VOLUNTEER WITH AFSCO       

                                 Afsco Needs You! We need Volunteers from all walks of life!

Afsco couldn't do all it does for the needy livelihoods in Uganda without the work of external support of people outside Uganda. We seek More Volunteers both Individuals and Organization Volunteers from U.S, Canada, Europe and many other parts of the world. We are currently seeking volunteers of all areas of their Interest/specialization and ability, for as long as you are within our framework of operation. Simply inform us about it at  and we shall respond positively!

We at Afsco host volunteers throughout the year from all walks of life irrespective of sex, race, faith, age economic status and backgrounds because their effort and impact is the one which counts a lot!

 Our intending volunteers should fill in an application form on request and send it back to us for confirmation.

PLEASE NOTE: OUR PROGRAMS ARE ARRANGED FROM ONE WEEK TO 2 MONTHS.

Below are the various volunteer opportunities currently available at AFSCO.

 

Evangelism

 

  We welcome religious leaders from all over the world and our Evangelism program   depends on a number of volunteers we are hosting.

For Individual volunteers or those less than 10 are welcome at any time throughout the year.

Under this program, we mainly carry out activities such as door-door Evangelism, Spiritual healing, Guidance and counseling services to families in conflict, those affected and infected with HIV/AIDS, Youth with bad morals ,Schools ,Prisons ,and Hospitals ,as a way of reviving hope, reformation ,good morals and an upright religious community.

 

Community Health

 

All volunteers with skills in community health such as hygiene, Sanitation Immunization, and any others are welcome. Professionals are attached to our local hospitals and also carry out home visits to those who cant reach the hospital for treatment and are treated from their homes.

Most of our volunteers in this category participate in cleaning of Water sources such as Wells as well as rehabilitating them, cleaning and painting of community health hospitals, etc. This program is done through the year. 

 

Community out reach programs

 

In our community outreach programs in which we mainly deal with the Youth, Widows Elderly, Orphans and persons with disabilities. Our volunteers mainly empower our people with skills in hand crafts, Drama, Sports.

They also assist the Elderly in their gardens as well as renovating and construction of their houses, Kitchens, utensils stands, etc.

Volunteers wishing to come and spend their time volunteering with Afsco can contact us at any time.

 

Water Sanitation and Hygiene.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water and sanitation is one of the major concerns of AFRICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMUNITIES which aims at accessing safe water to vulnerable communities as well as improving on the poor sanitation hazards. As a developing nation, we have lost so many lives as a result of drinking contaminated water due to lack of safe water sources most especially I the rural communities.

  • Volunteers are needed under this program to help in identifying and analyzing the current different challenges in targeted communities with specific priority to rural and peri-urban schools and communities.
  • Volunteers will also help in developing concepts and proposals that will be used to seek funds from potential donors that are interested in water and sanitation projects.
  • Volunteers will also participate in cleaning of water sources, protecting them from intruders that make them unsafe and improving on the poor sanitation hazards especially on solid waste management.
  • Volunteers will also participate in awareness campaigns such as the “safe water chain” program.
  • Volunteers will also help in installing water filters and rain water harvesting systems that are donated by our partners.
  • Volunteers will also help in advocacy campaigns, lobbying of resources and carrying out general fundraisings to support  water and sanitation projects.
  • Maximum numbers of volunteers wanted are ten (10) and minimum volunteers wanted are one (1).
  • There is no prior experience required but any skills in water and sanitation projects are an added advantage.
  • Working days are from Monday-Friday and weekends are reserved for the volunteers to carry out any other personal work or tour around the country.

Early Child Hood Development


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Early child hood development project is one of the newest programs under AFRICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMUNITIES that requires volunteers throughout the year.

