The Uganda Project
Soft Power Health is looking for independent, motivated individuals to volunteer in beautiful, rural Africa. We are looking for short-term as well as long-term volunteers. As a volunteer, you will assist with our malaria education and prevention program in the field and sometimes in the office, or with our family planning program. If you have medical training, there may be part-time volunteer opportunities at the Allan Stone Community Health Clinic.
What to expect:
Time is a fluid concept in Africa. Rarely do things occur as they are supposed to. You must be flexible - follow the motto of the Nile, "go with the flow". Uganda is a tropical climate, where rain alternates with hot sun, so expect to be hot and dirty and muddy and wet.
As a volunteer you must be able to function independently. See what needs to be done and do. Most of the work is done in the field, which means visiting people in their homes and walking through rural villages. Come prepared with the right shoes and clothing. Women please bring long pants or skirts to cover your legs.
Read volunteer Jeff Trunell's experience.
Vaccinations:
The following vaccines are a must:
- Tetanus
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid fever
- Yellow fever
The following malaria prophylaxis are required:
- Malarone
- Doxycycline
- Mefloquine
- Primaquine (*you must be tested for G6PD deficiency before starting Primaquine)
Drinking water:
Drinking water can be purchased almost everywhere or you can bring your own water purifiers.
Necessities:
A short list of some of the things we recommend you bring:
- Bug spray
- Sun block
- Sun hat
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Bathing suit
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- For women, long pants and skirts to cover your legs
- Camera
- Sandals
- Medicines: Pepto-bismol, Tylenol,
- Rain jacket
- Fleece to wear at night
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirt and long pants to wear at night
Do NOT bring anything you really care about. And please do not bring things to give away.
Expenses:
You will be responsible for all your expenses, in addition to a $100 USD/week donation to Soft Power Health to help cover transportation costs during your stay in Uganda. Bring U.S. bills dated 2003 and later. Bills $50 and larger get a better exchange rate.
Plane tickets and Accommodations:
Plane tickets can be booked through Gary at Arrow Travel - (212) 889-2550. Accommodations can be made through Nile River Explorers at www.raftafrica.com/bookonline.htm.
Uganda attractions:
Though there is lots to do and lots to learn, there is also lots of fun to be had. A visit to the White Nile River and the Murchinson Falls National Park can be the perfect complement to your volunteer experience.
If you are interested, please send an e-mail to Morgan at morgan@softpowerhealth.org explaining your motivation, your past experiences, and how you will help us. Please tell us briefly what you hope to gain from this experience. One paragraph is enough. Please do not send your full resume.
Kids Kayaking Camp
Soft Power Health is always looking for volunteers to assist in the Kids Kayaking Camp which takes place during the summer. If you are a kayaker who wants to donate your time, we would love to have your help. Please send an e-mail to Morgan at morgan@softpowerhealth.org.
|
|