The Foundation for Rural Development and Action Research provides a variety of development projects that volunteers can help implement, including health, childcare, education, construction and office administration. The cost for one month is £1800, for three months £2500.

Located about one hours drive from Jinja in south-east Uganda, FORDAR works in and with local communities to improve infrastructure and social conditions. Accommodation can be found with host families, private rental or guest houses.Some projects like medical, microfinance, fisheries research, wildlife and teaching in secondary school require some level of skills and experience. However even those without specific skills and experiences are welcome.

ACTIVITIES FOR VOLUNTEER HELP INCLUDE:

Medical Placements – medical students can shadow a doctor or a nurse on duty or work on an independent medical project that they have fundraised for before they arrive. Medical supplies are much needed.

Orphanage Placements- Volunteers can work in an orphanage to be part of the general management work, teach, mentor, or do any such activities that you are comfortable doing with children. You can support a feeding program, penpal program or fundraise for a specific activity.

 Environmental education – done in communities and schools and interested organizations. If possible volunteers should provide equipment for training e.g. laptop, projector, Information Education and Communication materials, brochures, workshops, portable generators etc.

Water and Sanitation – many communities and schoolslack water, waste management and sanitation facilities such as toilets, hand washing facilities, shade seats, garbage skips etc. Water also remains a burden to many schools which affects pupil attendance.

Tree planting – many schools and communities need trees for fuel, shades, orchards and ornamentals. But they cannot afford the seeds/planting seedlings. You can work to support an environmental protection project.

Office and Management – We rely on volunteers in administration, especially in designing projects/programs that suit people from the western world. Many times volunteers complain that the projects are not very structured. We need help with proposal writing, fundraising, making work plans, and compiling reports.

Work camps – We also wish to promote work camps where volunteers have an opportunity to experience life in a community setting while contributing to the livelihood of the people. This can be through construction of a school, painting of a classroom or a  hospital, setting up a water source and many other projects asidentified by volunteers or the local staff.

Cost: The total cost includes air fares, visa, health and travel insurance, accommodation, meals and the Christians Abroad administration fee.

Country information: Uganda. Visit www.ugandahighcommission.co.uk