  • Volunteers will specifically be involved in identifying the needs and suggesting possible solutions to mitigate the root causes of poor early child hood development such as early child hood diagnosis, poor health, poor nutrition, negligence of children rights, child care and mentoring with specific concern given to children with disabilities, child headed families, orphans and children living with HIV/AIDs.
  • Volunteers will also help in construction of child out door amusement facilities, teaching them games and sports, physical education, education (teaching), hygiene and supporting nutritional programs.
  • Volunteers will also help in developing concepts that will be used in seeking funds from potential donors, lobbying of resources to implement children related programs, linking orphans and other vulnerable children to second parents, participating in general fundraising to get funds (resources) that will be used to support children programs.
  • Maximum numbers of volunteers wanted are ten (10) and minimum volunteers wanted are one (1).
  • There is no prior experience required but any skills in working with children are an added advantage.
  • Working days are from Monday-Friday and weekends are reserved for the volunteers to carry out any other personal work or tour around the country.

Agro Forestly and Enviromental Conservation

 

Environmental degradation is among the current problems facing Uganda due to the increasing need for timber, firewood, charcoal for fuel, construction, deforestation as a need to give space for agriculture and many more.

  • Volunteers will participate in improving the deteriorating environmental practices in targeted communities like schools, hospitals, etc whereby volunteers will participate in improving the agro forestry program(planting of trees intermixed with fruits and vegetables) aimed at scaling up better nutrition and improving the learning/living environment of targeted communities.
  • Volunteers will also participate in developing concepts that will be used to seek funds that will be used to implement environmental programs.
  • Volunteers will also be directly involved in lobbying of resources , funds, networking and general fundraising to get resources/funds to support the implementation of environmental programs.
  • Maximum numbers of volunteers wanted are ten (10) and minimum volunteers wanted are one (1).
  • There is no prior experience required but any skills in environmental programs are an added advantage.
  • Working days are from Monday-Friday and weekends are reserved for the volunteers to carry out any other personal work or tour around the country.

HIV/AIDS

 

Uganda has been marked as one of the main countries affected by this deadly disease in Africa that there is need of more external expertise and support in scaling down the spread of the disease as well as mitigating the root causes and helping those that are already living with it.

  • Volunteers will help in counseling and treatment of patients with HIV/AIDS.
  • Volunteers will also help in carrying out home based care, community outreaches that will include sensitization programs, carry out voluntary testing and distribution of condoms.
  • Volunteers will also help in developing concepts that will be used to seek funds that will be used to support persons with the disease and HIV/AIDS related programs.
  •  Maximum numbers of volunteers wanted are ten (10) and minimum volunteers wanted are one (1).
  • There is no prior experience required but any skills in environmental programs are an added advantage.
  • Working days are from Monday-Friday and weekends are reserved for the volunteers to carry out any other personal work or tour around the country.

 

Elderly and Persons with Dissabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uganda has been identified as one of the leading countries in Africa with Elderly people and persons with disabilities without any support making them more vulnerable. AFRICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMUNITIES is among the few initiatives that have come up to create alternatives in seeing that these people lives can be improved.

  • We are in urgent need of volunteers to join us in creating avenues and directly supporting the elderly and persons with disabilities live a better life.
  • Volunteers will help in advocating for the rights of key identified people and supporting those in conflict with the law by making follow ups where necessary.
  • Volunteers will also help in seeing that the elderly and persons with disabilities have access to appropriate health care, better housing, education and other public services.
  • Volunteers will directly help these people with their domestic work at home, business, planning, family issues, gardens and many more as the situation may arise.
  • Volunteers will also participate in developing concepts that that will be used to seek funds in supporting programs that benefit the elderly and persons with disabilities help in organizing local and international fundraisings to get resources/funds to help key identified beneficiaries.
  • Maximum numbers of volunteers wanted are ten (10) and minimum volunteers wanted are one (1).
  • There is no prior experience required but any skills and motivation working with persons with disability/elderly programs is an added advantage.
  • Working days are from Monday-Friday and weekends are reserved for the volunteers to carry out any other personal work or tour around the country.

 

Education


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Education has been considered by AFRICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMUNITIES as a basis to impart development and effect change among the vulnerable livelihoods/communities.

