Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2006 14:26:57 -0800 (PST)
Paul Kisuuki,
The Real Uganda
Mukono , Uganda
Dear Stacie,
My name is Paul Kisuuki, I am from Uganda , and I will be your contact in
Uganda. I have received your information from Global Volunteer Network and my
partner Leslie Weighill (I’m sure she’s already contacted you), and am looking
forward to your arrival in June 2007. I am a director of The Real Uganda, a
non-profit organization, which networks with a number of small NGOs in Mukono
District to
provide quality volunteer opportunities for people like you.
Your GVN application states a wish to be involved in the Mukono Town
Council/Youth program. Unfortunately, I have no spaces for those types of
activities. However, during the period of your
stay, I have space for you in Ntenjeru, with a small community based
organization called Volunteer Services Trust Team (VOLSET). Your coordinator is
Festus Buzira, and it is with him that you will set your schedule. Below is a
description of the types of activities you’d be involved in if you wish to
volunteer in Uganda.
Since VOLSET is a multi-purpose organization, they have a variety of activities
in which GVN volunteers engage. These include office work (IT training for
local villagers), vocational
training (sewing, carpentry), and HIV/AIDS education. They also do HIV/AIDS
testing and counseling. Your main activities will be public speaking, to almost
every demographic, with respect to HIV prevention and AIDS care. The most recent
volunteers toured much of Mukono District and some islands on Lake Victoria
speaking about public health, career development, and the importance of
education. VOLSET is doing some really great work in a remote area of Mukono
District.
An injustice in the Ugandan education system is a serious lack of creative and
analytical
thought. You might think about a program you wish to personally deliver such as
how to write a CV, how to make a small business to raise money for school fees,
or a seminar for girls on sexual reproductive health (just some suggestions, you
have to think of where your interests lay). It may seem daunting, but even the
simplest messages are very effective here. Imagine a society where children are
never encouraged, never told they can achieve good things. Basic information on
hygiene, nutrition, etc. is just not passed on from mother to child as in our
culture.
Your main challenges will be dealing with African culture as it relates to
general disorganization, lack of
money for the simplest things, and never really knowing your daily schedule
ahead of a time. However, patience and respect for local ways will make your
stay very rewarding. You are in a unique position to be able to really help a
local organization grow. Your background is so varied, you strike me as a real
self starter. I think you’d be a good fit for VOLSET.
Let me give you a little information respecting your daily life in Uganda:
I, or my partner Leslie, will be at the airport to pick you up and to bring you
to ukono Town ,
where The Real Uganda is based. We’ll be in the arrivals area with a sign
reading “Stacie Overton”. Just follow the other passengers after receiving your
luggage. If you’re not planning to travel within East
Africa during your stay, a single-entry visa is adequate. Customs will likely
give you 60 days in the country upon your arrival(If you ask for them!).
Extending that visa is very simple, and I’ll assist you if the need arises.
With respect to personal spending money, bring large denomination ($50s, $100s)
US bills that are newer than the year 2000 to get the best exchange rate. Your
Visa card will also work in the
ATM machines with a 4 digit PIN code.
You will have a day or two in Mukono Town in order to relax and get over your
jet lag, if you wish. You’ll also be introduced to other volunteers based there.
I’ll show you around Mukono Town
and take you to change money and e-mail your family, friends, etc. Festus will
pick you up from Mukono to take you to Ntenjeru. I will remain available to you
during your stay by mobile and through personal visits.
Your accommodation is in a private room within the organization’s vocational
school (which is almost up
and running!). Your shower and toilet are outside is about 20’ from your door.
It is a private latrine, you will not share with any others. There is no running
water, but jerry cans will be provided and there will be local people bringing
you food and water (not for drinking!) daily. You will be provided with 3 meals
per day. Meals will consist of local foods, such as matooke (mashed plantain),
posho (corn bread), sweet potatoes, and rice. They are generally served with
beef, chicken, beans, or groundnut sauce. Bread, eggs and fruits are also
available for breakfast.
Upon your arrival, you’ll meet with Festus to discuss your daily schedule. If
you wish to take time off during your stay, the folks at VOLSET are flexible as
long as they are informed. Please be aware that there will be few (if any)
resources in which to plan your days. If you have any sport/art
supplies, teaching materials, or instruments you want to make use of, you should
bring them with you.
My e-mail:
paul_kis2002@yahoo.com
My mailing address: Box 637, Mukono, Uganda
If you have a mobile, bring it with you. It’s easy and affordable to get a chip
and activate it for use in Uganda (unless you have a mobile for exclusive
North American use). A cheap mobile here will
cost you about $70 USD, but, of course, it’s not essential to have one, just
VERY handy!
Thanks for your interest in Uganda and Global Volunteer Network. E-mail me with
your questions, comments, and flight information at any time.
Looking forward to hearing from
you!
Paul Kisuuki,
The Real Uganda
Mukono , Uganda