Profile information
Host rating
85 %
Last replied
17 May 2022
Feedback
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Email verified
Details
Description
"SAVED TO SERVE."
Meet Francis. As a boy, tired from the challenges of poverty and homelessness, Francis was taken in by an orphanage/home for street kids, which provided safety, stability, an education, and opportunity. Wanting to give back to his community, along with his "brother" Brian, their community based organization, and now NGO, was founded. Both Francis and Brian, as former street kids themselves, understand the many challenges street children face every day, and are able to offer a unique connection for encouragement, hope, and support for rehabilitation.
Primary Projects:
Home for street kids- Sharing love and compassion to serve the needs of homeless children to reduce causes and cycles of poverty. Reuniting with family is preferred, however for some, this may not be an option at the present. Using their own small salaries, occasional donations, and working with schools to extend grace periods on fees, they provide not only an education for the school age boys the serve, but also safe housing, mentoring, meals, hygiene, clothing, school fees/supplies, and attempts to work with families for more home based support. As funding and other resources become more available and sustainable, they will continue to work towards their goal of expanding to include stronger support for the needs of young girls (school fees are currently supplied to several girls), younger children, those with disabilities, and strengthening broken family bonds.
Other projects include:
Women empowerment- Menstrual health management for school girls, as well as education and sensitization to decrease stigma associated with menstruation. Restoring hope/mindset and providing training for income earning opportunities for single mothers and girls who have not been able to complete formal schooling.
School outreach- Topics such as career counseling, sanitation and hygiene, disease prevention such as malaria, typhoid, and HIV, menstruation sensitization to help keep girls in school.
Musical activities/musical instrument instruction- Provides a positive activity to build functional skills and self esteem, and may provide a means for earning income.
Partnering with other people, projects, and charitable organizations to facilitate community development.
Although they have a foundation of Christian values, volunteers from ALL walks of life will be warmly welcomed!!
"EVERY LIFE COUNTS."
In transparency, Francis is not the main host of this profile, as it may be more difficult for him to access in a very timely manner. My name is Sarah and I am here to assist with initial requests. As mentioned, Francis's organization also offers support for community development and charitable work in partnering with others. He proved to be a compassionate and trusted resource for me, as he coordinated getting desperately needed school supplies (large chalkboards, text/exercise books, etc.) to a rural village in the Rubanda district near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and plans for continued support as possible.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
Babysitting and creative play
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Animal Care
Charity Work
Language practice
Art Projects
Help with Computers/ Internet
Teaching
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
-Experience incredible Ugandan hospitality, with the local languages, greetings, dress, customs, and sharing in the day to day way of life! Build life long connections and friendships, while making a difference in this corner of the world :)
-Try the local food, shop at the markets, learn to prepare Ugandan dishes using local stoves with firewood or charcoal.
-Experience traditional songs and dances.
-Typically every weekend is an opportunity to attend a wedding ceremony with traditional dress, food, music, customs.
-Attend the vibrant church services.
-Discuss current local and global issues and implications for a developing nation or local community, share perspectives!
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
There are so many ways to help within the community and this organization! If there is a specific interest or an desire for implementing a custom program, feel free to share!
-English language practice for speaking, reading, and writing
-Teach a subject/class at local primary school or high school that is partnered. Hours per day will depend on preference and/or agreed amount with school administration.
-Assist with daily duties of the small grocery shop recently established for income.
-Musical instrument instruction for children (violin, trumpet, guitar, keyboard)
-Cooking/food preparation, cleaning, general household/office maintenance.
-Child care/leisure activities- sports (play, coach), games, music, arts/crafts, etc.
-Street kids outreach
-School outreach for education in sanitation/hygiene, disease prevention, menstrual health and sensitization
-Women empowerment- participate in or teach skills for income (crafts, jewelry, sewing, weaving, hair dressing, small agriculture, etc.), finances/budgeting, literacy, family planning, sanitary pad distribution, counseling for a variety of issues, hope restoration, etc.
-Assistance with social media, website construction
-Videography and/or photography to support both local and online presence, increased awareness, and fundraising
-Assistance and/or training/guidance for fundraising, obtaining grants/proposal writing, project monitoring/management, accountability/transparency, networking and partnering with other organizations, etc.
-First aid training
-Connections exist for possible volunteering in local medical establishment
-Agricultural opportunities possible at family farm doing chores such as feeding livestock, gardening/harvesting, etc.
-Missionary opportunities
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Luganda, Ganda: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
Home with own room. There is separate accommodation for single males/females as needed (couples or co-ed group of friends may share house or room). Gated for security. Water, flush toilets. There is not wifi on premises, however local SIM cards/data plan can be purchased, and wifi/internet can be accessed at nearby hotel or internet cafe.
Daily food needs will mostly be the responsibility of the volunteer. There are markets, food stalls, restaurants very near. There is opportunity to prepare food at host home as well. Host will always be available to ensure volunteers feel safe and comfortable.
What else ...
As this location is in the southwestern region, there is much to explore in this area!!! Visit cultural and community centers in town, rural villages and farmland, trek for primates and vast variety of birds and other creatures in one or more of Uganda's national forests. Take a safari in Queen Elizabeth or Mburo National Park. Shop, attend cultural activities/events. Host can assist in organizing/advising on transportation or other needs as they arise.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
2-3 hours per day (or more if you like) 4-5 days/week
