Vereinigung Junger FreiwilligerMTV / LTV Projekte in Tansania
UVIKIUTA
Achtung, Extra fees! siehe Punkt 6
Volunteers against poverty, ignorance and diseases
UVIKIUTA- Tanzania
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR MTV AND LTV VOLUNTEERS -2011
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1: BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction: Volunteer projects offer a powerful vision. It is based on our firm belief that volunteers have a vital role to play in developing and building a more just and sustainable world community. The programs aim at connecting meaningful volunteer work and community engagement with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as formulated by the UN. In the programs individuals and groups join up to live and work together or independently on a project brought forward by a local community. This is a personality-building and self-discovering experience. It is a journey not only through the geography of our planet, but also a journey through the many cultures of our world. The programs bring together people from different cultures and backgrounds to promote mutual understanding and lasting peace through practical actions. Volunteer projects are a tool to demonstrate that living and working together as well as sharing knowledge is not only possible but rewarding. In the volunteer projects we see the possibility of people to exchange experiences, and thus gain in-depth knowledge of other social, cultural, political environments and living conditions.
1.2 Philosophy: Volunteer projects provide an experience that connects service and culture with professional and personal growth. While the service we offer improves the quality of life for others, it also offers a time of reflection of our own lives. What we do is more than just social charity: It is an encounter with real people in the real world. Projects reach beyond the bounds of our commercialized society. They take us outside of our comfort zones and allow us to spend time in someone else's shoes. By working with people from and in various cultures, we learn to recognize the world we all share. We realize that our lives are interconnected and that our stories have common threads. We hope that by serving others you will discover yourself and improve your understanding of your own values and responsibilities as global citizen.
1.3 What to expect from the projects: Volunteer projects take place in very simple but comfortable enough conditions. While most projects are not extremely difficult, a positive attitude, flexibility and openness to new experiences are essential for every volunteer. Volunteers who have the best time are those, who can most successfully adapt to their new surroundings. Although the projects and living conditions are different in each project, volunteers can expect to eat, sleep, shower and do useful things in the community wherever they go. And last but not least: To have fun! At the project volunteers meet and work with many people from the community and all over the world and forge friendships that last much longer than the time spent together.
1.4 Statement of values: We believe that, everyone is capable of learning and changing. People of different backgrounds and cultures can learn to understand and respect one another. A true development process is one that ensures all youths have the right and opportunity to play active roles. Such a process has no room for discrimination, neither of women or people of all kinds. It respects cultures and local realities and affirms the universal declaration of human rights. Furthermore, it builds sustainable social and economic life that meets everyone's basic needs. Moreover, it respects the environment and promotes peace, justice, dignity and equality for all human beings.
1.5 Volunteer activities: Volunteers participate in various tasks allocated within the work placements. These range from administrational tasks, as field work or physical labor. Examples could be teaching English, teaching Sports, documenting projects, feeding children at an orphanage, coordinating youth activities, building or renovating a school or a health center, tree planting on environmental projects and many more.
1.6 Working hours: Volunteers normally work between 30 and 40 hours a week. Most placements do not require volunteers to work on Saturday, Sundays and public holidays unless stated otherwise or a need to do so arises during the project.
1.7 Project Location: Most UVIKIUTA-projects are located in rural areas and semi-urban centers. This provides more diverse and wider experiences.
2: PROGRAM STRUCTURE
In order to realise a project’s objectives and to meet the expectations of both the host-communities and the volunteers, the programs are divided into various components:
2.1 Volunteer arrival and orientation: If requested, volunteers are met at Dar es Salaam International Airport and brought to the UVIKIUTA headquarter about 17 km from the airport. All will be accommodated at the Rutihinda Vijana Hostel inside the UVIKIUTA compound. This is also where a one to two-days orientation session will take place. The duration of orientation will depend on the length of the project. Orientation objectives are:-
- Preparing volunteers for a new cultural experience
- Gaining general knowledge and learning more about the host community
- Outlining the expectations of the project
- Understanding current development issues in the country/community
- Give practical advice that will help volunteers stay healthy and safe, thus getting the most out of the experience
- Informing volunteers about their responsibilities
- Communicating pivotal components regarding the structure of the project, such as host community living, group living, volunteer work project etc.
2.2 Mid-term evaluation: A mid-term project meeting is held about half way through. All volunteers are expected to take part. In this meeting, volunteers get together to share their experiences. Thus, volunteers get the chance to identify and discuss successes, challenges and difficulties they meet during the project. Volunteers are invited to make suggestions and, if necessary, to propose changes.