  • Volunteers will be attached to local vulnerable schools and can teach a variety of subjects ranging from mathematics, English, fine art, technical drawing, entrepreneurship, history, music, geography, commerce, sports and many more.
  • Volunteers will also help in twinning/networking local and international schools/students.
  • No specific experience is required but teaching skills and being able to speak English are added advantage.
  •  Maximum numbers of volunteers wanted are twenty (10) and minimum volunteers wanted are one (1).
  • Working days are from Monday-Friday and weekends are reserved for the volunteers to carry out any other personal work or tour around the country.

 

WHAT A VOLUNTEER SHOULD KNOW ?

As a volunteer, you will experience traditional Ugandan life and participate in daily activities, such as cooking over an open fire, collecting water from a well, playing with children, teaching children, assisting in the vegetable garden as well as outreach program

PLACEMENT WORK

Prior to your placement, we encourage you let us know what your interests are and your level of experience in that field. This will enable us to plan your placement and make any necessary arrangements for the work.
Your placement work will begin after the orientation. The type of work you are involved with will be dependent on your interests, abilities, level of experience as well as your comfort levels.
One of the advantages of the African Orphanage program is that you are not limited to one job role and will have the opportunity to ‘sample’ other roles during your placement. To become involved in another project simply inform a member of staff who will happily make any necessary arrangements.

WORK SCHEDULE

Working hours are normally 6-8 hours a day. Time away from work e.g. for traveling to other parts of Africa can be arranged through informing the orphanage manager.
Upon arrival, there is an orientation session for new volunteers to become acquainted with the local culture, language and the project work. Further training and supervision may be provided to new volunteers who are interested in tasks for which they lack adequate experience. More experienced volunteers are given direction, but work under minimal supervision.

 

HEALTH,INSURANCE AND VACCINATION

It is recommended you have travellers’ health insurance when you leave your country. We  have a well,Boreholes where we get our drinking and bathing water which is clean and free of diseases, so it is safe for all to drink. Most of our food is vegetarian, cooked with the produce we grow on our own land. No volunteer has gotten ill from eating or drinking any of the compound’s supplies.

However, in case of illness or any emergency, we have a contact of local doctor who has a clinic at mithini.
Medicines are readily available at pharmacies in uganda however it is advisable that volunteers bring their own first aid kit.

Medicines are readily available at pharmacies in uganda however it is advisable that volunteers bring their own first aid kit, and any prescribed medication. Basic medication such as paracetamol and for upset stomachs is available, as are basics such as bandaids, cotton buds and wipes.

With regard to vaccinations, volunteers require the following prior to travel to uganda:
• Yellow Fever
• Diphtheria
• Polio
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis

Volunteers will also require anti-malaria medication. Although there are few mosquitoes in the  jinja, in many other parts of uganda (including kampala), they can be a nuisance. Volunteers are welcome to bring their own mosquito nets.
Please speak to your doctor regarding the most suitable medication for you.

ACCOMODATION

While working at the orphanage or surrounding community, volunteers will sleep in shared rooms with other volunteers, and we endeavor to keep the rooms single gender (2 people per room). We also accommodate couples as well.
Although we provide sheets and blankets and mosquito nets, volunteers are encouraged to bring their own sheets or sleeping bags

FOOD AND WATER

All meals are provided by the host organization. The main staples of the diet are rice, beans, ugali (corn meal), potatoes, cabbage and bread (chapati) Fresh fruit , vegetables and etc are readily available and are inexpensive to purchase.
The orphanage is vegetarian as a result of the cost of meat. Volunteers are encouraged to cook and to introduce different meals, for instance past volunteers have introduced pasta and French toast. There are always restaurants available in Thika for meat–based or western-style meals (such as French fries/hot chips).
The water used by the orphanage is from a well,borehole,tap and is very clean and safe to consume. Bottled water is also available from shops.

