Details
Mission and objectives
Morobe Development Foundation Inc. is a leading Community based Group base in Lae Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea who has the vision to help young people reach their full potential by utilizing their hidden talents in community development initiatives so they can realize their potentail and become a role model in the community. MDF was established to address a broader and more diverse range of objectives and work through the use of dance, music and drama, MDF’s primary aim is to ensure that women participate equally in decision making in any project undertaken, including projects related to Ending Violence against Women, and promoting Human Rights with a aim to support the Government and UN their Development Goals. MDF in collaboration with the United Nations Volunteering Program (UNVP) has also undertaken various scientific research studies related to the environment - forest cover loss, land use land cover change, the influence of various parameters on surface waters, and coastal shoreline turtle habitat loss. These projects included the participation of various experts and researchers from diverse fields across various countries across the globe - ranging from marine biology, biodiversity conservation, PNG community management, remote sensing, and land use policy among various others. MDF is managed by a management committee, which is made up of the Chairman, the Deputy Chairman, Secretary, the Treasurer, the Project Coordinator, Community Development Officer, and a male and female member of the foundation, and ensures that women participate equally in decision making. We at MDF assert that we have the required skill sets, knowledge, established international network, and the necessary foundational work to undertake projects successfully.
Context
A thorough treatment of Bamboo is required to protect it against insects and rot before it is put into use. Commonly a mixture of Borax and Boric acid are utilized for this purpose. Another procedure generally employed is to boil cut bamboo to remove the starches that draw insects. An untreated bamboo is considered durable for 2 years if stored and preserved from moisture and insects it may last 4-6 years. Though actual longevity may vary depending on the species, thickness, length etc. if treated properly a bamboo or its furniture may last up to many decades. Bamboo treatment is a process in which the starch, sugar, and moisture contents of bamboo are administered/removed thus making it resistant to termite, fungus & bugs. There are various methods in which bamboo has been treated for years now, Traditional methods which include torching, smoking, curing, whitewashing and more modern methods which treat bamboo using various chemicals. The assignment is in line with a project which will be carried out by Morobe Development Foundation to construct a resource center in a remote village in Huon District Morobe Province. The assignment will be beneficial to MDF by suggesting and recommending the best method to treat bamboos for construction use for the planned project to embark upon in Huron district, Morobe Province. It is also in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities. Natural organic materials such as bamboo have a very important and unique role in the effort to alleviate housing and infrastructure problems, particularly in developing countries. Their use is of a special relevance in the context of widespread damage and destruction caused by natural disasters owing to global warming, which in part is attributed to the vast use of polluting and high-energy-demanding materials.
Task description
MDF is looking for three online volunteers who have experience in research with excellent writing skills to carry out a research proposal on various methods to treat bamboo with the application of borax and boric acids to prolong the lifespan of bamboo and its durability for construction purpose in Papua New Guinea. The task will include the bamboo poles, bamboo mats to be use on walls as well as cane for furniture making. The online volunteer/s will have the opportunity to build connections through collaboration with the contact person at MDF and be provided with the necessary information required. At the end of the assignment the volunteer/s will be benefitted with the UNV certificate in recognition to the contribution rendered.