2.3 Debriefing / End of the Project Evaluation: Similar to the orientation and the mid-term meeting, a debriefing session will take place the few days before the program ends. It is an open forum for discussions and evaluation of the project. The volunteers have the opportunity to asses the strengths and weakness of the experiences made.
3: PRACTICAL INFORMATION
3.1 Volunteer Profile
We expect a volunteer to be able to
a. embrace the experience as a learning opportunity.
b. have a keen sense of responsibility.
c. show respect for their new living and working environment.
d. be enthusiastic in terms of all their living, working and learning opportunities.
e. persevere despite challenges that may be encountered.
f. communicate in basic English and to have an interest in learning basic conversational Kiswahili language.
3.2 Language: Kiswahili is the National language spoken by most Tanzanians. Knowing a few words and phrases of Kiswahili is highly appreciated by the locals. In the projects people will be able to communicate in English well. A large number of people in Tanzania are able to conduct a basic conversation in English. It is very important that volunteers can communicate English in order to benefit from their volunteering activities. In some projects English language skills are not essential, so we also encourage volunteers from non-English to apply.
3.3 Age: The minimum age for volunteering at UVIKIUTA is 18 years. However, younger volunteers may be accepted if companied by guardians or parents. This year’s projects encourage the inclusion of and access for all. Special arrangements for seniors (over 50 years), families and the psychically challenged are already in place. Interested volunteers over 70 years should look into according issues, such as special insurance coverage, with the sending organizations in their respective countries.
3.4 Certificate of good conduct: Volunteers must be honest, trustworthy and law abiding in character. With their applications to UVIKIUTA, volunteers are required to submit a certificate issued by the authorities of their home countries, which confirms that the volunteer does not have a criminal record.
3.5 Written references: We require the contact details of two references – also to be handed in with the application form. One reference should be from an employer or teacher (confirmation of skills and qualifications) and the other reference confirms the character of the volunteer – ideally from a person who has known the volunteer for a long time. Both references should be from professionals and not from members of family or friends. These references serve to confirm character, reliability, maturity etc. of the applicant and should be in English.
3.6 Visa Information: Visa requirements may differ depending on the home country of the volunteer. Thus, volunteers must obtain detailed information either from the Tanzanian government website or from the high commission or embassy. Once a volunteer accepted, he or she will be issued an invitation letter, which can be used to apply for visa. Our office will provide support for the volunteers in obtaining visas.
3.7 Insurance: Please be aware that UVIKIUTA has no insurance coverage for its volunteers. If you fall ill or have an accident you will have to cover the costs yourself. You are therefore strongly advised to take out travel insurance in your own country. This is usually easy and inexpensive to do and additionally covers other incidents such as robbery or baggage loss.
3.7 Things to bring with you: Don’t bring anything you cannot carry yourself! Restrict yourself to one bag and one small daypack that can fit your camera, Kiswahili phrase book, water bottle, lunch, sunglasses, sunscreen, small first aid kit and any extra clothing you might need to handle changes in weather.
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Clothing: Modest cotton clothing is best, i.e. no clothing that is tight, flashy, ripped or marked with potentially offensive inscriptions or illustrations. Please note that it is strictly illegal for civilians to wear military clothing in Tanzania. |
· Simple, cool summer clothes and a nice outfit for parties, ceremonies and special occasions · Long pants and long sleeved shirts · Shorts (no shot pants!) and t-shirts that cover the shoulders · Light sweater and/or jacket · Bathing suit and towel · Rain wear and folding umbrella · Sandals and walking shoes · Work shoes and gloves · Pajamas · Bandana, sun hat or headscarf · Sleeping bag and bed sheets
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Toiletries: Non-scented items are best because they do not attract insects. |
· Zip-lock bags · Soap and shampoo · Sunscreen · Toothbrush and toothpaste · Comb and /or brush · Nail clippers · For women: sanitary napkins or tampons · For men: razor, shaving cream and blades · Talcum powder and/or deodorant
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Health / Personal First aid kit: Best to store in strong, plastic bag and to keep dry and clean. |
· Small supply of: disinfectant, band-aids, gauze and adhesive tape, calamine lotion, insect repellent, throat lozenges, pain killer, anti acid and any on going medication · Mosquito net · Check with your doctor and/or tropical institute about what kind of vaccinations you need. · Malaria is still endemic throughout East Africa. While it can be treated, it is not a mild sickness. UVIKIUTA-volunteers are strictly required to take preventive medicine.