CLOTHING

With regards to clothing, keep in mind that the local area is very dusty and is often hot and dry, even in rainy season. Volunteers should anticipate that clothes and footwear will become dirty quickly so we suggest durable outdoors clothes that will last your visit. Of course there are facilities to wash clothes and shoes as regularly as you wish.
Some suggested hints for clothes are:
- As the orphanage is in a conservative area, all volunteers should bring at least one pair of long pants or skirt as well as a shirt that covers your shoulders otherwise acceptable clothing includes singlet and knee-length skirts/shorts. Volunteers should understand that very short skirts and skimpy clothing will attract attention and we particularly advise that women volunteers limit the wear of bikini tops, halter necks, midriff tops and short skirts. However we also advice that male volunteers wear a shirt/singlet (i.e. not topless) and wear knee length shorts.
- At least two pair of shoes, including one pair of comfortable covered shoes or trainers and one pair of sandals or flip-flops.
- Sunhat to prevent sunburn (particularly for volunteers unused to strong sunlight).
- During rainy season, the nights and mornings can get cool. We suggest that volunteers bring light jumpers or pullovers to layer clothing (rather than thick jumpers etc).

VOLUNTEERS CONTRIBUTION

Volunteers are requested to contribution for meals (4 US Dollars per day and we give 3 meals a day), airport pickup (less than 50 US Dollars for airport pickup) and support for our community projects ( 250 US Dollars for intersted project).This payable is in cash upon arrival in Uganda or you can wire the money directly to our bank account. Please be aware that we don't charge volunteers for any program but we only request them to contribute towards the interested projects.

AFSCO ORGANISATION CONTRIBUTION  TOWARDS THE VOLUNTEERS STAY

AFSCO provides free accommodation for volunteers,laundary and orientation.

VISA

We recommend volunteers to get tourist visas to come to AFSCO. This normally is a 3 months renewable VISA, and can easily be purchased upon arrival (with cash) at the airport for US$50.00 or in advance from Ugandan consulates in most countries.

AIRPORT TRANSERS AND ORIENTATION

Upon arrival at the Enttebe Airport  in uganda, you will proceed through immigration and customs officials. One of our representatives will be waiting for you outside the arrivals hall. Look for a sign with your name on it. Beware of other people pursuing to sell you a ride.
If you are arriving via other transportation (such as train) please contact us so we can make the necessary arrangements to meet with you.
Upon arrival at the orphanage, we provide you with an orientation to enable you to become acquainted with the local culture, language and the orphanage. This orientation will include meeting staff at the AFSCO, a tour of the local area, discussion of the volunteer role, recent changes at the orphanage and current plans/developments at the orphanage, etc.
On departure, volunteer will be accompanied by African Orphanage representative to the airport.

ACCESS TO FACILITIES

Electricity

 You are able to charge electrical items, such as phones, laptop, cameras, rechargeable batteries, etc.  you are able to purchase basic supplies. For other facilities and a larger range of supplies, volunteers will be able to access the post office, banks and ATMs (including a Barclays), and a Western Union to change money. Also, there are large supermarkets where you can purchase most supplies, such as Sumi, American, etc

MOBILE PHONES

Mobile phones in Uganda are ,NOKIA ITEL,etc and there is excellent reception available in the local area. If you bring a mobile phone from your home country or an international phone, provided you are permitted by your service provider, NOKIA-enabled phones will work on this network. Also, it is possible to purchase simcards for a NOKIA mobile phone when you arrive in Uganda, or even purchase a mobile phone relatively easily.

WHAT VOLUNTEERS CAN EXPECT

Prior to your Arrival

Prior to departing your home country, representatives of AFSCO will be available on email and via phone (if you prefer) to discuss your placement at the AFSCO.
Once you have been selected to join AFSCO, you are sent an official acceptance letter, which gives you a go-ahead to book your flight that brings you to this part of Africa!

