Volunteering is a great
way to advance a cause, support an organization, and make a difference in
our community. It can also be an opportunity to meet new people, learn new
skills. If you'd like to give something besides money, consider lending your
time and talents to Christ life
ministries that are important to you.
Applying to be a Christ life ministries volunteer is
simple, just contact us by clicking here
Volunteer Positions
Available
- Program
Coordinators
- Home Support Visit
to HIV positive clients (women children)
- Teachers
- Business Educator/Consultant
(women empowerment in Business Development and many others )
- HIV/AIDS Educators,
Youth HIV/AIDS Educators
- After class school
Sports Coach
- Art, Music, Dance
and Drama Trainers
How much does it cost to volunteer with Christ life
ministries?
We are currently not charging any fee on our
volunteers, mean time all you have to do is to organize, arrange for your journey
to Christ life Ministry, however some cost may be incurred in terms of lunch
and super of around 10 dollars a day if one economises. Also some times the
organisation may provide some assistance with meals.
For
how long?
Longer
volunteer/internships up to 2 years, so it depends on your choice in months to
years
Do
I need a college degree to volunteer?
NO,
anyone can volunteer for general projects. HOWEVER - if you plan to teach in
secondary (high school) grades (s1-s6) you must have a college degree, diploma
in the subject you plan on teaching.
For
all other projects, college level education is not required.
What age do you have to be to volunteer?
Individuals
must be at least 18 years old but should be in good health. However, we sat as
the management of Childline Uganda and decided to reduce as lower as 14 years
since we have got clients of the same age range, it will create an impact in
their lives. So now we accept volunteers of age range 14 and on wards/plus.
What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?
When
travelling to any international developing area we suggest (NOTE: some are
legally required by country):
- Yellow fever vaccination
(legally required to enter Uganda and to obtain a Visa),
- Diphtheria (optional),
- Polio (recommended),
- Hepatitis A & B (OPTIONAL -
Hep B is only needed if volunteering in a public health project),
- Typhoid (recommended),
- Rabies (OPTIONAL),
- Tuberculosis (recommended),
- Malaria (needs to be closely
discussed with doctor),
- Tetanus (recommended), and
- All childhood immunizations
should be current.
What is a typical work day?
Project
work is normally Monday-Friday; hours vary from 5-6 hours per day. The total
hours that you are expected to be "on the job", in various
activities, is 20-30 hours per week.
Who organizes my country Visa for my volunteer
placement?
If
Visa's are required based on your country of origin, you should organize your
Visa through a travel agent or independently - visit the Ugandan
embassy website
for more information. In Uganda, for citizens of most countries, you can do
this at the airport when you arrive or before you get to Uganda.
Currently, Visa's cost US$50 (Bring a $50US bill, dated 2004 and
above).
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel
insurance is recommended. This should be purchased above and beyond any
healthcare insurance you may have
What should I bring with me?
A
detailed volunteer guide along with a checklist will be provided once you have
registered for a project and have sent us flight details.
How safe is it to volunteer internationally?
The
Ugandan people are very warm and friendly towards foreigners, so you will be
well looked after. Uganda has a democratic electoral process and mixed
macroeconomic conditions. However, you should use common sense as you would be
anywhere, particularly in Kampala or its surrounding districts.
What is the climate like in Uganda?
Although
the country lies on the equator, most of Uganda is on a plateau 3,600-6,000
ft/900-1,830 m above sea level. Temperatures in some parts of the country can
vary quite a bit (high 60's-90's) owing to the country's high altitude,
depending on the season.
Who organizes my flights?
YOU
are responsible for all travel costs; however, we are happy to offer assistance
when making international travel arrangements. A few cheap airfare internet
sites can be accessed below:
What
are the living arrangements when volunteering?
All
accommodations will be provided in a dorm/organisation quarters. Most villages
are rustic and may not provide running water or electricity. Latrines are squat
pit latrines and showers are warm water bucket showers located outdoors
Accommodations
are in a dorm setting with up to3/4 volunteers in a room
Can groups (e.g. family, church, college) volunteer
together?
YES, we have various
projects that can support group work. However we request that group
arrangements be made a minimum eight (8) weeks in advance. For groups with
children, we recommend children be at least 12 years old.
Do I have to be from the United States?
NO, we accept
volunteers from all over the world.
Which countries do most of your volunteers come from?
The
majority of our volunteers come from the USA, Netherlands, china, Brazil,
Japan, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda
Do I need to speak English to become a volunteer?
YES, however, you may
have English as your second language, if you speak Swahili this will be taken
into consideration when in need for teaching positions.
Christ life ministries Uganda Volunteer Preparation
Guide
· What clothes should I
pack for my trip?
· What general supplies
should I pack?
· What medical supplies
should I pack?
· What about money?
· Other important things
to remember…
What clothes should I pack for my trip?
