Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2007 09:27:28 +0300

I'm sending this document to help you prepare further before you get here. Those who haven't yet sent their arrival details please do so as soon as you're able to. This so done to help us organize ourselves here on this end so that we're able to help you more efficiently. Have fun planning and looking forward to seeing here in Uganda in June!!
 
THE REAL UGANDA VOLUNTEER PROGRAM – ORIENTATION  DOCUMENT
 
This document is designed to introduce you more fully to The Real Uganda and to prepare you for day to day living in Uganda. It is made up of 4 parts. This document is meant to complement the Global Volunteer Network (GVN) http://www.volunteer.org.nz/ Info Pak and any other pre-arrival support you've received from GVN's Katie Gray and The Real  Uganda's Leslie Weighill and Paul Kisuuki.
 
1.   THE REAL UGANDA, WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
The Real Uganda was established in October 2004 by me, Leslie Weighill, a former GVN volunteer with the Ghana Teaching Program. Having volunteered in Ghana for 3 months, I knew there was a lot of work to be done in Africa, and after a 4 month period in Canada, I returned, this time to Uganda.
 
Once in Uganda, I found a number of small non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and schools operating in Mukono District that were struggling to help local people with very few resources. After realizing local funding options were unsustainable, I approached the Global Volunteer Network to see if a possible partnership could be created between GVN and a network of local NGOs. As GVN cannot logistically place volunteers with many small organizations, I founded The Real Uganda. The  Real Uganda's reason to be is to provide skills and funding for
local NGOs and schools on a consistent and on-going basis through its partnership with GVN.
 
The Real Uganda began placing GVN volunteers with Mukono District NGOs and schools in January 2005. I started out very small and informal. However, due to the need  for skills and funding and the desire for people to come to Uganda and volunteer on a short term basis, I opted to expand. In January 2006, Paul Kisuuki, joined me as co-director of The Real Uganda. Together we provide pre-arrival support to volunteers, search for new and monitor existing NGOs for partnership with The Real Uganda, and offer a fun, relaxed environment in which
to volunteer.

The Real Uganda engages in other activities meant to benefit its partner NGOs and the local people of Mukono District. We sponsor 3 needy children in local schools. Hand embroidered t-shirts, made by a local woman's group, are available for purchase by volunteers. We care for 2 girls (Christine and Nantale) at the guesthouse who are sponsored by a group of former volunteers. We are developing a handicraft program to benefit another  local women's group, which will have jewelry for sale to volunteers. We are developing a child sponsorship program that will source foreign sponsors for our partners' existing child sponsorship programs. We also look for funding (through the GVN Foundation) for our partners' individual community based initiatives. These activities are funded by the administration fee portion of the volunteer program fee. All proceeds go directly to the program in question.
 
Paul and I are available by phone, email, and personal visits to all volunteers. We are sensitive to the fact that volunteering in a foreign country can be overwhelming and that there are many cultural cues that you will be unfamiliar with. If you have an idea for a particular project and want to discuss it, give us a call. Also, we've got detailed knowledge of places  to go and things to see during your leisure time.  Please contact us as you need us and we'll be happy to help you!  (by the way, I'm always available for coffee).
 
2.   THE MUKONO VOLUNTEER GUESTHOUSE
The Mukono Volunteer Guesthouse is The Real Uganda's headquarters in Mukono. It was established because the NGOs and schools we partner with in Mukono Town do not have suitable accommodation for foreign volunteers. We set up the second story flat in order to house  and feed Mukono based volunteers and to offer a weekend retreat to our village based volunteers. I can often be found there on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. But if you want to catch me, give me a call and we'll fix a time to meet up.
 
The guesthouse has 8 beds, 3 of which are kept empty for village based volunteers. It is managed by Esther Namutamba, who does the shopping, cooking, and dishes. She lives there and attends school in the mornings. Moses Wampamba fetches water, washes clothes, and tries to keep the place clean. Both are very hard working and honest people. It is important to note that Esther and Moses receive well above the normal wages paid in Uganda for the type and hours of work they do. Should they ask for money or goods from you, keep in mind that they are earning and are not in great need. However,  if you wish to leave a small tip for them when you go, that's cool and much appreciated.
 
