Info

Give a hand to Aids Orphans with love and care after their parents have died of HIV/AIDS.

* Overview *
The Children's Aids Orphanage volunteer programme is a charity operating in Uganda. They provide Aids Orphans with love and care after their parents have died of HIV/AIDS. This is done through providing children with basic education, shelter and medication, as well as food and clothing.

The last decade has seen a surge in the number of orphans and as many as one third of the under 18 population may be orphaned by the year 2010, according to UNICEF estimates.

The children affected by HIV/AIDS therefore, are emotionally vulnerable, financially desperate, face a greater risk of being abused, and are exposed to stigmatization and neglect. On the death of their parents they quickly have no choice but to assume greater responsibilities of looking after each other. They are forced into situations such as prostitution, drugs and living on the streets and this exposes them to more risks, such as the HIV virus, thus driving them into a cycle of infection. They lose everything that once offered them comfort, security and hope for the future.

This is why volunteers are desperately needed to help the orphans of Masaka.


* Programme details *
On Arrival: When you arrive in Uganda you will start a 3-day induction and orientation.

Day 1: The first day of the induction takes place in Kampala, where you will be taken round the city and shown useful places such as banks, main hospitals, the post office and embassy. It will be a chance to explore and get your first taste of Africa.

Day 2: The second day involves travelling to Masaka on public transport, which is a three-hour drive from Kampala. Masaka is the nearest town to the project site so this is a great opportunity to find out what facilities it has to offer that you might want to make use of at weekends. From here you will travel to the volunteer house, where you will be staying for the duration of the program.

Day 3: On the third day you will be introduced to the project you will be working on as well as the some of the local culture and language. After the three day induction the work on the project begins.

On the project you will be involved in all aspects of caring for the orphans. Depending on their age they may need help getting ready for the day ahead, then there is breakfast, tidying up and cleaning up and looking after the children who are not old enough to go to school. You can give them impromptu English lessons, play games and generally give them care and love as well as help prepare their meals. You will be working at total of 6 hours a day, Monday to Friday. The weekends are free for you to rest, explore Uganda, visit the lake and beach or shop in town.

Duration

from 2 weeks up to 1 year

Start Dates

This programme is ongoing throughout the year

Requirements

You do not need to have any formal training or experience to participate in this program, but whatever experience you do have will be taken into account.
* Minimum age 18yrs.
* You need to have a good command of English.
* A friendly, outgoing personality and a sense of humour go a long way.
* Be able to respect Ugandan cultural differences.
* International volunteers are welcome