WOMEN'S/GIRL'S
CLOTHING
· 1 pair
of sturdy shoes or walking boots for hiking
· 1 pair
of sandals (flip flops) to use at the guest house and showering at the project
site
· 3-4
pair of socks (cotton)
· 5 pair
of underwear (cotton)
· 2 bras
· 1
fleece sweater or light jacket
· 1
swimming suit (for weekends)
· 1-2
pair of long casual trousers (jeans or khakis’)
· 3-4
casual short sleeve or sleeveless blouses
· 2 long
sleeve casual blouses
· 3-4
long skirts (shorts are not recommended as they are offensive in rural areas)
· 1 rain
coat
· 1 hat
(THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR SUN PROTECTION)
MEN'S/
BOY'S CLOTHING
· 1 pair
of sandals (flip flops) to use at the guest house
· 1 pair
of sturdy shoes or walking boots for hiking
· 3-4
pair of socks
· 5 pair
underwear (cotton)
· 1
fleece sweater or light jacket
· 2 long
sleeve casual shirts
· 1-2
pair casual trousers or jeans
· 1-2
pair of shorts
· 1 belt
· 1
swimming suit
· 3-4
t-shirts
· 1
dress shirt (tie optional)
· 1 rain
coat
· 1
hat (THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR SUN PROTECTION)
What
general items should I pack?
· Your Up
to date passport
· You
will need a Visa to get into Uganda (purchased at point of entry – e.g. Entebbe
Airport in Uganda)
· Good
pair of sunglasses
· A good
camera (digital is best)
· Extra
batteries (rechargeable)
· An
alarm clock (travel)
· A good
backpack (for short camping/travel trips)
· A
small lock (combination are best)
· Gifts
for schools / orphanages (best purchased here in Uganda - e.g. books, school
supplies, candies, clothes, toys can be purchased for little money in Kampala)
· Small
games (cards etc .. )
· For
people who wear glasses or contact lenses, it is advisable that you take some
spare ones and cleansing solutions.
· Sun
block (SPF 45 or higher)
· Insect
repellent
· 1
compact travel umbrella
· Towel,
wash cloth, hand towel
· Headlamp
or torch
Toilet Bag: Most items (shampoo, soap,
toothpaste, deodorant, razors, etc.) can be easily purchased here including
feminine hygiene products (sanitary pads).
What
medical supplies items should I pack?
· Mosquito
repellent
· Malaria
tablets
· Antiseptic
cream/gel
· Plasters
(band-aids)
· Wet
wipes
· Sun
cream - High factor at least 30-45
· Anti-diarrhoea
tablets (Imodium)
· Laxatives
· Midol
(for women)
· Rehydration
salts or sport drink mix (Gatorade) for dehydration
· Iodine
tablets
· Ibuprofen
(Advil) for pain relief
· Ear
plugs (optional)
· If you
use prescribed medicine, you must take enough to last the time you will spend
in Africa
What about money?
Uganda for the most part is cash based society.
Here and there you can use your credit card, (Visa cards most readily accepted,
Master Card is next, but not Discover Cards and or American Express) and
usually it means 6 to 8 or more% surcharge for the privilegehttp://kabiza.com/Ugandantravel.htmfor using your card (due
to fees that are incurred by merchant in Uganda). That means one needs
cash while in the country. Many hotels, safari companies and airlines
will ask for US dollars. Uganda Shillings will be accepted in many cases
instead, not always at market exchange rate. Traveller Cheques are often
harder to cash and are cumbersome requiring extra fees in banks. Most
Forex Bureaus will not take traveller cheques from you. Below are some
tips that will make your visit to Uganda smoother.
US Dollars are the currency of Choice: Entry VISA and
most permits such as the ones for gorillas must be paid in US Dollars.
Euros and UK Pound are ok for changing money into Ugandan currency. It is
important that you obtain dollar bills (50’s or 100’s) newer than
2004 and no tears or blemishes on them. This helps your exchange
rate and getting them accepted. (2004 is due to forgeries in times past)
NOTE: small US bills (5, 10, and 20’s) are
not normally accepted or bring a much lower exchange rate.
Forex Bureaus are readily available in the
downtown area of Kampala: There are plenty of exchange offices located around
Uganda with varying rates.
Banks: You can always exchange
money at a bank and it might take a bit longer and in most cases you will get a
lower rate. You can use your credit card to get cash at banks (Barclays
is the fastest and the cheapest), however it may take a bit of time. You can
also change your traveller cheques (American Express are best – but not
advised) there - you will need proof of purchase and passport to prove
ownership of cheques you want cashed.
ATM Machines: If you have a visa debit
card it is easy to use ATM’s around Kampala and in some areas outside of
Kampala. You can get the best rate from your country's currency converted
into Shillings in most cases you can take out 700,000sh per day. You can also
use a visa credit card if you have a pin number...alert your bank that you
will be doing withdrawals in Uganda otherwise you will not get any money out of
the machine.
Traveler Cheques: (NOT
ADVISED) Use
American Express ones only. All others you will have a harder time
getting money or no money at all. You will pay a fee for exchanging them
into money. Plus in spite of suggestions from American Express you will
need proof of purchase and passport to prove ownership checks you want cashed.
For more detailed information visit a few of these
sites:
· Wikipedia/Uganda
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uganda
· Uganda
Embassy - http://www.ugandaembassy.com/
· Uganda
Tourist Board -http://www.visituganda.com/
· Lonely
Planet - http://www.lonelyplanet.com/uganda |