The type of work of the projects is shown by abbreviations as follows: Archaeology ARCH Cultural heredity protection HIST Cultural projects ARTS Enviranment ENVI Renovation/constraction RENO Work with kids KIDS OUR ADDRESS: Alternative-V 44, Khmelnitskogo Street, Room 303 Kyiv 01030 Ukraine tel: (380 44) 244-39-15; fax: (380 44) 234-43-97; E-mail: alternat@mail.kar.net Ukr. K-1 Buky-1 Kyiv region 10/06-24/06 KIDS 2 vols Ukr. K-2 Buky-2 Kyiv region 25/06-08/07 KIDS 2 vols Project: On the initiative of Skvyra Social Centre for Youth (Kyiv region) summer sport and health improvement camps will be organised for teenagers from disadvantaged background (12-16 years old, 50 participants in each camp) at secondary school of Buky village (Kyiv region). Buky village is located in highly picturesque surroundings, by a mixed forest and the small river Rastavitsa, in historically unique area, the real motherland of all the Slavs. In the village outskirts one can find the excavated remains of ancient Varangian settlement, ramparts of long ago destroyed fortress, granite ranges and rock areas of outcropping Ukrainian tectonic plate. Work: Assistance in organising every day life and leisure time activities for the teenagers. Volunteers will be suggested to chose from the following: teaching foreign languages, teaching methods of assistance in extreme cases, teaching basic principles of Christianity, psychological trainings, teaching self-defence techniques, organising games, competitions, quizzes, different workshops. Additionally you can look after the teens. If you like working with the youngsters, be prepared for an eye-opening, entertaining and exhausting time! Work is hard, but rewarding! Board and lodging: In the school. Special diet will be a problem (vegetarian, vegan etc.) Location: Buky village, Skvyra district of Kyiv region, 130 km. to the south-west of Kyiv. Leisure time: The teens will take maximum of your time. You will play games with them, accompany them to the beach etc. Cultural programme: excursions to Kyiv and Bila Tserkva town will be organised. What to bring: Sleeping bag, sportswear, swimming suit, mosquito repellents, all the stuff you find necessary for organising work with teens, musical instruments, tapes and whatever you want. Languages: English. Of course, basic knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian will be a great advantage. But if you do not speak either Ukrainian or Russian, you must have extensive experience in working with children. Special requirements: aged from 19, strong motivation, experience in working with children. Special notes: Participation of one volunteer in two projects is possible. Meeting point: In the office of Alternative-V. Ukr. K-3 Pedestrian Route Kyiv 08/07-22/07 ARTS/HIST 15 vols Project: Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, is a city of rich cultural traditions. There are about 40 museums that include more than 2.3 million of exhibits, 59 archaeological monuments, 1740 historical monuments, 569 monuments of architecture. On August 24, 2001 Ukraine will celebrate 10th annivesary of its independence, and our organisation Alternative-V also wants to contribute to the celebration and to propose the project which differs from all the workcamps we usually organise. The idea is to connect the main historic and cultural places situated in the central part of the city into 2-3 pedestrian routs, which will help the visitors of the city to find their way in the downtown. Why did we decide to do it? Kyiv is a wonderful city, which has a vast amount of places worth seeing, but at the moment mostly Kyevans and specialist in the history of Kyiv know about them, and the amount of city guides in Kyiv bookshops is very limited. The routs will be worked out by the historians and archaeologists by mid June and after the workcamp the special map will be printed, on which this routs will be marked. Work: The main work of the volunteers will be to mark these routs on the pavements with human footprints :). Volunteers will be working 5 hours a day. Board and lodging: Volunteers will be accommodated in the student hostel. Food will be provided in the student's canteen three times a day. Leisure time: You can learn history, culture and life of Ukraine. Visits to numerous museums, exhibitions and places of interest and boat trip on the Dnipro River will be organised. Languages: English, Russian, Ukrainian. What to bring: working clothes, gloves, swimming suit, musical instruments. Special requirements: Motivated volunteers wanted (interested in history)! Meeting point: In the office of Alternative-V on the 8th of Jule from 9 a.m. till 6 p.m. Ukr. K-4 Motronivka Chernihiv region 08/07-22/07 RENO 15 vols Project partners: Chernihiv State University of Economics and Management, Chernigiv Branch of International Charity Fund of Panteleymon Kulish Project: The manor of Panteleymon Kulish is situated in Motronivka village, 