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Miscellaneous: Only essentials are listed here. Please add according to personal preference. |
· Camera, batteries and film · Water bottle · Flash light (torch) and batteries · Notebook and/or stationary for personal diary · Sewing kit with needle and thread · Sunglasses · Extra pair of prescription glasses, if available · Musical instruments, CD player, card games, various games you would like to share · Souvenirs, recipes and other stuff you may need for your cultural night · Music and games from your country for the camps · Some information about your country; pictures, brochures, maps, books, coins, recipes · An official national flag · Small gifts from your country to give to people in your project / friends
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We collect: Kindly note that we collect various items from volunteers to be used for the projects or to donate to the people we work with. If you are able to make donations yourself and/or collect from your friends, please do! |
· Community Library: Books for all ages in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Kiswahili. We also accept educational videos, magazines etc. Those who are interested may raise funds to buy local books for the library. You can also donate. · IT for adult education classes: Used but working laptops, software and accessories. · Children and Orphans: Pencils, exercise books, colors, cloths, shoes etc. · Sports projects: Balls (football, netball, basketball, volleyball etc), nets, tennis and other sports and games equipment, sports wear, gym equipment etc. · Arts and Music Projects: Music CDs and video, music equipment, arts costumes etc. · More….You can send us an e-mail regarding specific things you would like to donate or to bring with you for more information. |
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Documents: Always transport in your “carry-on” luggage on the airplane. |
· A valid passport · Appropriate Entry Clearance / Visa for Tanzania · Letter of Invitation from UVIKIUTA · Police clearance certificate · Correctly issued flight ticket and confirmation thereof · Pocket English-Swahili dictionary/phrase book · Two passport sized photographs (to be submitted to the office on arrival)
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4: CODE OF CONDUCT FOR VOLUNTEERS
This code of conduct will be sent in a different format immediately after the volunteer has been accepted and should be signed and returned by e-mail at least ten days before the project starts.
i. Volunteers are not to act in any way that could put themselves or others at the risk of any kind.
ii. Being under the influence of alcohol will interfere with the ability to deliver services. Volunteers are to refrain from alcoholic beverages prior to or during their volunteer duties.
iii. Volunteers are not allowed to consume alcohol with clients of the host projects.
iv. Volunteers are expected to show respect in the use of all equipment of their host project and apply it in the way intended.
v. Volunteers are also expected to make use of any safety equipment which may be provided.
vi. Volunteers will follow all instructions and procedures to the best of their ability at all times.
vii. Volunteers will promote healthy and safe work practices by ensuring that co-workers adhere to a similar approach and by taking appropriate steps in relation to those who do not follow these requirements.
4.2 Legal
i. Volunteers are expected to respect all the organizational policies of the host organization.
ii. Volunteers must comply with Tanzanian law
iii. Volunteers must not consume illegal substances. Failure to comply may result in immediate expulsion from the program and/or arrest.
i. Volunteers are to promote integrity by being responsible, honest, fair and respectful of others.
ii. Volunteers must always respect the fundamental rights, dignity and worth of all people. This includes the right of each individual to privacy, confidentiality, self determination and culture.
iii. Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all proprietary or privileged information to which they are exposed to while serving as a volunteer. Such information includes but is not limited to: information regarding staff, volunteer, member or third party.
iv. Volunteers should always use the resources of UVIKIUTA and host projects resources in an appropriate manner.
v. Volunteers must respect and take good care of accommodation provided for their use.
vi. UVIKIUTA needs to be kept informed about the whereabouts of volunteers during the project period. It is compulsory to inform UVIKIUTA regarding any travel plans, especially travel outside the hosting community.
i. Volunteers carry responsibility towards the organization and should demonstrate willingness to adapt to their surroundings and fulfill the agreed tasks. During the project you will be involved in activities of various interest and importance. Please note, while some of the tasks and requirements may seem routine or self-explanatory, they are still important in running the organization. Volunteers are expected to complete the tasks and adhere to rules.
ii. Always strive to maintain high standards of competence whilst working. Recognize and express to your supervisor the boundaries of your particular competences and the limitations of your expertise!
iii. Volunteers must attend all the activities and training programs, which have been arranged by UVIKIUTA (including orientation on arrival, mid-term meeting, final evaluation)
iv. Volunteers stay in the project for the agreed duration unless there is a valid reason for leaving. These reasons should be discussed with UVIKIUTA before leaving the project. UVIKIUTA cannot be held responsible in any way for volunteers who choose to leave their project without discussing the matter with UVIKIUTA.
v. Volunteers, who wish to leave the project early, must notify UVIKIUTA and the sending organization of their intention to withdraw from the project and sign a pre-mature departure form.
