Currently we need volunteers to help with work in the project We need volunteers willing to work and be part of a rural set-up We need volunteers to help in the following areas :-
| READING BIBLE TO CHILDRENChild health careEntrepreneurial teachingArt and craftsMedical and first- aidSocial work | Parenting skill trainingSensitizing and lobbingCounselling of childrenTeaching English and other foreign language.Life skills teaching. | Gardening and livestock feeding.FundraisingOrganize recreational and sports activities.Visiting guardians around the community |
VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE
This is a general schedule for all volunteers. The schedule may change depending on pressing needs at any particular time. 
TEACHING: You can teach indifferent classes according to the time table, you mainly teach according to your best subject. Volunteers may also help serving meals.
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM:
Helping/tutoring kids in the after-school program.
Students from neighboring villages drop in to get help on homework or review material covered in class for that day. The program runs between 5 – 7pm. Students Ages between 2-15.
SPORTS, MUSIC, DANCE AND DRAMA ACTIVITIES for children in the after-school. These extra-curricular activities are planned for weekends. FAMILY OUTREACH PROGRAM: Volunteers visit guardians and aged families in Kisweera and Myanzi They help them with gardening, feeding animals, renovating houses, donating household supplies, etc.
CONSTRUCTION
You will have the opportunity to help with any work available at the site.
FEEDING ANIMALS AND CHICKENS.
There is a piggery project at the orphanage you may help with distributing feeds or cleaning the pig pen or chicken coop.
GARDENING.
Some days may be spent working in the banana plantation, beans/maize garden, etc. The project welcomes volunteers at any time of all ages, singles or couples, groups, and students..
EXPERIENCE:
Care for the less fortunate, Love to give out services, and the yearning for interest into our community. Elementary English is important as it is national language.
At good Hope Initiatives volunteers are welcome and free to bring new ideas for the benefit of the children and the project We believe in communities working together to build and change lives. Dedicated volunteers make our vision a reality. We treasure the vibrant spirit of service and love they bring; it touches and transforms lives. Whether you’re looking for a short-term or long-term volunteer opportunity, we assure you that your time will be worthwhile helping us. There is so much you can do; the various programs and projects offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities and experiences that will create lasting memories.
Accommodation and Costs
| Below 3 weeks | US $ 400 |
| 1st month | US $ 450 |
| 2nd month+ | US $ 300 |
| 3rd month + | US $ 250 |
| Subsequent months + | US $ 200 |
What it covers:
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening tea): Only meals taken at the host family and at off-site project BUT not for personal outings. Also, if working on a project off site and choose to eat at an expensive restaurant, you will be responsible for your meal expenses.
- Lodging: bed, mattress, blanket are provided. Please bring a towel and other personal toiletries.
PROJECT GROWTH FUND
We request that volunteers fundraise before coming and make a contribution of at least $200 minimum to this development fund. This fund was set up to help with ongoing admin expenses and also contribute to various projects during your stay. Some volunteers have the capacity to fundraise and bring more money and it is encouraged. This is just a suggested minimum. (Optional)
CARRYING CASH: Please make sure you carry larger bills of $50 or $100 and they should be printed at least after 2004. The bills should not look old, ripped, or wrinkled. The banks are very picky; they won’t accept old bill. You will get a very low exchange rate for smaller bills. ATMs are available in Mityana and Kampala.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM: ON GROUND SYSTEM
All rules below are based on experience with past volunteers. These simple guidelines are meant for your safety and the smooth running of the programs
DONATIONS: GHI is grateful for all donations. It is the policy of the organization to initiate all uses of donated funds themselves or at least approve of their expenditure before such expenses are incurred. Please avoid handing out cash to people you meet in the villages. If you wish to make a donation to a family or individual, please consult with staff before you do so. If you identity an area of need and wish to provide funding for that particular project, please speak with the staffs first to understand our priorities. All donation monies should be given to staff who will work with other project managers to disburse it on designated projects of your choice and provide accountability
DRINKING WATER: Please make sure you finish a bottle of drinking water before picking up another one. Be prudent! Do not distribute this water to children. It is expensive.
MEALS: Please let the staff know what kinds of foods you like so they don’t keep making the same meals you don’t like. If there are some foods you like and know it could be obtained from super markets in Mityana or Kampala, please inform a staff.