180 km to the north-east from Kyiv. The prominent Ukrainian writer, well known in the world, ethnographer, translator, specialist in folklore, the first person who translated the Bible into Ukrainian, lived and worked there in the XIX century. Panteleymon Kulish translated the works of Pushkin, Shakespeare, Bayron, is the author of numerous historical novels. Village Motronivka was founded in 1654. The manor has a great historical, ethnographical and folklore value. In XVII-XVIII during the peacetime Cossacks lived in this place, which was a small town at that time. Panteleymon Kulish was berried on the territory of his manor in 1897. Recently the manor was turned into an open air museum. Work: Nowadays renovation work is carried out on the territory of the open air museum. Volunteers will help professional workers to make rod fence (800 m), to plaster the walls of the buildings, to paint window-frames and in different other works to restore the exhibits. Board and lodging: Volunteers will be accommodated on the territory of the manor in an old Ukrainian house; meals will be provided three times a day. Helio-shower. Location: Chernihiv region, Borzna district (180 km from Kyiv, north of Ukraine). Leisure time activities: Volunteers can explore about the history and culture of the Siverskyy Land and about the life of the famous Ukrainian writer Panteleymon Kulish. Swimming in the lake. Excursions to the regional centre Chernihiv - capital of Siverskyy Land, and to many other interesting places situated not far from Motronivka, will be organised. What to bring: Sleeping bag, warm clothes, a mat, swimming suit, a torch, mosquito repellents. You can also take a fishing-rod with you. Languages: English, Russian, Ukrainian. Meeting point: In the office of Alternative-V on the 8 July from 9 a.m. till 7 p.m. Ukr. K-5 Artek Crimea 22/07-04/08 KIDS 7 vols Project partner: Regional Youth Centre for European Cooperation "Planet XXI". Project: The International Children Centre ARTEK, which is a governmental venture, is a famous in the field of rest and education of teenagers. It is located in the southern area of Crimean peninsula, on the coast of the Black Sea and combines unique environmental conditions with highly developed infrastructure and experienced staff. Children have a good rest, learn more about different cultures. They are becoming aware of their way over to humanism, international partnership and democracy. ARTEK was founded in 1925 in the evergreen health resort area, where a few "dachas" had been scattered. It has grown up now and consists of an entire complex of 10 camps. Over 30 000 children of the age 10 -16 attend the ARTEK camps annually. ARTEK provides quality programs that promote self-improvement and self reliance through spiritual, mental and physical development. Work: Every volunteer together with two Ukrainian leaders will take care of 30-35 teenagers. The main task of the volunteers will be to help in organising everyday life of the camp and leisure time activities, such as workshops, sport competitions, contests, activities connected with culture, history, traditions of the volunteers' countries. We expect from volunteers new ideas and enthusiasm in organising children's rest (i.e. games on the beach) to make it meaningful and useful. Every volunteer must be ready to help children in organising the Day of Culture of the volunteer's country (national games, songs, dances, recepies of the national food - should be easy to cook!). If you have an experience and desire to work with children, this project is for YOU! Board and lodging: Volunteers will be lodged in 4-bed rooms. Food will be provided in the camp's canteen five times a day! Leisure time: Most of your time is supposed to be spent with teens. However, the camp is located in 200 metres from the sea. Lots of sport facilities are available, in the evening will be organised: discos, wide screen films, cultural meetings with the campers and the staff etc. Cultural programme: excursions to Sevastopol, Yalta, visits to the palaces of Russian tsars of the XIX century, boat trips, backpack tours to the mountains are planned. Languages: English, Russian, Ukrainian. What to bring: swimming suit, musical instruments, detailed information about your country (will be used for geographical and historical quizzes), national games and recipes, sleeping bag for the hikes. Special requirements: aged from 19 to 35, motivation, basic knowledge of Russian or Ukrainian is an advantage, but not necessary. The most important requirement - experience in work with children, especially teenagers. Volunteer must submit a medical certificate, accepted in their countries, confirming that they can work with children (do not have any contagious diseases). Meeting point: In the office of Alternative-V on the 21st of July (the day before the camp starts) from 9 a.m. till 6 p.m. The group then will take a train to Crimea (journey will