Description

Volunteer abroad at an orphanage in Uganda. There are countless orphans, and not enough orphanages to care for them. The orphanages that exist are overcrowded and underfunded, but are performing necessary work. Entire villages have been decimated by the scourge of AIDS epidemic, creating a seemingly endless stream of needy children. The International Volunteers Program works with several orphanages in Iganga, a town in southeast Uganda, near lake Victoria. There is much that you can do. We invite you to join our efforts.

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.

International Volunteers 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.

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

Qualifications

No qualifications required

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Varies by duration. Contact us for details.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country staff support
• Registration fees
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

- Pre-departure Support: International Volunteers' 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: Our 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

• Aids
• Education
• Orphans
• Youth

Typical Volunteer

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

Age Range

18 and up

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

International Volunteers's Mission Statement

International Volunteers is the volunteer branch of ELI Abroad, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, founded in 2001, that partners with organizations from around the world making a difference in their communities. We work closely with these groups to ensure that our volunteers get meaningful experiences at reasonable prices. We have something for everyone: whether you want to teach in Ghana, work in an orphanage in Nepal, animal rescue in the rainforest of Ecuador, medical clinic in South India, or study in a university in Buenos Aires.

Year Founded

2001