NIGHT TIME: Please avoid staying out late. At most, you should make effort to return home by 7:30PM. GHI is not responsible for your safety while you are out late. It’s okay to bring a drink home if you are out drinking and it’s getting late. Please be prudent.
**Be aware that the meals you are getting are actually much better than what a local family enjoys on average. Learning to eat local food is part of the cultural experience.(you will be enjoying type of food like posh banana, Irish potato, cassava, rice ,eggs, beans, meat, groundnuts, peas, cabbage)
DRUGS: Use of drugs is unacceptable.
UGANDA PASSPORT/VISA
Contact the Ugandan Embassy, Consulate or High Commission in your country to learn of visa and passport requirements. Currently the only vaccination required to enter Uganda is yellow fever, however you may prefer to get other vaccinations such as typhoid, hepatitis, measles, tetanus, polio, meningitis, tuberculosis, mumps, rubella, etc. Generally two passport photos along with a valid passport are sent to the Ugandan embassy/consulate, with included proof of yellow fever vaccination and visa application fee (e.g., $90 US Dollars for 6 months of multiple entries).
If you need an address for visa application purposes, please use:
Good Hope initiative
P.O Box 376 MITYANA
Uganda.
Tel: +256-753766796
admin@goodhopekids.org
LANGUAGE
Even if English is the official language of Uganda, most children speak their native mother tongue (Luganda) until reaching primary school age. However, you are always likely to meet people who speak English well enough to assist travelers especially in cities and towns. Most people in Kampala understand English. Local languages vary by region. In the community the majority of the people speak Luganda.
A Simple complete guide to learning Luganda.
| ENGLISH | LUGANDA |
| BOOK | EKITABO |
| SIR | SSEBO |
| I AM FINE. | BULUNGI |
| MADAM | NYABO |
| UNCLE | KOJJA |
| A CHILD | OMWANA |
| HOW ARE YOU? | OLYOTYA? |
| A GIRL | OMUWALA> |
| MOTHER | MAAMA |
| FATHER | TATTA |
| WHO ARE YOU? | GWE ANI? |
| I AM (MARY) | YE NZE (MARY ) |
| WATER | AMAZZI |
| FOOD | EMERE |
| GO | GENDA |
| COME | JJANGU |
| THANK YOU | WEBBALE |
| YOU ARE WELCOME | TUSANYUSE OKULABA |
| WELCOME BACK | KULIKA YO |
| EAT | LYA |
| I WANT | NJAGALA |
| A CHAIR | ENTEBBE |
| PRAY | SABBA |
| HERE | WAANO> |
| SIT | TUULA |
| TREE | OMUTI |
| GOOD | KILUNGI |
| NOW | KATI |
| BANANA | MATOOKE |
Visit www.buganda.com
Greetings are very important in Uganda and it is considered rude to speak to someone without formally greeting especially you are stranded and want to ask for direction. Taking the time to greet someone with, “Hello, how are you?” is courteous and well received.
Coming from a foreign country, you may be greeted by children and others with shouts of “MUZUNGU!” followed by whatever English words they are familiar with. Do not take offense to this term, it is meant to recognize your uniqueness and calling out to you as such is a form of greeting for them. Smiles, waves, or answers back by you will be well received.
CURRENCY ISSUES
Cash is the best way to travel in Uganda.
A variety of foreign currencies may be exchanged in Uganda for Ugandan Shillings, but typically people carry United States Dollars or Euros (European Union) , pound staring to exchange in Uganda, with US Dollars receiving the highest rates of exchange. In some rare places you may also be able to purchase items directly with USD as well. Try to exchange no more than necessary at the airport and wait until you reach Kampala for the majority of your exchanges. Rates in Kampala are good, but in rural areas, such as the nearest large town Mityana, the rates are very poor. Try to exchange everything you need while in Kampala.
OTHER ESSENTIALS YOU MAY CONSIDER:
· Light-weight towel*
· First Aid kit
· Insect repellent
· Soap/Shampoo/Toiletries*
· Suntan lotion*
· Flash light with plenty of extra batteries* and bulbs (we highly recommend a head-lamp style light with an LED bulb, check any outdoor outfitter store)
CLOTHING IN UGANDA
Items indicated with * are those things which are available in Mityana. therefore, if you are short on space or heavy on weight, you might choose to purchase them once you arrive in Uganda. Of course, there are markets with lots of used clothing so if you don’t bring a certain article of clothing and discover a need for it, you can always find it in the market! Most toiletries are available in supermarkets but if you are brand loyal, you might want to consider bringing enough for your whole trip. Insect repellent, anti-itch ointments (Benadryl, Calamine lotion, etc) and medications are best brought from home.