last for about 20 hours). Ukr.K-6 School Kyiv 22/07-04/08 ARTS 15 vols Project: This project is organised for the 6th time and was a great success all the previous years. This camp takes place in a boarding school for orphans (one of 26 boarding schools in Kyiv). Here 245 children of 6-17 years of age live and study. They have no parents and need our attention. That's why we suggest at least making the place they live a little more pleasant. Please note that there will be no children in the boarding school during summer period, but the meeting with kids can be organised (they stay in recreation camp during summer), so, take presents and souvenirs for them! Work: Volunteers will be working in the corridors of the school building of the orphanage - the task will be to paint the pictures on the walls. The theme and sketches of the drawings will be defined by the administration of the orphanage and it will be absolutely necessary to stick to their decision, which still leaves enough space for your creativity. Board and lodging will be provided on the territory of the school. Volunteers will be accommodated in the rooms where children normally live (2 large rooms will be at your disposal); toilets and showers are available inside the balding. Unfortunately hot water is often not provided in the orphanage in summer due to the repairs of the system. Volunteers will cook their breakfast and dinner, lunch will be provided. Location: Kyiv. Leisure time: You can learn history, culture and life of Ukraine. Visits to numerous museums, exhibitions and places of interest and boat trip on the Dnipro River will be organised. Languages: English, Russian, Ukrainian. What to bring: working cloths, gloves, thin paint-brush, dyes, your ideas, swimming suit. Special requirements: Having painting/drawing skills is preferable. Meeting point: In the office of Alternative-V on the 22 July from 9 a.m. till 7 p.m. Ukr.K-7 Rykhly Chernihiv region 22/07-05/08 RENO 15 vols Project partner: Department on Youth and Family Affairs of Korop Town Administration. Project: Rykhlovsky natural reserve "Rykhlovskaia dacha" is the remains of Rykhlovsky St. Nicholas monastery. The first historical note about the monastery can be found at the description of Malorussia (old name of Ukraine) towns of 1654. In the "Universal" (a solemn document) of the Ukrainian hetman Mnogogrishny of April 19, 1669 it's indicated, that the monastery was founded near an old church, on the place, where St. Nicholas figure appearance was noticed. During the ages the monastery has experienced lots of reconstruction, a major conflagration in 1775, during which the monk cells and the churches were burnt out. Unfortunately, by now many religious buildings were destroyed. Now this unique complex has an ancient park with white wood and chestnut alleys, fragments of linden alley, 500 years old oak. The museum also includes monastic caves built in XVI-XVII centuries, despite miserable condition, one of them is open for tourists. This is the third year project. The first workcamp in 1999 started the long process of monastery restoration: 2 chestnut alleys of XVIII century have been restored, preparatory cleaning work of the caves' entrances were made. For the year 2000 the permission to build a new church on the territory of the Rykhlovsky natural reserve was obtained and the foundation of the church was laid by the volunteers. Work: This summer volunteers will participate in the building of the church as assistants to professional builders and will be involved in cleaning work of the territory around ruins of the monastery and monks' caves. Work - 5 hours a day (9 a.m. - 2 p.m.) Board and lodging: Accommodation - in the local school (bed-linen and mattresses will be provided). Very simple facilities: toilet and open-air helio-shower. Food will be provided 3 times a day. Location: Rykhly village, 26 kilometers from Korop and 140 km from Chernihiv (on the north-east of Ukraine). Very isolated place, surrounded by forest. Far from civilization. Leisure time: Excursion to the regional center Korop will be organised. Possible trips to Chernihiv and Novhorod-Siverskyy. Seeing the historical sights of Chernihiv region, familiarisation with folk crafts, swimming in a lake etc. Languages: English, Ukrainian, Russian. What to bring: working clothes, gloves, strong shoes, swimming suit, mosquito repellents, pocket torch. Meeting point: In the office of Alternative-V on the 21 July (the day before the workcamp starts) from 9 a.m. till 9 p.m. Ukr. K-8 Alushta Crimea 05/08-18/08 KIDS 6 vols Project partner: Regional Youth Centre of European Cooperation " Planet XXI ". Project: Alushta is second largest town on the Crimea's Southern Coast after Yalta. The town is situated in the largest hollow on the Southern Coast. Alushta inherited its name from the Bysantine fortress of Aluston, which was built here in the 6th century A.D. by order of the Byzantine emperor