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Impak 2006 Quake Relief Summer Program (QRSP)


Impak 2006 Quake Relief Summer Program (QRSP)

What if you had the opportunity to help the 3.5 million people affected by the earthquake that hit Pakistan on October 8, 2005 to rebuild their lives?

Impak is looking for dynamic, initiative-driven individuals to take on the challenge. Impak's QRSP offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn and make a difference, while living Impak's vision of building bridges and affecting positive change through meaningful work opportunities.

. . .

Impak Announces "Quake Relief Summer Program (QRSP)" www.impak.org

Following a successful pilot program, Impak has reorganized and is making preparations for another summer service corps experience in Pakistan. This year, Impak is focused on supporting reconstruction efforts in Northern Pakistan following the earthquake that devastated the region in October 2005. The 2006 program, dubbed the "Quake Relief Summer Program" (QRSP), places volunteers with established organizations working with people and on projects that serve to restore normality to the region. Volunteers work and live with the organization while Impak supplements the experience with orientation and group travel opportunities.

The QRSP represents a special focus for Impak in 2006; Impak recognizes the incredible circumstances of the earthquake and has made necessary changes from its 2005 program to fulfill Impak's obligation in providing support to this region. Details about the QRSP, including applications and program dates, will be available soon on our website at impak.org ; join our mailing list and stay tuned for updates.

About us:

Impak is a private, non-profit organization that seeks to bring positive change by connecting individuals abroad to Pakistan through meaningful work and volunteer opportunities.

Pakistan exhibits a potential illustrated in the ambitions of an emerging population seeking to bring positive change in the country. Impak believes that it can help strengthen this effort by building bridges with communities abroad; its underlying objective is connecting Pakistan's emerging civil society with individuals overseas who are motivated to make an impact.

Beyond serving as a facilitator, Impak seeks to bridge cultural gaps, promote understanding and give individuals an opportunity to experience first-hand the real potential of Pakistan. Individuals participate in an intellectual and cultural exchange that is the first step on the path towards progress and understanding.

Overview ? 2005 Program Review ? Requirements ? Apply Now ? Program FAQ

Impak launches its second year after graduating from a successful pilot program last summer. This year, Impak is focused on supporting reconstructive efforts in Northern Pakistan following the earthquake that devastated the region in October 2005. The 2006 program, dubbed "Quake Relief Summer Program" (QRSP), places participants with established organizations working with people and on projects that serve to bring livelihood back to the region. Participants work and live with the organization while Impak supplements the experience with orientation and group travel opportunities. The QRSP is a slight deviation from our 2005 program; we recognize the incredible circumstances of the earthquake and have made necessary changes to fulfill Impak's obligation in providing support to this region.

Selection
Applicants choose a thematic area from a small list in their application. Participating organizations are from the non-profit sector with an established record of working in earthquake-affected regions. Participants may be considered for another organization if their skill set is better suited for another opportunity. However, participants have final say on whether they wish to work on a certain project. Once a project is confirmed the participant must fill out a contract with Impak adn the hosting organization, obtain immunizations, and make flight arrangements.

Orientation
Pilot program interns begin their session with a short orientation that serves as a segue into the cultural, social and political challenges that interns will likely face throughout their stay in Pakistan. Invited guests provide some context about relief work and share views on how their experience may impact themselves and others around them. In addition, the orientation supplies interns with a small handbook that includes contacts, emergency resources and procedures should any problem arise.

Placements
Program participants spend the summer with their respective organization working on projects outlined by their host organization. As part of their obligation to Impak, participants must provide a bi-weekly report consisting of a personal narrative and a technical evaluation of their experience. Participants can arrange flex time with their respective organization but, for the most part, must be fully immersed with their respective project. From our own experiences of working on the field in Pakistan, we believe that it is such focus and determination that will make their summer experience most memorable.

End of Session
During the last week of the program participants must ensure that they have completed any obligations to their host organization and with Impak. Once those have been met, they must participate in an exit interview that allows them to detail candidly the positive and negative aspects of working with their organization, areas for improvement, and an assessment of the overall experience.

Group Retreat
The last week of the program is a group trip for all interns with an intimate, organic experience at other parts of Pakistan. Planning and execution of the group trip is handled by TravelPak, a UK-based travel and trekking company. Last summer's trip was a phenomenal success and we anticipate this year's program to, again, be one of the highlights of the Impak experience.

For more information, please visit our website at www.impak.org
 

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