CLOTHING:
· Something comfortable to sleep in (temperature will range from uncomfortably hot to cool at night, depending on time of year)
· Comfortable shoes (hiking boots, running shoes, sports sandals)
· Baseball cap/sun hat/bandana (protection from the sun)
· Rain gear
· Long sleeve shirts (for evening, light colors are a good idea)
· Shorts
· Skirts (they are comfortable in the heat and culturally acceptable if below the knees)
· Cool, comfortable T-shirts
· One ‘nice’ outfit (for church or other occasions , should still maintain a high comfort level)
· A warm fleece (evenings, especially in the wet season when it gets cool at night)
Following are suggestions to avoid causing offense in your choice of clothing.
WOMEN
MITYANA and Kampala are becoming more progressive and women can be seen wearing trousers, but in rural villages, this may actually be seen as an invitation to prostitution. Our best recommendation to women is that trousers are acceptable, but shorts for holidays or outings should not be worn. If you feel you must wear shorts, we recommend you never wear them off the base compound, as exposing the thigh is considered offensive and/or suggestive. Women in Uganda typically wear skirts or dresses, with the thighs always being covered, and with underskirts obscuring the outline of legs.
SHOES
Sandals are typical in Uganda, for both men and women. A sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes that can look nice in dusty or muddy conditions is most helpful.
MEN’S
Men do wear shorts, but these typically cover the thighs, unless they are on sports teams in current, active play.
COMMUNITY CONDUCT IN UGANDA
RELATING TO THE CHILDREN
The children will refer to you as “Auntie or Madam” (women) or “Uncle or Master” (men) as a sign of respect. Throughout central Uganda, females will also kneel to those older and to males while greeting. It is not expected that female visitors would do such, and you’ll find that the children will adapt their behavior depending on the individual’s culture and preference. For example, some of the girls will not kneel to foreigners, understanding their preference is for girls not to kneel and no disrespect is intended. The children will respect your privacy, only entering your room with permission, but you’ll find them to be affectionate, open and inquisitive.
ROMANCE & RELATIONSHIPS
The area of opposite sex relations causes most culture clashes. Relationships are conducted in different ways in Uganda, compared to the west, and you’ll need to be careful in your interactions with members of the opposite sex and with young ones, who have no way of recognizing that your behavior is indicative of a cultural difference and not an intended action. In Uganda, single men and women are discouraged from spending a great deal of time together as it is likely to be interpreted that the relationship is leading to marriage and you are courting. Public displays of affection are actively discouraged and rarely seen, even between husband and wife. The one exception is that close friends of the same sex, particularly men, can be seen grasping and walking hand in hand. We would ask you to be flexible and respect the local culture and customs in these regards, but recognize as well that these are not laws or rules that cannot be bent. Please consider though that your intended meaning will be seen within the framework of someone raised here and so may be construed inappropriately.
TIME CONSCIOUSNESS
We suggest you practice patience, bringing a book with you if you need to have something to d o while waiting at various times. Enjoy being here, knowing that patience is a good quality to develop!
AIRPORT AND PICKUP INFO
BOOKING TRAVEL
It can be a hassle searching for a fair deal on air tickets. If you are having trouble finding a good price, please contact DEO, to check on alternative sources.
Some ticket search engines:
ARRIVAL-ENTEBBE AIRPORT (EBB)
Flying into Uganda, you arrive at the Entebbe International Airport (EBB) on the shores of Lake Victoria, about 3 km from the town centre of Entebbe. About a 30-40 minute car ride south from Kampala, Uganda’s capital city.
AIRPORT PICK UP FEE: If you need arrangements made for pick up, please be ready to reimburse $150.you will find our staff waiting for you at the airport, It’s a three hour trip from the airport to the project area, For returning to airport, you can make your own arrangement helped by a staff which is actually cheaper,
Depending on your arrival time, you may have to spend a night in Kampala and then proceed to GHI the following day. If you are to stay in a hotel, it’s your responsibility to find a hotel around Entebbe or Kampala, or contacting us to look for cheap hotel/guest house in Kampala
VOLUNTEERS YOU FEEL AT HOME AT GOOD HOPE INITIATIVE