If you live at the guesthouse, you'll be given keys for your room and the front door. Carry them with you as Esther is not always home. You should lock your door when you go out. When your volunteer placement is over, please return  the keys to me or leave them in your door. Village based volunteers are not given keys and must rely on the kindness of those living at the guesthouse.
 
There is a list of "guesthouse rules" posted in each bedroom and in the sitting room. You must follow these. Whether you live at the guesthouse or not, you have a responsibility to clean up after yourself, remove the sheets from your bed when you are through with them, and limit the amount of water you use. If you don't know where something goes, ask. Don't leave a mess because you don't know wherethe mop is!

Meals are served according to the schedule laid out in the "guesthouse  rules". Do not eat the food in the common areas apart from meal times, as there may not be enough for planned meals. I'm talking about stuff like bananas and bread. You can make tea or coffee any time you wish. Also, volunteers often buy their own goodies, I would ask that if it doesn't belong to you: don't touch it. 
 
If you are a village based volunteer and wish to spend a night and take your meals at the guesthouse, contact me at least 2 days in advance. It's first come first serve with the beds and Esther and I plan all meals 2 days in advance. If we don't know you're coming, we can't guarantee a bed or food for you. Also, we ask that you respect the fact that the guesthouse is located in a multiple family complex and is home to some volunteers. It is not a weekend "party" retreat. Smoking (outside) and drinking (in  moderation) are allowed, but be cool about it, okay?
 
The guesthouse is highly visible within Mukono Town and you'll find that many local people are interested to meet the volunteers staying there. Please do not invite them in as it will encourage them to come back. Remember that you have nice things to lose, like  digital cameras, phones and laptops. While there are many wonderful Ugandans, it is best not to have strangers inside the guesthouse as their motives may not be apparent. The obvious exception is Christine and Nantale. They have become family since being sponsored by former volunteers in May 2005. However, if you want some peace and quiet, just tell them it's time to go home. 
 

3.   YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS AN INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER UNDER THE REAL UGANDA

We'd like to extend our appreciation to you for giving your time and money to The Real  Uganda. Because you have done so, we can continue to help our partner NGOs and schools operate on a day to day basis. The fact that you are here means that you are motivated, a self starter, and interested in learning about the real situation in Uganda.
 
Volunteering at the grassroots level is overwhelming. It is  supposed to be. You are going to see things that will affect you deeply, including pervasive poverty, disease, and a largely ineffective education system. You may not always agree with the way your host NGO operates. Please remember that you are the visitor and it is your thoughts and priorities that are alien or weird, not theirs. It is your responsibility to accept the situation and see where you can make the greatest impact, while remaining respectful toward your host NGO directors and members.
It is also your  responsibility to assess your impact in the African context and not in the context of the developed world. If you are patient, open minded, and flexible your volunteer experience will be greatly enhanced.
 
Expect to be the centre of attention while in Uganda. People at the grassroots level do not have access to  foreigners so you'll be openly stared at and constantly approached. While in the village you are a representative of your country and of your host NGO. No matter how you feel at the time, there is no justification for treating any Ugandan unkindly. If you are asked for money, school fees, medicine, or anything else a polite "no" will do. However, if you wish to give, please do so as it will be much appreciated. In traditional African culture, those who have automatically share with those who don't. It is commonly  believed that all mzungus are rich – and you are, relatively. So get used to it, denying it is offensive.

If you have brought gifts or donations for your host NGO or school, note that you cease to control how they are used once they are given. As school supplies tend to be hoarded, keep what you brought in your room  and use it while you volunteer. At the end of your stay you can distribute what's left or bring it to the guesthouse for future volunteers to use.  If you have clothing or shoes you don't want to take home, they make great gifts for local people. The Real Uganda also takes this kind of donation. We give them to our partner NGO, MACRO, for
distribution in villages where it works.
 
Once you are settled in, you'll meet with your host NGO's director and work together to set up a schedule for your stay. You'll be fitted into an existing program but expect to work with little supervision. If you have a particular idea for a program, discuss it with your director. It is important for you to be clear about your needs when setting up this schedule. It is also important that you realize your schedule will  be changed – a lot. Just go with it, you're in Africa now.
 
The donation portion of your program fee is given to your host NGO by The Real Uganda in order for that NGO to operate on a daily basis. You do not have a right to dictate how the funds should be spent. Suggestions, however, are welcome. If you have questions  as to how the money is spent, please ask the director of your host NGO. 
 
