Description

In Uganda, agriculture is the backbone of the economy, contributing 90% of the rural poor's household income. ELI works with a demonstration farm that trains local farming cooperatives in Iganga District. Uganda's main food crops are plantains, cassava, sweet potatoes, millet, sorghum, corn, beans and groundnuts. Major cash crops have been coffee, cotton, tea and tobacco, but in the 1980s many farmers began to focus on food crops for survival and to meet short term expenses. The demonstration farm works to educate locals about affordable farming methods to increase crop yields while minimizing environmental degradation. Volunteers may work with the demonstration farm and/or with the cooperatives. Some of the cooperatives are women's groups, others are general community-based cooperatives. Volunteers will also assist with educational programs. skills training, and marketing activities for the cooperatives.

Highlights

Uganda is the lush pearl of Africa on the northern shore of Lake Victoria where the Eastern African Savannahs meet the western rainforests. The natural wonders of the country include dramatic waterfalls, incredible wildlife including the last troops of mountain gorillas, and Lake Victoria, the second largest lake in the world. The people of Uganda are well known for their hospitality and warmth. Uganda ranks among the world's poorest countries and has little in the way of basic infrastructure such as electricity, running water, waste management and access to education and healthcare.

ELI works with local organizations based in Iganga District, about three hours east of the capital Kampala. Iganga town lies on the Mombasa to Kampala Highway--one of East Africa's major transportation routes. The bustling highway gives the false impression that the town is teeming with traffic, but just a few hundred yards from the highway, cars become a rare sight and quiet village life takes over.

ELI volunteers and interns have the rare opportunity to fully experience Ugandan life through living with host families and working in community based organizations.

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Starting at $885 for two weeks

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* Pre-departure Support: ELI's staff is very knowledgeable and happy to help volunteers and interns to prepare for their travels.

* Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Entebbe and given a ride to Iganga where the projects are based

* In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a one to two day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Uganda, registration with local authorities, using transportation, and the culture of Uganda

* In-country Staff Support: ELI's Uganda coordinator has years of experience working with Ugandan NGOs and international volunteers. He is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

* Accommodations: Participants stay with a local host family and experience day to day Ugandan family life.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range

18 and older

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement

ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded

2001