volunteer in Africa Archives - Volunteering in Uganda

Webmasters December 28, 2021 No Comments

MALNUTRITION

The World Health Organisation defines malnutrition as “deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients”.

The National Health Services of the United Kingdom refers to malnutrition as “poor nutrition”.

There is something in common here, based on those two definitions and that is food.

The food in question is available but it is not exactly the kind of food the body needs and requires to grow as it should grow.

Food is a very vital part of life for children and living life and it shall guide our discussion here.

The World Food Programme puts it so well;

“To get to Zero Hunger, food is not enough. Providing food assistance in an emergency can save lives, but the right nutrition at the right time can also help change lives and break the cycle of poverty”.

According to the Global Nutrition Report, Uganda is ‘on course’ to meet two of the global nutrition targets for which there was sufficient data to assess progress!

Take, for example, one group of malnutrition (under-nutrition). It includes wasting (having a low weight for one’s height), stunting (having a low height for one’s age), and being underweight (having a low weight for one’s age) as well as having deficiencies in vitamins and minerals.

Undernutrition makes children in particular much more vulnerable to disease and death!

According to the World Health Organisation fact-sheet on malnutrition, wasting usually indicates recent and severe weight loss, because a person has not had enough food to eat and/or they have had an infectious disease, such as diarrhea, which has caused them to lose weight. A young child that is moderately or severely wasted has an increased risk of death, but treatment is possible.

When it comes to stunting, we are generally dealing with a result of chronic or recurrent undernutrition. Usually associated with poor socioeconomic conditions, poor maternal health and nutrition, frequent illness, and/or inappropriate infant and young child feeding and care in early life. Stunting holds children back from reaching their physical and cognitive potential.

For a child to be underweight, they may be stunted, wasted, or both.

In the same spirit of having children under the condition of under-nutrition, there exists over-nutrition!

Overnutrition is the situation where a child has more nutrients in their body than they need to have.

Signs and symptoms of malnutrition.

The most common signs and symptoms of malnutrition in children include feeling tired all the time, feeling weak, getting sick often. And taking quite long to recover, a general lack of interest in eating and drinking. Having a low body weight, not growing or not putting on weight at the expected rate among others.

Many doctors advise that the best course of action to take once you realize a child is malnourished is to start them on a diet high in proteins and calories.

Food that is high in proteins includes poultry, lean meat like beef and pork, fish, eggs. Dairy products like yogurt and milk among others.

Food that is high in calories includes beans, whole milk, cheese, eggs, oily fish, potatoes, brown rice. And whole-grain bread among others.

If you can, it is recommended that you give out a snack in between meals to the child that is malnourished.

And begin them on a diet of drinks that are high on calories like orange juice, apple juice among others.

Adding plenty of fruits and vegetables to the diet of the children helps a lot, too!

Feeding them a balanced and healthy diet, as much as possible hence prevention of malnutrition.

However, this can also begin with the entire journey of the expectant mother. As they are provided this same balanced and healthy diet. In the hope that their children are born healthy and have a lower risk of being stunted, developing poorly, or dying.

Breastfeeding mothers need to eat a plentiful diet to store the energy and nutrients they require to breastfeed successfully. (UNICEF, 2018)

Ps. Since we are talking about malnutrition in children, it is strongly advised medical personnel are consulted to establish what is causing this condition in a child before any action can be taken.

Volunteering in Uganda is the only place you can choose to volunteer to reach out to those who are suffering from malnutrition. Through our community outreach and healthcare plus the orphanage programs, you will be able to extend services and help to these people.

At Love Uganda Foundation orphanage you will get to care for the orphans both external and internal. We care a lot about what type of food our children take. Although they are orphans they deserve to have a balanced and healthy diet. With the help of our partners Tuyambe.org, and Love Uganda Safaris. Through charities and donations that you give to us with we can ensure that they get to eat a balanced diet.

Footprint Volunteer Uganda September 16, 2021 3 Comments

VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS IN UGANDA

As Jesus said in John 15:12 “my command is this; Love each other as I have loved you.” Volunteering is showing love to the people. volunteering is working to help the needy, the less fortunate, and also the vulnerable people at no cost. There are so many areas where one can volunteer in Uganda. Volunteer programs in Uganda give you a chance to open up your mind. And also know what people go through to find solutions for the problem.

When you choose to volunteer in any place, it’s giving it your all. To help develop the people and also the communities where one is from. These include charity works, developing skills for the people, and also empowering people women and youth in the community. Remember it’s not the company to benefit but the community to benefit from the volunteering company.

The list below shows several volunteer programs offered in Uganda to the volunteer.

Health care programs, this is to cater to the health of the people, children in the community. Medical persons will work in public and community hospitals. They are to provide needed assistance to doctors and patients who are financially unstable.

There are so many people in Uganda who are suffering from curable diseases. But due to inadequate healthcare professionals, hospitals, and also money to fund the treatment. The people will get free treatment. This will give a valuable medical experience that will benefit one greatly in the future.

Education program; this is to provide education to the members of the country. Several people are uneducated not because that’s the way they want it. But because they lack funds to pay for schools.

And also lack professional teachers in the rural and poor areas especially those in English teaching. This is in terms of correct use of words, English grammar, writing, and reading and comprehension skills.

Furthermore, the volunteers will work along with the local teachers in the community in delivering the services to children. This will help them improve their vocabulary and speaking of the children.