Justinian I/483- 565/who also rebuilt the church of St.Sophia at Constantinople. In the present - day you can look round the remains of the Byzantine fortress, its defence tower and part of a wall. The project will be organised in the children's summer centre 'Chaika' ('Seagull') which caters for about 400 kids per month. Work: Every volunteer together with two Ukrainian leaders will take care of 30-35 teenagers. The main task of the volunteers will be to help in organising everyday life of the camp and leisure time activities, such as workshops, sport competitions, contests, activities connected with culture, history, traditions of the volunteers' countries. We expect from volunteers new ideas and enthusiasm in organising children's rest (i.e. games on the beach) to make it meaningful and useful. Every volunteer must be ready to help children in organising the Day of Culture of the volunteer's country (national games, songs, dances, recepies of the national food - should be easy to cook!). If you have an experience and desire to work with children, this project is for YOU! Board and lodging: Volunteers will be lodged in 4-bed rooms. Food will be provided in the camp's canteen five times a day! Leisure time: Most of your time is supposed to be spent with teens. However, the camp is located in 500 metres from the sea. Lots of sport facilities are available, in the evening will be organised: discos, wide screen films, cultural meetings with the campers and the staff etc. Cultural programme: excursions to Yalta, visits to the palaces of Russian tsars of the XIX century, boat trip, backpack tour to the mountains are planned. Languages: English, Russian, Ukrainian. What to bring: swimming suit, musical instruments, detailed information about your country (will be used for geographical and historical quizzes), national games and recipes, sleeping bag for hikes. Special requirements: aged from 19 to 35, motivation, basic knowledge of Russian or Ukrainian is an advantage, but not necessary. The most important requirement - experience in work with children, especially teenagers. Volunteer must submit a medical certificate, accepted in their countries, confirming that they can work with children (do not have any contagious diseases). Meeting point: In the office of Alternative-V on the 4th of August (the day before the camp starts) from 9 a.m. till 6 p.m. Ukr.K-9 Perejaslav-Khmelnitskyy Kyiv region 05/08-19/08 RENO/HIST 15 vols Project partner: Perejaslav-Khmelnitskiy Centre for Social Services For Youth. Project: The camp is situated in the suburban part of Perejaslav-Khmelnitskiy. This town has rich history and a lot of places to see. It is situated on the banks of one of the most beautiful rivers in Ukraine - the Dnipro, 100 km to the south-east of Kyiv - the capital of Ukraine. There are 17 museums and 7 magnificent parks, so volunteers will enjoy this place. Work: We continue the 5 last year project. Repairing of historic objects and cultural monuments, participating in the work on the territory of the historic and cultural recreation area in Perejaslav-Khmelnitskiy. Volunteers will help the workers of the Museum of Ukrainian Folk Architecture through different activities to restore the museum exhibits and to clean the territory of the museum. Board and lodging: Accommodation will be provided on the territory of the Museum in the old house named "korchma" built in XIX century. Only helio-shower will be provided. The volunteers will cook breakfast and dinner by themselves and a hot lunch will be provided. Location: Perejaslav-Khmelnitskiy, 100 km to the south-east of Kyiv. Leisure time: As it was said above there are a lot of museums in Perejaslav-Khmelnitskiy, so, volunteers can explore the history and culture of the Central Ukraine. Boat trip to Kaniv (small town, where prominent Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko was buried) will be organised. Sunbathing and swimming in the Dnipro River. What to bring: Working cloth, sleeping bag, swimming suit, a mat, lantern, shoes, sportswear, mosquito protection liquid, tapes, music instruments and whatever you want. Meeting point: In the office of Alternative-V on the 5 August from 9 a.m. till 6 p.m. Ukr. K-10 Kayak eco-tour Chernihiv region 05/08-22/08 ENVI/HIST 17 vols. (7 intern. and 10 local) Project partner: Tourist club of Chernihiv State University of Economics and Management. Project: The Desna is one of the largest left-bank confluent of the Dnipro River, is a typical lowland river. During the Soviet time the river was used for carriage of passengers and goods transportation. In the last 10 years the river became shallow, which led to the decrease in species which inhabit the river, changes of the river-bed and imbalance in nature. In addition to this numerous rubbish dumps emerged on the banks of the river, badly contaminating the area. The main tasks of the project - to explore and examine the condition of the banks of the river, to analyze river water, flora of the meadows on the river banks. We believe that this workcamp will be the first step in the revival of the river. There is also a complementary task for this tour. Chernihiv Region is the part of Ukraine with rich history. Therefore volunteers will have a task to explore and examine the condition of historical and architectural monuments situated on the river banks, some of which date back to the XI century. 