December 10, 2008 - 5:15am
Students and faculty from Vancouver Island University are heading to Belize to help the country become better prepared at coping with disasters.
The project team, including 14 students, will be led by Geography professor Dr. Larry Wolfe and Dr. Victoria Macfarlane of the Psychology department.
“It’s a unique field school experience for students,” said Wolfe. “It’s not often that one can save lives for academic credit.”
Major hurricanes and floods have caused extensive damage in the small Central American country of Belize, especially in the past two years. In May 2008, Tropical Storm Arthur pounded central Belize, killing five, flooding towns, and damaging roads, bridges, and crops. In October, Tropical Depression 16 caused serious flooding throughout the country.
“This project will directly serve the people of Belize,” added Wolfe. “Students will help evaluate selected disaster programs, assess hazards and vulnerability and the adequacy of physical planning.
“The project team will visit disaster areas, interview residents and government officials, and gather documents and other information,” he added. “Team members will write policy analysis reports addressing disaster issues.”
According to Dr. Macfarlane, Belizeans have lots of experience with storms and flooding. “They have very competent people and leaders,” she said. “What they need is help gathering data to better prepare for future disasters. We are not coming as experts, but as helpers.”
The interdisciplinary team includes students and graduates from VIU’s Geography, Psychology, Global Studies, Criminology, Education, and other departments. Twelve students are from the Vancouver Island University and two from the University of Victoria.
“Students will receive credit for three fourth year courses, obtain valuable practical experience using the knowledge and skills they gained in university, and learn how to work and travel in a developing country,” said Wolfe. “The team will volunteer for the Government of Belize, communities, and non-governmental organizations.”
The trip takes place until May, but in the meantime team members will fundraise to help cover costs.
“Some disaster areas we’ll visit are not accessible by bus,” said Wolfe, “so we’ll require overnight accommodation. Donations from the community will enhance the capacity of the team to carry out its humanitarian work. Students will cover their own basic travel, tuition, and accommodation costs.”
The four week field school will include opportunities for students to learn about Belizean culture and ecosystems. Students will visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary, take part in jungle and river tours, and visit Mayan ruins.
One or two openings still exist for interested students. Eligibility is completion of third year university in any major and a social science methods course.
Wolfe took a group of students to Belize in 2007 to work on a community planning project for Organge Walk Town. Some of the students’ work is now being implemented by the Town Council and Government of Belize.
VIU’s Biology department has also run field schools in Belize for several years, and another one is in the planning stages.
Tags: In the Community
