Doctor with a grandmother at a medical clinicUganda is known as one of the poorest countries in Africa and the population is vastly affected by HIV/AIDS, unemployment and poverty. However, Ugandans suffer from many other illnesses which are relatively easily solved if there are adequate personnel and resources. These include such illnesses as malaria, dysentery, vomiting, intestinal worms, round worm, jiggers, various eye conditions, burns and scalds, wound infections – the list is endless! So there are countless opportunities for volunteers to make a difference to the lives of those affected by these problems. This volunteer programme gives you the chance to volunteer in the villages outside Soroti, Kumi, Amuria, Kaberamaido and surrounding schools and health clinics.

The project is based in Soroti town and its environs in the beautiful flat countryside savannah environment. The participants on this programme may be of a broad age range. Maximum age is decided on the potential participant’s health and their capability of endurance. On arrival, all volunteer's will be asked to provide proof of fully comprehensive Travel and Medical Insurance which covers them for volunteer work and medical helicopter airlift in the unlikely event of their becoming the subject of a medical emergency.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS:

Volunteers who have a medical qualification or those who are studying medicine will be placed in a hospital, but will need to provide evidence that they have successfully completed a minimum of 3 years of recognised medical training. Those without a medical focus will spend more time working within the schools and children’s homes.

VOLUNTEER ROLE:

Volunteers spend two days a week in Soroti town taking part in the community support programme. The remaining time will be divided between working at a local hospital and health Units, depending on your medical background and skills.

This gives volunteers the chance to spend time in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi or Kumi making a positive contribution to the health service, a chance to gain a unique medical experience and to also make a profound contribution to the lives of people in the surrounding community.

There will be many highlights to your worthwhile experience, some of which may be:

Assisting with improving the facilities and becoming involved in the teaching and caring of the children

Gaining medical experience under the supervision of qualified doctors and nurses if you have a desire to work in the medical field.
Having the opportunity to really make a difference in the community and see life in the local towns and villages.

Experiencing true Ugandan culture

Learning a bit of Ateso and Swahili!

SAMPLE LIST OF EQUIPMENT IT WOULD BE USEFUL FOR MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS TO BRING:

Artery forceps, Dissecting forceps, Dressing forceps, Alchohol hand cleaners, Sterile medical gloves, Non sterile medical gloves, Reusable Surgical Instruments, Single Use Surgical Instruments, Blood pressure monitors, Training aids, Skin staple removers, Skin Adhesives and Strips, Thermometers, Blood collection tubes, Dressing and wound care products, First Aid Kits etc.

PRE DEPARTURE AND ORIENTATION:

After being transferred to the volunteering area, you will have an orientation of the area in which you will be staying as well as the areas in which you will be volunteering. Over your first few days there, you will visit the project sites and will be introduced to all the relevant project/volunteer coordinators that you will be working alongside.

You will also receive important and relevant information about the common diseases and illnesses that are prevalent in the area that you are likely to come into contact with. We would like to make sure that you have a thorough understanding of all aspects of the programme before you begin your project work.

PROJECT SUPPORT:

Throughout your time in Teso – Uganda, you will be guided and supported by experienced field workers and coordinators. They will always be on hand to give you any advice that you need as well as to answer any questions you have throughout your time on the project. In addition, you will also be given the 24 hour emergency contact number so that you are able to contact a member of the Uganda Main office staff at any time should you need to.

ACCOMODATION AND MEALS:

Accommodation on the project is shared with other volunteers if present at the site at that time. The area surrounding has some restaurants close by where you can go for a drink in the evenings.

A cook will provide your meals for you (all three a day) and there will be a laundry service at small fee for the laundress and house keeper. Your breakfast will be things such as cereal/ porridge, toast, tea/coffee on a help yourself basis. Lunch will either be packed for on the project, provided at your accommodation or a local lunch at the placement. The cook will provide dinners, so you can expect a lovely cooked meal in the evenings.

TIME FOR LEISURE:

The accommodation cottages are set in a beautiful area, ideal for taking an afternoon nap, having a game of football and leisurely strolls. You can also not visit Uganda without taking a safari and there are many options available in the local areas –Queen Elizabeth park, Bwindi Gorilla park etc.-inclusive, tailor- made trips are very easily arranged whilst you are on the project – just have a word with your coordinator about arranging something in country.

What’s included in the Programme Price:

Airport transfer from Entebbe Airport upon arrival and departure

Project fee: facilitates funding for building materials, supplies, equipment etc.

Orientation upon arrival

Daily transfers to and from project

Accommodation throughout your stay

Three meals a day throughout your stay (ingredients provided at the weekends for you to prepare your own meals)
Support and assistance from staff and volunteer co-ordinators

What’s Not Included in the Programme Price:

Transport e.g. flights/Taxi to Kampala

Personal travel insurance for the duration of your placement which must include cover for repatriation

All visas for border crossings

All items of a personal nature such as curios, gifts, clothing (work and other)

E-mail/Internet and telephone calls

Bottled water, soft drinks, wines and spirits

Snacks and luxury foods

Any excursions over and above your planned itinerary in Uganda e.g. Safari in the Gorilla parks and Murchison falls.

Transportation that is not related to the project.