This course is a thematic study of human activity (population, religion, language, migration, industry) and the global distribution of these activities. The Geography Program at SLCC has listed the following as its desired outcomes for students, who upon the completion of GEOG 1400 should be able to:
Demonstrate how to think spatially using methods of geographic thought.
Analyze concepts presented in class using geographic tools and technology (i.e. maps, aerial photography, satellite imagery, etc.).
Analyze and determine the spatial distribution, patterns, interrelationships, and ramifications of the concepts covered in class, the textbook, videos, and/or supplemental readings.
Determine the role humans play in influencing the physical and cultural environment (and vise versa) sustainably and unsustainably.
Develop a “sense of place” and connection with the world to become educated global citizens.
Topics covered will include: global population, migration, folk and popular culture, language, religion, ethnicity, political geography, development, agriculture, industry, urban patterns, and the environment.
These objectives will also help you achieve SLCC’s Learning Outcomes. Read a description of the outcomes at http://www.slcc.edu/gened/eportfolio/learning_outcomes.asp BEFORE the end of the first week.
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E-Portfolio Assignment:
Students will plan a camp for people who have been displaced. This
activity enables students to grasp the scale of the effort required to
restore ordinary supports of life in such circumstances. Students take
on the role of humanitarian workers, estimating needs, allotting tasks
and making plans for getting supplies. There are three key ideas 1)
responding to the needs to people uprooted as a result of conflict
requires a great deal of planning and effort and ample resources, 2) in
addition to their immediate biological needs, the social, psychological,
and spiritual needs of displaced persons must also be addressed to
enable them to regain their human dignity and independence as quickly as
possible, 3) Assistance should be provided in a manner that aims to
minimize any unintended harm it may cause.
to think about the circumstances in which people forced to leave their homes might find themselves
to learn about some of the aspects of assistance and protection that people need when conflict forced them to flee their homes
to be aware of the scale of the effort required to meet human needs arising from displacement caused by conflict.
Location: Somalia
I chose this location because it is in the most need of aid and support. There are many small children in the refugee camps. So, I have done a little research on this area online and I am estimating the number of victims I will be helping to be roughly 10,000 people.
Because of the amount of people it is figured to have families together in square sectors totaling about 250 people. The square sectors that are made is to be able to transport food and removing waste in an orderly manner. This site is to only be used for a short period of time for about 6 months. Water systems will be needed to be installed. I will call the Red Cross to have additional help when it comes to medical supplies and organizing main services.
SETTING UP A CAMP INVOLVES:
Food:
Every adult will need food. According to EHL the approximate amount is 2250 calories (0.6 kg) per day. I will rely heavily on donations from companies around the world. I plan to involve big companies so they can use a tax write-off at the end of the year. Companies like Wal-mart and Kroger (the 5th largest grocery chain in the world). I will need food like wheat, milk (powdered), sugar, etc. According to EHL it breaks down the amount needed per person per day in grams:
• 500 grams of wheat
• 30 grams of edible oil
• 30 grams of powdered milk
• 20 grams of sugar
• 3 grams of tea
The camp would have to work with the government agency and AU to ensure safe delivery of the food supplies.
Water:
According to the EHL approximately 20 liters of water per day for an adult is needed. At least 3 liters of that is needed for drinking water in order to survive. I think this is crucial because of the location and climate in which Somalia is. It’s hot and dry, and water is desperately needed. Since there are 10,000 people, I would say at least 200,000 liters would be needed to survive comfortably on a daily basis. Because some of the numbers of the victims are children and some are adults I have rounded the water ration for each person to an adult portion. Because of the climate I think it would be better that people were hydrated and not in a constant state of dehydration. Water will be obtained by a river near by. The water system will have only one pump for the water into the camps. The water will need to be boiled or sanitized before it is able to be used for drinking. There will be a system used where a few people will retrieve water for families at certain times of the day, so the water system won’t be over-crowded. This could be a problem since water is the most vital part of survival.
Shelter:
According to EHL they recommend that each person should have at least 30 square meters of space. If there isn’t enough space, it can be reduced. Because my camp holds 10,000 people, I will need approximately 300,000 meters of space. The tents measure out to 150 square meters so I will need approximately 2,000 tents to house and shelter the refugees. Because Somalia is in the desert sturdy tents should be used. Because the location is in the desert there are sand storms that occasionally happen, and the shelter should be able to be used for protection from wind and sand.
Clothing:
The types of clothing that will be appropriate would be clothing that cover the skin. I know here in the US when we’re hot, we wear less. But in Somalia, it is a different story. Protection from the sun means long sleeves and long pants or dresses, whichever is more comfortable. There should also be head scarves for the men or women to protect the eyes and face from the sun.
There are many children and small babies that will need diapers. Disposable diapers are not really a necessity but would be nice if they could be donated from Wal-Mart or the diapers brand themselves (Huggies, Pampers etc). Cloth diapers will be the preferred method in obtaining the correct amount of diapers needed. Since this method will be used, proper antibacterial soap will be needed to clean and sanitize each diaper.
Reflection:
This was a difficult assignment to do. I didn't understand the amount of work it actually takes to help people in other countries that have absolutely nothing! I understand that I take a lot of things for granted here in Salt Lake City. These people and small children in Somalia are fighting for survival, and all I can think about is...when can I get that new outfit? I know that by doing this assignment it still doesn't even come close to the actual process. It would be far more stressful and involved.