7 international and 10 local volunteers within 17 days will cover distance of 318 km on kayaks, which means making about 30 km per day with stops. The trip will start from Novgorod-Siverskyy, one of the most ancient towns of Ukraine. The route will pass trough Yuhnovo site of ancient settlement (dates from VI-II centuries BC), Mezin village, where the settlement of the late Paleolith was found and other historical places. The trip will finish in Chernihiv. Board and lodging: Accommodation in tents, food will be prepared on the fire. Location: Novgorod-Siverskyy (300 km from Kyiv) - Chernihiv (140 km from Kyiv) Cultural programme: You will have an opportunity to see one of most ancient settlements of the Slavs and historical places. What to bring: Sleeping bag, warm clothes, mat, swimming suit, torch, mosquito repellents, summer rain-coat, spoon, fork, cup, soup plate, knife, rucksack. If you enjoy fishing - take fishing tackle with you. Languages: English, Russian, Ukrainian. Meeting point: In the office of Alternative-V on the 5th of August from 9 a.m. till 6 p.m. Ukr.K-11 Dnipropetrovsk 12/08-26/08 Reno/Kids 20 vols (12 intern., 8 local) Project partner: Dnipropetrovsk Centre for Youth Co-operation. Project: Dnipropetrovsk is one of the largest and most beautiful cities in Ukraine. This picturesque city (former town of Ekaterinoslav), which is situated on the Dnipro River and has 1,5 million inhabitants, was founded by prince Potemkin in 1776 in honour of the Russian empress Ekaterina II. It was the place where the first European democratic republic emerged - Zaporizhska Sich (Cossacks republic). Until 1989 Dnipropetrovsk was closed for foreign visitors. It is an industrial city, and has many architectural and historical monuments. The project will be organised in a club for orphans and children from disadvantaged background, where they attend different workshops and spend their free time after lessons at school. The club is situated in the centre of the city. Work: Volunteers will be mostly involved in repairing work in a club: painting walls and windows-frame, whitewashing of the ceiling, plastering the walls; cleaning and renovating sportground etc. Board and lodging: in the children's club. Meals will be provided 3 times a day in the café, not far from the club. Location: Dnipropetrovsk (central part of Ukraine). Leisure time: Familiarisation with the history and the present times of the area. Excursions around Dniepropetrovsk, attending museums of the city and the region. Rest on the Dnieper River, attending disco clubs, two days hike with tents (with members of Dnipropetrovsk youth organizations). Languages: English, Russian, Ukrainian. What to bring: working cloths, gloves, sleeping bag, mat, swimming suit, mosquito protection, tapes, musical instruments, good mood. Meeting point: In the office of Alternative-V on the 11th of August (the day before the camp starts) from 9 a.m. till 8 p.m. Ukr. K-12 Khersones Sevastopol Crimea 12/08-26/08 ARCH 16 vols Project partner: Regional Youth Centre for European Cooperation "Planet XXI". Project: Ancient Khersones was the last Greek colony to emerge on the north coast of the Black Sea: it was founded in 422 BC. In the words of Ciceron it was like a border sewn on the barbarian lands. Khersones was a slave-owning democratic republic. Medieval Khersones was chief Byzantine bastion in the Crimea until the 13 century when Byzantium began to decline and the Golden Horde had established its rule. The city withstood numerous Tatar assaults and rose from the ashes many times. One assault it did not survive, though, was that of Khan Edighei at the end of the 14th century. Khersones was left in ruins. A collection of exhibits was begun in Khersones at the end of the 19th century. The first excavations were conducted in 1827 by order of the Commander of the Black Sea Fleet Kruse. He was a well-educated man and understood the significance and value of the ancient place. The finds were kept in a small storehouse on the shore of Karantinnaya Bay. Khersones has been explored for over 170 years. It has become a major research and educational establishment. Today the visitors can stroll along the ancient streets and squares, admire the white marble columns on the seashore and examine the museum exhibits. Work: From the 12th till the 26th of August, 2001 archaeological excavations will take place in the nearby area of Khersones on Bezymyannyy Peninsula. Three years ago on this