REAP works with a variety of local organizations and institutions. Our primary objective is to develop rural stability, typically by providing assistance to schools. Many of our interns work in villages, but we also share interns with projects by other NGOs or institutions, particularly in Irkutsk. We define internship to include general experience sharing, those who can provide advice, collaboration and real sweat equity. Internships are usually aimed at college or high school-aged persons, often Russian speakers, who wish to learn more about an area of interest or who wish to work to improve some situation.
Volunteers are typically older, nonRussian speakers, who seek shorter experiences.
Otherwise they have many of the same objectives and ultimate assignments as interns. The areas available for interns or volunteers include environmental education, social services, government and legislatures, youth work, enterprise development, English language teaching, help with tourism development and secondary education development. In Irkutsk interns can work with the Irkutsk State Botanical Garden, The Limneological Institute, the Rebirth of Siberia movement, a research hospital, the environmental community and youth organizations. This year we have added internships that support the work of our new Youth Activity Center project. See the YAC section under Programs.