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Uganda - Orphanage Care Work

Challenge:: Orphanage/Drop-in Centre
Destination:: *Uganda
Departure Dates From:: 01/01/1970

No availability in 2010.

Contact elaine@madventurer.com for more info on alternative destinations!

Based at the Source of the Nile in the sleepy town of Jinja, Madventurer offers a variety of Projects in this incredibly lush and diverse country described as the ‘Pearl of Africa' by Winston Churchill. With opportunities to raft the mighty Nile, trek the ‘Mountains of the Moon' or come face to face with a rare Mountain Gorilla during the weekend, Uganda offers a truly unique experience.

Background
Across Africa there is a large problem with orphaned children, or children who have, for one reason or another, taken to the streets. The main reason for this is the cycle of poverty and disease: families have little in the way of income, most relying on subsistence farming, which in turn leads to less food for the home, and no money to treat health problems, which again turns to increased risk in terms of health and the spread of disease, and a higher rate of orphaned children. While traditionally such children would then go to the care of extended family, as families have so little in turns of resources anyway, this often leads to neglect, malnourishment, and even abuse.

In Uganda, there is no strict Government policy which deals with children in such a manner. Therefore it is up to private institutes and donors to support these children. There are several Children's Centres around Jinja town where we work and a pre-school for orphans. Your placement largely depends on your interests, and the time of year.

The Project
At the live in centres, primary aged children will go to school during the day time. Thus most activities with the children are after school hours, in helping with meal times and assisting with after school activities such as homework, play, and music. However during holiday times, children are in the centre's all of the time, thus you could be spending your days organising extra curricular activities, as well as the basic running of the centre.

There are two pre-school's for orphans in the Jinja district, set up by the NGO we work with. The schools are open in the morning during term times and as well as the usual range of subjects, the children have a good emphasis on creative education. There is the opportunity to go and assist the teachers in the pre-schools, or even run your own workshops with the children there.

Your Role
The structure of your day largely depends on your interests, and the age group you hope to assist with. At the orphanage you will help the child's development by providing basic schooling, story time and fun and games as well as helping out at meal times. In addition to this some of the children at the orphanage have learning difficulties so sometime will be spent offering one to one assistance with those who require it as well.

This project can be combined with a teaching placement at the local school and each venturer designs her or his own programme in assistance with her or his crew. You will need endless energy and enthusiasm, as you take on the roles of carer, friend, storyteller, English teacher, games organiser and homework helper to name but a few!

Out and About
You'll have access to some beautiful scenery in the surrounding areas, and for the more adventurous there is the opportunity to test yourself against the mighty White Nile whilst white water rafting, face the Nile High Bungee jump or go quad biking in nearby Bujigali. An hour and a half away is Kampala, the vibrant capital of Uganda, where there is a wealth of things to do in this attractive city, whether it's browsing around the famous Owino market; indulging in some western luxuries in the shopping centre, or relaxing around a pool in the hot sun. Kampala's bustling nightlife always promises a good night out.

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