During your Stay

There are staff members at AFSCO to support and assist you. They assist with caring for the children, administration and managing the day to day activities of the orphanage. They are available to answer questions, act as a local guide and ensure that you settle into the orphanage and way of life.
Volunteers can also expect a weekly visit from a representative of AFSCO. This representative will be able to bring any supplies you require, provide information, support and assistant if you require. Also to resolve any issues that may occur. This representative will be available via phone and email at any time during your stay.
We will provide you with work that is suitable for your level of ability, experience and meets your interests. Should you have any requests, queries or issues regarding your workload please let us know.

 

WHAT WE EXPECT OF VOLUNTEERS

Your Role as a Volunteer

As a volunteer, we encourage you to actively participate in the daily activities of the AFSCO such as caring for children, cleaning, teaching, cooking, washing clothes/bedding, fieldwork, construction, watering the vegetable garden, collecting firewood, hauling water, feeding animals’ preparing food, etc. We also encourage you to utilise the skills you have to assist in improving the lives of the children and staff. For instance, volunteers good at sport are encouraged to work with the children at orphanage and those in the community on sports.

ATTITUDE

It is important for volunteers to understand that the culture in Uganda may be quite different to what they may be accustomed to. Volunteers should bring with them an easy-going, open-minded and relaxed attitude. uganda people are very friendly and social people. While we will endeavour to maintain a daily routine, volunteers should understand that things move slowly in Africa (and indeed even at the africa). Relax and enjoy the slow pace. Remember that life here is not as organized and predictable as life in developed countries. Although work can be very busy and active, at other times work is determined by number of factors including weather, availability of resources, whether a relevant contact has turned up, cultural activities etc.

RESPONSIBILITIES

AFSCO expects the following of volunteers:
• To keep your room tidy (setting a good example for the children)
• To keep your valuables safe – if required, we are able to provide a secure place for items such as passports.
• To wash your own clothes and bedding – staff are able to assist if required
• To dress appropriately, even outside the orphanage grounds.
• To display appropriate behaviour. The area is quite conservative and behaviour such as public displays of affection and swearing will attract attention. Remember you are representing both your country and AFSCO.

AFTER YOUR STAY

AFSCO  like to remain in contact with all past volunteers and we expect you to spread news about us to your community. We often send updates from the AFSCO and the progress of children to past volunteers. Often, we receive volunteers recommended by our former volunteers with some even making return visits.

WHAT TO BRING

Below is a list of recommended supplies to have with you during your experience with AFSCO, as suggested by past volunteers. Of course, this is not a comprehensive list but rather should give you an idea of some of the essentials as well as items that will make your stay more comfortable.
Also note that most of these items can be purchased with ease in the local town as required.

For Yourself

- First aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Camera batteries (rechargeable)
- Flashlight/torch (rechargeable)
- Bed-sheets & washing towel
- International adaptor
- Umbrella /poncho / raincoat (dependent on when you are visiting)
- Durable Water Bottle (such as a Nalgene bottle)

With regards to mosquito nets, the orphanage does provide good quality nets however most volunteers do not require the use of one as there are very few mosquitoes in the area. For volunteers intending to travel to other parts of uganda, we advise them to bring their own net.

If possible, we would love for you to bring some supplies for the kids! Anything that you can bring would be greatly appreciated but below is a guide! Many of these items are cheap to purchase and would be loved by the children.

  • Clothing, mixed dresses, shirts, shorts for boys & girls, sweaters ages 4 – 14 years)
  • School children backpacks
  • Black shoes for school (boys & girls, ages 4 – 14 years)
  • Toothpastes & toothbrushes
  • Medical supplies (common ailment)
  • Stationeries & school supplies

If you are interested in bringing some of the above would like specific items that are current required, we are able to send you a list with more detailed and up-to-date information about the children (number, gender, age, etc).
Also, if you are interested in bring items for the AFSCO to use (such as laptop computer, camera, cell phone) please let us know. We are reliant on donations for many of these items that often have a short lifespan and would be grateful if you could assist.

For volunteer application please email afscohelpug@gmail.com
We hope to hear from you soon.

 

Please contact us and we shall get back to you for details and arrangements of how to do it.