4.4 Complaints
i. Volunteers have the responsibility to maintain contact with their project leaders and to seek guidance when necessary.
ii. Concerns and challenges should be discussed with UVIKIUTA as the organization can only act when it is aware of a problem.
4.5 Representing UVIKIUTA
Prior to any actions or statements that may significantly affect or obligate UVIKIUTA; volunteers should seek prior consultation and approval from appropriate staff. These actions may include, but are not limited to, public statements to the press, coalition of or lobbying efforts with other organizations, or any agreements involving contracts, resources, finances, or other obligations.
4.5 Non compliance
Volunteer ………………………………………………………………… understands that failure to adhere to any and all parts of this code may result in suspension or expulsion from the program.
Signed: __________________________ Date: ______________________________
5: CONTRACT FOR VOLUNTEERS
This contract will be sent in a different format immediately after the volunteer has been accepted and should be signed and sent back by e-mail at least ten days before the project starts.
5.1 I, ________________________________________, have read and understood the UVIKIUTA MTV general information, Information sheet and the Code of Conduct and accept its content. I have paid special attention to the section with regard to the project requirements.
5.2 I respect my living conditions, whether it is in a host family, private apartment, communal living or living within the project.
5.3 I will be flexible regarding the placement and will not refuse to stay in a project due to its geographical location.
5.4 I shall not seek or accept paid employment during the project.
5.5 I will attend the compulsory orientation-, mid-term-, and final evaluation sessions.
5.6 I understand that I can only travel before or after the project. Travel before the end of the project can with the consent of UVIKIUTA.
5.7 I will return to my home country after the program. If I fail to do so, I understand that UVIKIUTA is obliged to inform the authorities about my whereabouts.
5.8 I understand that, the volunteer projects are not traditional package holidays, where timetables and arrangements can be clearly defined at all times. Some changes in the program may occur depending on the needs of the hosting communities.
5.9 I understand that, most of the projects are not accessible for people with disabilities, although, some projects have the necessary facilities. People with disabilities have to contact UVIKIUTA or our partner organisation to get confirmation of that prior the start of the application.
5.10 I am expected to perform the tasks and duties foreseen for the implementation of the project and to facilitate the day-to-day running of the project on an equal basis as the other volunteers and under the direction of group leader(s) and local staff.
5.11 I do agree that, any pictures taken on the project, on which I may appear, as well as photos and/or written statement(s) provided by me, can be used in UVIKIUTA promotional materials, in order to present and promote the organization's volunteer projects and activities.
5.12 I am aware that, UVIKIUTA or our partner abroad are not responsible for any loss, cancellation, damage or injury arising as a consequence of natural disasters, weather conditions, fire, computer or systems failure, acts of war, terrorism, civil unrest, confiscation by or under the order of any government or public local authority, or for any other reasons beyond our control.
5.13 I am aware that, UVIKIUTA does not provide insurance cover for me or my possessions. UVIKIUTA is not liable for the loss, wear or damage to any personal items and that I am advised to provide myself with appropriate health, accident and travel insurance for the time of the project.
5.14 It is my responsibility to ensure that I have the necessary required documents like passport, tickets, visas, and vaccinations in order to enter and stay in Tanzania.
5.15 I am aware that, I have to cover travel costs to the project community and that; UVIKIUTA provides board and lodging for the participants free of charge. Any personal costs are my own responsibility.
5.16 I do agree that any information given by us healthcare, vaccinations, climate, clothing, equipment, conditions and other matters is given in good faith but without responsibility on our part. It is my responsibility to check the specific rules and regulations concerning my travel to Tanzania.
5.17 I hereby confirm to agree to the volunteers’ responsibility policy of UVIKIUTA, enforcing the volunteers to:
a. Respect Tanzanian law, especially regarding the use of illegal substances, legal drinking age (18), sexual harassment, shoplifting, discrimination etc.
b. Promote health, safety and security for the benefit of others and my own (preventing illnesses, hygiene). When using machinery and motorized vehicles, I do so carefully and with the collective safety in mind. I am responsible for my own insurance coverage during the project and my travel.
c. Be a positive and responsible participant: That I commit myself to learning and volunteering. I will participate in and integrate myself into my host community and culture and adhere to UVIKIUTA’s and sending organization’s mission.
