Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

May 14–29, 2010

Be the first in 2010 to give a hand in the exotic country of Mongolia! We will be a team of diverse, fun and hardworking individuals from all over with a singular purpose—to help others. A common side effect of joining this team will be hands-on cultural immersion, genuine camaraderie and memories to last a lifetime! Join us as we journey to one of earth’s oldest cultures. No construction experience is needed.

About Mongolia
Mongolia is characterized by a cool climate, mountains, vast semi-desert and desert plains. Mongolia is located in northern Asia, between China and Russia.

Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia and is located in a valley between three mountains. Ulaanbaatar has more than one million inhabitants, which is close to half the country’s population. The capital is growing rapidly, because many nomadic families try to make a better life in the capital.

About Habitat for Humanity Mongolia
HFH Mongolia was set up in 1999 to address the need for decent and affordable housing. It has affiliates operating in Ulaanbaatar, Darkhan and Edernet and two program centers in Tsetserleg and Arvaikheer. Starting in July 2007, five new program centers were set up in Bagakhangai, Baganuur, Khakhorin, Nalaikh and Zuunmod.

Faced with the challenge of constructing houses suitable to the cold climate, Habitat houses are built in the Mongolian style, employing traditional materials and method. Walls are wood with an exterior brick veneer and concrete tile roof. A large brick stove centrally located in the house provides heating. Windows are of a Mongolian design with two glazed panels, and an enclosed porch is added to help preserve heat.

For more information about Habitat, visit http://www.habitat.org/cd/frame/frameset.aspx?r=3&url=www.hfh.mn.

Types of construction for volunteers
A typical Habitat home in Mongolia measures up to 36 square meters and is constructed with bricks or concrete blocks, wood, concrete roof sheeting and Styrofoam for insulation against the harsh winter. Toilets are built separately. Construction usually takes about 20 days, though building is only possible from May to October each year.

Typical jobs for volunteers consist of mixing cement, laying blocks or breaks, painting, hammering, digging, carrying bricks and fixing wall paper and Styrofoam onto walls and screwing gypsum boards onto walls and ceilings.

Standard itinerary
Day 1, typically Saturday: Depart for Mongolia.
Day 2, Sunday: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar; travel to host program; orientation with local staff member; visit project sites and families; welcome dinner.
Days 3–8, Monday–Saturday (workdays): Breakfast served before traveling to work site; work from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. with lunch on site; free time after work to clean up; dinner; time for team activities.
Day 9, Sunday: Free day; activity in local community.
Days 10–13, Monday–Thursday (workday): Breakfast served before traveling to work site; work from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. with lunch on site; free time after work to clean up; dinner; time for team activities; farewell with community.
Day 14, Friday: Travel to Ulaanbaatar; free time; dinner.
Day 15, Saturday: Departure day.

Accommodations
Teams to Mongolia usually stay in a modest hotel, with participants sharing double-occupancy rooms and shared baths. Breakfast is usually prepared by the team and taken at the hotel or may be taken at a local restaurant. Lunch is usually provided by the affiliate and taken on site. Dinner is usually taken at a local restaurant. Meals typically include meat. Mongolian, Russian and Chinese foods are available.

Trip cost
$1,600

Trip cost includes: donation to the Habitat host program and HFHI; meals; accommodations; transport (excluding trip participant airfare); medical emergency evacuation and trip cancellation insurance; some local cultural activities and team coordination and orientation materials. The trip cost does not include trip participant airfare, R&R activities or visa and exit fees (not applicable for all destinations).

Team leader
Ron Swartz is a student of the world and has been to classes in over 30 countries and all 7 continents. With his participation in Habitat builds in Chile, Malawi, Papua New Guinea and Costa Rica, he has become hooked on the feeling of helping others achieve decent shelter. As a general contractor in Seattle, Washington, he not only does this for his soul, he does this for a living too!

For more information on this exciting Global Village adventure to Mongolia, please contact Ron at hfhmongolia@gmail.com.