peninsula a Christian temple of the X century was discovered, under which the layers dated back to the IV century BC were found. The main task will be to finalize the excavations and to make this place accessible for tourists. Working hours will be between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m. (5-6 hours) /taking into consideration the fact that in the afternoon it will be absolutely impossible to work due to hot weather/, 6 days a week. Board and lodging: Volunteers will be accommodated in the boarding school (four-bed rooms), situated 13 km from the place of excavations. Toilet is available in the building, shower will be accessible after work. Food will be provided in the camp's canteen three times a day. There will be a special bus which every day will bring volunteers to the work place and take them to the accommodation after work. Leisure time: The camp is located very close to the sea - this means you will be able to spend some time on the beach. Excursions to Sevastopol, khan's palace in Bakhchisaray, to the cave-town Chufut-Kale, Uspenskyy monastery will be organised. Languages: English, Russian. What to bring: working clothes, gloves, sleeping bag, swimming suit, musical instruments, Panama hat (absolutely necessary!!!), sunscreen (lotion with sun protection factor). Special requirements: Volunteer must keep the safety measures while working on the archaeological excavations. Motivated volunteers wanted! Meeting point: In the office of Alternative-V on the 11th of August (the day before the camp starts) from 9 a.m. till 6 p.m. Ukr.K-13 Prymorsk Zaporizhzhya region 12/08-26/08 RENO 15 vols Project partner: Regional Youth Association "Euroclub". Project: The town of Prymorsk is located on the on the shore of the Azov sea in the southern part of Zaporizhzhya region and is considered to be one of the best resorts of Ukraine. There's no industry in Prymorsk. The biggest cathedral in Zaporizhzhya region is being built in Prymorsk on the initiative of the local priest. Owing to his efforts and energy the building of the cathedral has almost been finished. Work: The interior works must be done in order to complete the construction. Volunteers will help professional workers in different interior works, cleaning and decorating. The work requires no special skills. We continue the last year project. Board and lodging: Three times a day meal will be prepared by a cook. Volunteers will be lodged in a student hostel (3-5 prs. in room). Location: In the south of Zaporizhzhya region, between Melitopol and Berdiansk (southern part of Ukraine). Leisure time: Sea bathing, sightseeing, excursions to the city museums, a trip to Berdiansk town will be organised. What to bring: Working clothes, sleeping bag, swimming suit, musical instruments, national drinks, tapes and whatever you want. Languages: English, Russian, Ukrainian. Meeting point: In the office of Alternative-V on the 11 August from 9 a.m. till 6 p.m. WHAT'S UKRAINE Ukraine is the state in Eastern Europe (the total area is 603,700 sq. km), bordering Belarus to the north, the Russian Federation to the east and to the north, Poland, Slovakia to the west, and Hungary, Romania and Moldova to the southwest. On the south Ukraine is washed by the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.The capital of the country is Kyiv, the former capital of ancient Rus. Its population is over 3 million people. The climate is moderate-continental nearly all over Ukraine, except the southernmost region of the Crimea where it is sub-tropical. The largest river of Ukraine is the Dnipro (Dnieper) - 2,201 m in length, the largest mountain system is the Carpathians and the highest peak is Mount Hoverla (2,061 m). Though Ukraine is considered to be a newly independent state it has a long and glorified history; it is rich in historical and cultural monuments of various epochs attracting many tourists to visit this country which is actually unknown for many peoples all over the world. Ukraine is an industrial and agricultural country. It produces ocean liners, electronic microscopes and synthetic diamonds, TV sets and computers. The country is rich in iron ore, coal, natural gas, salt and other mineral resources. It is a metallurgic, machine-building and fuel base of Europe, a producer of chemicals and agricultural raw materials. Ukrainian soil is considered to be the best one of the world together with the soil of the Brazilian jungles. The largest Ukrainian cities are Kyiv, Kharkiv, Lviv, Dniepropetrovsk, Odessa. The President is the Head of the executive branch of the Government, the legislative branch - is ruled by the Parliament. The international activities of the Ukraine's government are directed towards realising the foreign policy, based on principles of the peaceful coexistence of states with different social systems, a policy aimed at strengthening of peace and security in the world. With patience and a positive