Trip requirements

You will need the following to join of our trips:

1. Valid Canadian Passport.
2. Valid health travel insurance. Make sure you inform your insurer that you are traveling to Haiti.
3. Immunizations. Consult your family doctor for what you need to travel to Haiti. It is strongly recommended that you have:
   1. Hepatitis A shot;
   2. Hepatitis B shot, if you are volunteering at medical clinics where exposure to blood is possible;
   3. Malaria pills (Note: you must start taking them 7 days prior to departure and continue for at least 14 days after return); and
   4. Tetanus shot.

   The cost of these shots vary depending on what travel clinic you go to. The average cost is $30 – $40 for each immunization shot.

4. The total trip costs. Approx. $1,200.00 (excluding travel insurance costs).
   • Note: Spending/contingency money is your decision. It is recommended that you bring some contingency money with you to cover unexpected costs. There is wonderful artwork in Haiti available. Local transportation to and from the work sites is covered by TWA but all other incidental costs are your responsibility. US currency is used in Haiti and most prices are listed in US dollars so you should bring your money in US dollars.
5. Insect repellant and sunscreen. (Check to make sure that your repellant and sunscreen can be used together.) If desired, mosquito netting will help at night. Hand wash sanitizer. Sunglasses. Sandals and shoes. (It is not recommended to walk through some streets with sandaled feet so a pair of ordinary shoes should be brought with you on the trip.) Medicine for diarrhea and nausea. Dust masks and heavy duty gloves for clearing rubble, if necessary.
6. We ask for our volunteers to have a deeper commitment and to commit to two weeks in Haiti. This is particularly required for new volunteers and volunteers from last year who were only in Haiti for one week. If you are a recurring volunteer and can only stay for one week for valid reasons, exceptions will be made.

Other things you need to know

1. As a volunteer, you are also required to commit to a workplace for at least 3 days at a time. For example, if you choose to work at the malnutrition clinic, you are required to stay there for at least 3 days before deciding to work at another place. If you choose to switch placements throughout the trip, you must commit at least 3 days to that place as well.
2. In order to be a volunteer with TWA in Haiti, you must attend at least two events, fundraisers or meetings. You can come to 2 meetings, a fundraiser and a meeting, 2 fundraisers, however you wish to distribute that. But you must be involved in at least two TWA gatherings before we arrive in Haiti.
3. You are required to unplug from Toronto, while in Haiti. This means, no form of social networking (facebook), email included, as well as phone calls. You can call or email home upon arrival and right before your departure. Internet will not be available at our new accomodation residence.
4. Cameras. As a volunteer with TWA, you are only permitted to take pictures of people if they give you their permission. You are not allowed to take pictures of people’s living environments or devastating structures unless those in the community personally give you their permission. TWA tries not to be invasive or intrusive to our best capabilities, and taking pictures of the suffering is often intrusive to those being photographed. Try your best to take your own ego out of the whole experience. Try to remember that we are there to give; not to show others that we are giving.

“YESSSSS!”

Two Boys Humming It Up

Street Market In Port Au Prince