5.18 I hereby release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue UVIKIUTA, any of its subsidiary or affiliated programs or organizations, any of its in-country partners or in-country staff or any of their representatives (Hereinafter referred to as releasees) from any and all liability claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or relating to any loss, damage or injury including death, that may be sustained by me or any loss or damage to property owned by me, as a result of my participation in UVIKIUTA program or my travel to other destinations. I hereby agree to indemnify and save and hold harmless the releasees and each of them from any loss, liability, damage, or costs they may incur as a result of my travels. It is my express intent that this release shall bind members of family and spouse, if I am alive, and my heirs, assigns and personal representatives, if I am deceased, and shall be deemed as a release, waiver, discharge and covenant not to sue the above-named releasees.
5.19 I have read and understood the above contract and agree to adhere to its content.
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First Name:
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Date of Birth:
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Place of Birth: |
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Nationality:
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Sending Organization: |
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Passport No.:
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Passport issued date/place |
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Project Code:
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Location: |
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Project Duration:
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Signature:
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Date:
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6: FINANCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
In order to realise the program objectives, the organisation requires resources like finances, human, material etc.
6.1 Sources
Most of our resources are coming from the following sources:
Human resource: Local volunteers who donates their precious time organizing projects and other activities. This sometimes includes project supervisors, camp leaders, kitchen supervisors etc.
Materials: Hosting communities which may donate sometime free accommodation or partly paid, some agencies donating materials for the projects, using our own facilities as organisation facilities like conference hall and other training facilities.
Finance: We collect participation fee from volunteers coming to our projects. The program does not have any funding from the Government not from funding agencies.
Solidarity: We raise funds by selling t-shirts and other items to support local volunteers to participate in the projects. We welcome as well volunteers who wish to donate € 5, € 10, € 15, € 20 or more for the same purpose. The certificate of recognition will be issued.
Capacity building: Some of our partners they have been funding some training, study tours and sending our volunteers abroad.
6.2 Utilization
The resources are utilized in the following ways:
Project development: Selection and preparation of the hosting projects, recruitment of international and local volunteers. The costs involved are transport to different hosting regions, meals and accommodation, communication and stationeries.
During the project: Food and accommodation for the volunteers, transport cost for the project leaders, sometimes (not always) provide materials to the projects.
Post program activities: evaluation and change management. This includes evaluating the projects, meetings with the communities, compensation of any damages. Other funds here are allotted to transport, food and accommodation for volunteers or staff doing such an assignment.
Administration cost: Some of the fund goes to the general administration of the organisation including program staff salaries, long term volunteer’s allowances (camp leaders, kitchen staff, and sometimes community facilitators) and office operation expenses.
Solidarity: We support local volunteers who are not able to pay to join the workcamps and the exchange programs. The cost may be camp fee, food and accommodation, transport etc depending on the volunteer’s need.
6.3 Fee structure for the year 2011
Volunteers are required to pay the applicable cost on their arrival, preferably in cash Euro. Payment can also be paid in Tanzanian shilling or US$ using the applicable exchange rate of the day. The fee structure depends on location, duration and type of project. Unless indicated otherwise in the information sheet, the following fee structure will be applicable for the International workcamps 2011:-
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1 Month |
€300 |
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Any additional (Extra) week |
€60 |
6.4 What is covered during the project?
- Meals
- Accommodation
- Orientation
- Administrative support
6.5 What is not covered during the project?
- Meals outside the project accommodation
- Medical services including vaccinations
- Leisure and free time activities
- Transport to and from the project
- Airport picks up and drop offs
6.6 Cancellation and refund
Since the program budgets are based on the number of registrations, there will be no refunds for cancellations, terminations, or change in the duration of your stay after arrival.
6.7 Services which can be provided upon prior request?
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Airport picks up and drops offs (from Airport to city center/UVIKIUTA Rutihinda Vijana Hostel)
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€20 |
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Accommodation at UVIKIUTA-Ruthihanda Vijana Hostel (B&B)
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€10 |
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Food (Lunch or dinner)
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€3 |
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Safari (National Parks) and Mount Kilimanjaro climbing |
on request
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Beach holidays (Zanzibar,Bagamoyo, Dar es Salaam and Mtwara) |
on request
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Updated 3rd February 2011
LIST OF MEDIUM AND LONG TERM VOLUNTEER PROJECT 2011
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Note: Individual project detailed description are available.