attitude, the traveller to Ukraine will glimpse not only the landscapes and rich cultural heritage of this land, but also the extraordinary process that is now redefining life in Ukraine. Ukrainian Association for Youth Co-operation "Alternative-V" Ukrainian Association for Youth Co-operation "Alternative-V" - is a non-political, non-profit public organisation, founded on the basis of volunteerism in 1992. Alternative-V was created to facilitate co-operation between youth organisations, to involve Ukrainian young people into youth programmes in the fields of education, culture, ecology, historical heredity protection and helping disadvantaged people. Alternative-V wants to contribute to development of more peaceful society, to the decrease of social injustice. The goals of the Association are: - facilitating of mutual understanding, development of friendship and co-operation between young people of different countries; organisation of international actions which contribute to development of youth and student movement in Ukraine and its integration into international youth movement; - assistance in organisation of international exchanges, youth voluntary service programmes, establishing contacts with organisations, sharing the goals of the Association; - dissemination of the ideas of youth voluntary service among national and international public organisations; - involvement of the Ukrainian youth in the programmes organised by the Association. Partners and projects Alternative-V is official partner organisation of Service Civil International (SCI), partner of the East-West Working Group of SCI (SCI group on East-West co-operation), Associate member of the Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organisations, member of CCIVS (UNESCO) /Co-ordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service/, founding member of Eastlinks (co-operation platform for voluntary service organisations in Eastern and Central Europe), administrator of CAMP AMERICA programme in Ukraine, member of the Ukrainian National Committee of Youth Organisations, partner of ICYE (International Cultural Youth Exchange). Co-operation between these organisations and Alternative-V is represented with wide variety of projects including short and long-term volunteer exchanges, seminars, training courses, study visits and individual trainings, student exchanges. Though there are four main programs, through which Alternative-V achieves its goals: In 1999 Alternative-V obtained a status of All-Ukrainian association. At the moment Association has14 branches in 14 regions of Ukraine. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR VOLUNTEERS How to find office of "Alternative-V" From the railway station: When in Vokzalnaya square (Vokzalnaya ploshcha) go one station by subway till stop "University" (in direction of Khreshchatic station). Here leave the subway and go down to the underground crossing. After coming out from the crossing go straight ahead for 300 meters along Pirogova st., cross B.Khmelnitskogo st. Our office will be right in front of you. It is straight to the right of the post office, in the four storey building with large light-brown doors. From the airport: At the airport take the bus "Poljot" (ticket price 2$) or the taxi (approximate price 15-20$) and ask the driver to stop at the metro station "University". After coming out from the bus go straight for 20 meters, then turn to the right and go for 300 meters more along Pirogova st. Cross B.Khmelnitskogo st. Our office will be right in front of you. It is straight to the right of the post office, in the four storey building with large light-brown doors. Useful tips Payments The national currency is hryvna. There are banknotes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 hryvnas. Besides this there are copecks: 1 hryvna is 100 copecks. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 and 50 copecks. Traveler's Cheques: Traveler's Cheques can be cashed at Intourist hotels and a number of banks and exchange offices. Currency exchange: The most commonly accepted foreign hard currencies are United States Dollars (USD) and Deutschemarks (DEM). You can exchange hard currency for hryvna at a number of locations throughout the big cities. If you are arriving at Boryspil International Airport, you will find currency exchange offices located in the airport (the rate will be a bit worse that in 'normal' places). Once you are in the city we suggest that you change money into local currency at major hotels, or official exchange offices. New exchange offices are popping up all over the cities. The exchange rate is sure to change substantially by the time you read this. Beware of changing money on the streets or with individuals. It's illegal, and it can be dangerous. Remember, you are probably far better off than the average Ukrainian. Don't flash your cash! And don't change your money on the black market. Credit cards: Credit cards