed to the leaders. Participants will also carry their own malaria medication and we would advise to take this with the evening meal. Participants are responsible for bringing and putting up mosquito nets as well as applying insect repellent throughout the day as well as in the evening. Every effort should be made to avoid insect bites by wearing long sleeves and trousers at night and group members are responsible for their own health. All participants should bring their own basic first aid kit, including painkillers, rehydration sachets, plasters etc. The group leaders will have an extensive first aid kit and are prepared to administer appropriate first aid care or advice as necessary.
The sun is extremely strong and every effort must be made to protect against harmful rays. Sun cream must be used and reapplied throughout the day. Sunbathing is not permitted during the Project and would be particularly inappropriate in the Project location. Sun burn and sunstroke are dangerous and can require treatment therefore prevention rather than treatment is advised.
All meals are included in the price of the Project and this includes on excursions and overnight stays at the beginning and end of the Project. During excursions, main meals and a soft drink are provided, any additional food and beverage costs will be met by participants. We would advise restraint with and discourage the consumption of alcohol, and encourage all participants to ensure that they are suitably hydrated at all times throughout the Project. This is particularly important due to the physical nature of the building work and the heat and humidity of the location of your Project. Decisions on alcohol consumption will be made by school staff and not by Connected leaders. School staff will be responsible for the conduct and actions of participants should they allow alcohol to be consumed.
SAFETY
We strongly advise that nothing of value is taken to a Project destination including jewellery, phones or clothing which is likely to be ruined. Wearing simple and modest clothing is the best way to avoid unwanted attention and blend in with the local community. The leaders may advise participants of potentially inappropriate behaviour/clothing. Everybody needs to be very careful at all times about their valuables. It is not appropriate (or necessary) to bring jewellery.
Participants are working and living in a rural community in a developing country and are expected to respect that at all times. We will be wholeheartedly welcomed into a new community and it is vital that we do not upset our hosts under any circumstances. Behaviour must be appropriate at all times. We are not there just to please ourselves and need to try and fit in tolerably well with the life and customs of the area. This does not mean that we abandon our own way of living or put on an act; however a toning down of various aspects of our normal living is called for and an examination of habits which might give a bad example in an economically poorer environment is necessary.
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS/TOILETS/SHOWERS
Local hosts are made aware of group size, leaders and gender make up by Connected during the Project planning stage. Rooms will accommodate 2-6 participants; this will vary depending on group size. Some changes can usually be made to accommodation on arrival however it must be noted that any pre-planned groupings might not be able to share rooms, although in this eventuality every effort will be made to provide adjacent accommodation. Ideally male and female participants should not share accommodation.
All rooms are very basic, bed linen is provided although you may prefer to bring your own (single beds). Towels are not provided and should be brought by each participant. Toilet facilities are acceptable but limited. It should also be noted these toilet and shower facilities are communal and unisex. On a practical note, toilets block very easily and all participants must be instructed to only use a small amount of toilet paper and not attempt to flush anything other than toilet paper, including sanitary products which must be disposed of with the household rubbish. Please note that flushing with a bucket of water can sometimes be more effective than the flush itself. Showers should be used sparingly, maximum of one per person each day, and we suggest this is in the afternoon after the building site. This gives the water time to heat through the day.
COMMUNITY VISITS
It may be appropriate to offer to volunteer in a particular classroom or area of the health centre depending on the location of the Project and experience and expertise of each participant. If any student would like to visit a class or the health centre they should speak to one of the leaders and this will be arranged. In the event of inclement weather during the normal working day it may be possible to arrange school visits either for observation or teaching at short notice in order to provide work for participants unable to continue on the building site.
GIFTS, DONATIONS, REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE
Volunteers are likely to have brought donations from home to give to the local community. It is not appropriate for these to be distributed by the participants directly. Connected Global Citizens leaders will ensure that all donations are given to the hosts who will ensure that they are given to the local community discretely. If anyone approaches a student for a gift or for financial assistance that student should direct them to one of the Connected Global Citizens leaders.
DANGERS AND ANNOYANCES
Projects take place in risk assessed, safe and well researched locations however there are undoubtedly increased risks when visiting developing countries and it is vital to be aware of as many potential dangers as possible. There are also a number of situations while not dangerous are very different to normal life in the UK:
Power cuts are an annoying reality in many developing countries. Most destinations have a backup generator or solar power that can be used however it must be noted this facility, where available, should be used sparingly by the group as the cost can be significant to the host. In the event of a power failure it is important to have access to torches and it is likely candlelight will be necessary. Power cuts do not often last more than a few hours.
No running water can also be an occurrence connected to, or unrelated to, a power cut. For this eventuality it is important that the bottled water supply is always plentiful. Extra water will be purchased by Connected leaders if necessary. During a water shortage it will be necessary to collect water for washing and toilet facilities from the nearest water pump and water usage kept to a minimum. This is also unlikely to last for more than a number of hours.
Unwanted attention from local people (mostly unintentional) can be disconcerting for participants. A significant gender division and stereotype is a continuing reality in many developing countries and social norms and expectations must be respected, regardless of personal opinions. For this reason it is necessary for clothing to be modest and conservative particularly for female participants. Connected Global Citizens leaders will offer advice in this situation.
Animals should not be touched or encouraged in any way. In many developing countries it is unusual to keep pets and there are stray animals in the streets. Rabies is a relative rarity however it is present and risk of exposure must be avoided at all times. Animals may be kept at the property where you will work/live and under these circumstances should be assumed the animal is healthy. However no risks should be taken with approaching these animals and Connected Global Citizens accepts no responsibility for any injury or illness caused as a result of an animal encouraged by a participant. Should a participant sustain an injury immediate then medical advice will be sought by group leaders.
Local transportation in the form of shared taxis (often minibuses) or motorbikes serving as taxis are widely used throughout the areas we work. Participants should not use these forms of transport and anyone who elects to do so may not be covered by their insurance in the event of injury or accident.
PROJECT KIT LIST
Participants are required to bring the following essential items:
o Mosquito net
o High factor sun cream- at least SPF 30
o Insect repellent (50% DEET)
o Gardening gloves (for building site)
o Trainers (an old pair for the building site)
o Hat
o Sunglasses
o T-shirts and (longish) shorts for building site
o T-shirts, shorts and trousers for after the building site
o Smarter clothes for Mass or visiting classrooms (long skirt/trousers for females and shirt/smart shorts/trousers for males)
o Long sleeved tops and trousers for evening time
o Bed sheet/single duvet cover (can be used like a sleeping bag)
o Underwear
o Pyjamas
o Toiletries- Shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, toothbrush etc.
o Towel
o Torch (head torch is very useful)
o Baby wipes
o Water bottle
o Waterproof jacket (a light waterproof can be useful in a tropical rain shower)
o Basic First Aid Kit- Plasters, After-Bite (for mosquito bites) Painkillers (aspirin or ibuprofen), Imodium, Rehydration sachets/tablets. All medicine should be new and in sealed packets. (There will be a full first aid kit with the group however you should bring some basic first aid supplies)
o Any prescription medication that is needed- please ensure your name is printed on the label. Any medication should be in your hand luggage. Malarone or similar (anti-malarial medication) should also be in your hand luggage.
o Each person should have one piece of hand luggage and one bag to check in- max. 30kg for Emirates/23kg KLM.
o Any donations/gifts for the local community should be included in your checked-in luggage.
o It is also recommended that you pack as lightly as possible. You do not need to bring a great deal of clothing as you will wear clothes more than once. There will be facilities for hand washing some clothes during the project.
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