If you are a village based volunteer, your host NGO provides your food, accommodation and transport (when you are working). You are to receive 3 meals of local Ugandan food per day. The local diet is heavily based on carbohydrates, and you may  not love it. You should receive a minimum amount of protein at least once a day, but fruits and vegetables are locally seen as less desirable. You may not see much of them. Feel free to ask your host NGO to provide them instead of all the carbs or to supplement on your own. Let either me or Paul know if you are chronically starving, please! As meals are traditionally served late, you might want to keep some snacks in your room and you must provide your own drinking water. 
 
It is your responsibility to know if your Visitor Visa is valid for the duration of your stay. If you are unsure, see me or Paul. Instructions for visa
extensions are posted on the sitting room wall of the guesthouse. Some volunteers don't wish to deal with immigration officials and opt to travel over the border to Kenya or Rwanda. Ask around to see  what others are doing.
 
We encourage you to register with your embassy while in Uganda. Should any civil unrest breakout during your stay, it will be your embassy to assist you. Most embassies have an online registration system. Ask me or your host NGO for your physical address. If you don't have a local phone number,  use mine or that of your NGO director. If you live at the guesthouse, your physical address is: Plot 130, Jinja Road,  Mukono, Uganda.

If you get sick, don't ignore it. Go to the clinic. International Air Ambulance (IAA) is a western level clinic on the main road as you approach Kampala from Mukono. It's on the left  side of the road as you pass the second roundabout. Public transport stops at the Shell Petrol Station just ahead. IAA is open 7 days a week from 8 am to 9pm. You'll have to pay cash up front, but you can claim back on your insurance once you get home. If you get sick and receive treatment, allow yourself some extra time to get better. You won't heal as fast here as you do at home. Basic antibiotics (Cipro) and first aid supplies are readily available in Mukono pharmacies.
 
When it rains in Uganda, everything stops. If you have a meeting and it is raining, don't go until the rain is over. If there is an event scheduled and it is raining, the event will start after the rain finishes. You'll also find that teaching during rainfall is impossible. All schools have tin roofs, you won't be heard over the noise.
 
Glass bottles used for soda and beer are reused in Africa. If you want to buy a soda or beer, take an empty with you and trade it for a full one. The local shops will not charge you a deposit if you take an empty. If you don't bring an empty and they don't charge you a deposit, please return the bottle when you are through as the  shopkeeper is responsible for all bottles he's given by the bottling company. Please don't make local shopkeepers incur debt because you can't be bothered to return a bottle. Please don't use empty bottles as candle holders.
 
Should your family and friends wish to send you something, use my post office box: Leslie Weighill, P.O. Box 637,  Mukono, Uganda,
East Africa. It takes about 6 weeks to receive items from abroad by airmail. By surface mail it takes about 4 months. 
 
During your leisure time, we encourage you to get out and see other aspects of Uganda. There are many options for safari and white water rafting. Kampala night life is  also great. You'll be relying on public transport (taxis) which may not be as safe as in your own country. If you're nervous about using it, let us know. There are some pointers about how to use public transport on the sitting room wall of the guesthouse. You can also arrange a private car to get you and your group around. A much safer option, if you have the budget!
 
It is your responsibility to get yourself to the airport when your volunteer placement ends. You can take a private car or public transport. I can recommend a private car and driver, Wilson. His number is: 077-402-8989. He charges Ush60,000 from the guesthouse to the airport. If you choose public transport, get a taxi from your village to the Old Taxi Park in Kampala. From there, ask around for the Entebbe Stage. If you stay on the taxi to the end of the  line, you'll arrive at the Entebbe Taxi Park. To get to the airport, there is another taxi or you can hire a private car at the taxi park for about Ushs10,000.
 
It is my hope that volunteers don't come set on working all the time. Relationships will always be more important than work in Africa. Relaxing with your  workmates or neighbors and getting to know local culture will give you all kinds of incites into what it means to be Ugandan. It is also
my hope that you'll take away something special from Uganda and spread it around once you return home. 
 
4.   EXTRA TIDBITS TO HELP YOU IN YOUR
DAY TO DAY
 
The following "one liners" are taken from The Real Uganda website. They are reproduced here because they make much more sense
once you're actually on the ground!