are not in wide use throughout Ukraine. Some major hotels accept credit cards but be sure to ask first. Credit cards are becoming more and more widely used in Ukraine. At the entrance to a shop, restaurant, casino, etc. you will see always the information about credit cards which are accepted. Electricity: The standard electrical current in Ukraine is 220 volts. Clients having electric devices with North-American appliances need an adapter/ a transformer (which you can buy in Ukraine). International time: When you come to Ukraine you shouldn't forget that Ukraine's time is two hours later than Greenwich Mean Time. To save power in daylight time clocks are advanced one hour from the last Sunday in March till the last Sunday in September. Operating hours: The work time in Ukraine is usually eight hours per day, from Monday to Friday, with a lunch time between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. Most banks are open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. IMPORTANT!!! Documents and Visas. Insurance Policy. Please note, that regulations are changing frequently (for instance, having joined NATO, Poland is going to introduce visa regime for Ukrainian citizens and vice versa). Therefore, in order to obtain up to date information, please contact local Ukrainian embassy or Consulate. In some tourist guides it is said that visas can also be obtained at the international airports, seaports, border crossings and entry points. It is not valid information any more! All the visas have to be obtained in advance from respective Ukrainian Consulate. According to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine decree of 05.05.2000, citizens of the EU countries, Canada, USA and Japan do not need INVITATION to go to Ukraine. Well they need to visit Ukrainian embassy.... but only to pay for visa and put it in the passport. The only case when the embassy may require the invitation is when the applicant cannot provide full address of the place where they will stay and the reason of their journey. In any case (to be on the safe side) all the volunteers coming to the workcamps of Alternative-V to Ukraine will get the invitation letters. In order to issue an official invitation, with which volunteers should apply for Ukrainian Entry visa (travel to Ukraine with an official purpose) for length of the workcamp (maximum possible period is 30 days), Alternative-V would need the following information about the volunteer: 1. Nationality (citizenship): 2. Name: 3. Other (given) names: 4. Place of work (study): 5. Position: 6. Address of the workplace (or address of the university, if student): 7. Date of Birth: 8. Place of Birth: 9. Address (home): 10. Passport Number: 11. Passport Issued: 12. Date of expiry: Visa: In order to get Ukrainian entry visa, volunteers have to contact local Ukrainian consulate. Please, contact your local Ukrainian consulate far in advance in order to find out how many days they need to issue short term entry visa. Amount of days differs from country to country (usually it is between 1 and 2 weeks). Visa fees: As a rule, Ukrainian visa departments charge fee for issuing entry visa. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to avoid it, since there is a special regulation introduced by Ministry of Foreign Affairs on visa fees. Registration in Ukraine: Upon arrival to Ukraine all the volunteers have to be officially registered in the Department of Immigrations and Registrations. Volunteers can be registered either in Kyiv or in the town where their camp is situated and then they are allowed to travel to any place in Ukraine. A new insurance procedure for the foreigners was recently introduced by Ukrainian government. According to it all the foreigners entering the territory of Ukraine and staying in the country for a certain period of time are obliged to buy the emergency medical policy which can be obtained on the border of Ukraine (mostly at the airports), regardless the insurance person already has. If the volunteer crosses the Ukrainian border by bus or train, they will be able to obtain the emergency medical policy in the Department of Immigrations and Registrations prior to registration procedure. Insurance premium for 30-day stay in Ukraine is up to 15 USD. The only exceptions are made for the citizens of the following countries: the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kirghiz Republic, the Republic of Moldova, the Russian Federation, Tadjikistan, Turkmenistan, the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Republic of Bulgaria, Hungary, Czechia, the Great Britain, Mongolia, with which Ukraine has the agreements concerning free of charge rendering of emergency medical aid. Leaving Ukraine: When you leave Ukraine, you will be asked to present the customs declaration at the entry pass that you received upon entry. Foreigners may not leave the country with hryvna or hard currency not declared on arrival.