Hence opening for them a worldwide opportunity for which could change their future. The teaching program calls for creating a playing environment for the children. This helps to enhance the creativity of the children that is through singing, playing games like football, netball too.

HIV/AIDs has become a problem in Uganda. The number of those who are sick is rising as days go by. So HIV/AIDs has become a program or project to volunteer in too. The disease affects and kills both parents and children. So the volunteer under this program will deliver educational programs, training, and other activities. This is to help those suffering from it.

The volunteer will offer support in terms of giving encouraging words, treatment informs of ARVs to the patients. Also psychological support through guidance and counseling to the patients of HIV. As well as creating awareness to the population on ways how to protect themselves from the disease. Those who already have the disease do not spread it to other people.

The community development program is also a big shot for volunteering. This involves developing communities through empowering women and youth in the community. This is through giving them skills on how to work and reduce poverty in their households.

For example, women are taught how to do tailoring of clothes, agricultural skills. And how to run and manage the business. Women are taught basic hygiene and health care of their bodies. In addition, the best way is to educate the girl child so that they receive equal opportunities with men.

Furthermore, youth empowerment is also key to community development. Many youths in Uganda are unemployed and less educated. They lack the skills to either work in companies or start up a business of their own. This can be helped by advising the youth to take part in the development of projects. Youth advisory programs, and also elementary and high school clubs would help them develop skills.

Child care /orphanage program; this program runs around child development. Showing love to orphanages by providing for them in so many ways that are to say education.

Volunteers can sponsor or donate for the education of the child, teaching them ways how they can clean themselves. Taking drugs in case they are sick and also preparing meals for them to eat. This makes them feel loved and also shows them that somebody cares for them.

In a nutshell, volunteer programs in Uganda lookout to develop people in the community. They help them to break the poverty line in the families. These programs help in the child development, development of skills, empowerment of youths and women. They also call for equal rights for men and women.

Webmasters May 26, 2021 No Comments

RESEARCH ON VOLUNTEERISM AND ITS CONSQUENCES

Volunteerism is a form of helping in which people actively seek out opportunities. To assist others in need, make considerable and continuing commitments to assist. And sustain these commitments over extended periods, often at considerable personal cost. Several features mark it as a distinctive form of helping. Unlike the helping that occurs spontaneously in response to emergencies, volunteers typically seek out opportunities to help. Unlike the obligated helping that occurs in the context of ongoing relationships. Volunteers typically do not know those they help in advance and have no prior bonds of obligation to help them.

To understand the psychology of volunteerism, researchers have identified diverse personal and social motivations served by volunteering. Have developed inventories to assess these motivations, and explored their role in the processes. By which people initiate and sustain their involvement in voluntary helping. Theoretically, the study of volunteerism is informative about forms of helping that are playful, sustained. And that occurs in the absence of bonds of obligation. Practically, it can inform the practice of volunteerism. Specifically, the ways that organizations can enhance the recruitment, placement, and retention of volunteers.

CONSEQUENCES OF VOLUNTEERISM

Research on the consequences of volunteerism has considered its effects on the volunteers themselves. The recipients of volunteer services, and the wider community. Snyder and Omoto (2008) review outcomes that include changes in attitudes and knowledge. Improved health and subjective well-being, changes in behavior, and the establishment of community bonds. For example, studies of volunteers who work with people living with HIV/AIDS have revealed that such volunteerism leads to increases in knowledge of safer sex practices, reductions in stereotypical beliefs about individuals with HIV/AIDS, and increases in comfort in discussing issues relevant to

HIV/AIDS. Studies of consequences in other volunteer domains have found increases in volunteer self-esteem, self-efficacy and confidence, and even improved academic achievement. In addition, volunteering has been linked to positive health outcomes for volunteers, including increased optimism and longer life, and has been linked to higher subjective well-being for those volunteers who have experienced past traumatic life events.

As reviewed by Snyder and Omoto (2008),

the benefits of volunteering extend to the actual recipients of volunteer service. And to the organizations through which volunteers serve. For example, individuals living with HIV/AIDS who have a volunteer providing companionship. And home help has been shown to have better psychological functioning as compared to those without a volunteer companion. However, more research needs to be conducted on the impact of volunteer help on aid recipients, to determine. For example, whether receiving volunteer assistance might be threatening to recipients’ self-esteem or self-efficacy. More research is also needed on the positive impacts of volunteerism on service organizations. To build upon the aforementioned economic benefits to organizations and the growth of social capital.

The building of community bonds and social networks occurs for volunteers, help recipients. And a member of the organizations through which volunteers serve (Omoto and Snyder, 2010). These community bonds have been linked to not only volunteer behavior maintenance but also the willingness of community members. To engage in other efforts aimed at improving the quality of life for the community. Including the amount of money donated in support of causes, attending fund-raisers, and engaging in civic and political activism. In addition, these social networks increase the overall effectiveness of volunteers. As well as serve as means to recruit future volunteers.

Thus, psychological research on the consequences of volunteerism has documented benefits for individual volunteers. The recipients of volunteer services, the organizations through which volunteers serve, and the wider community. For volunteers and recipients, these include health and psychological benefits, as well as increased social capital. For organizations and communities, the benefits include the improved capability to address problems. And the ability to keep volunteers involved for longer periods.

Webmasters April 20, 2021 5 Comments

EXPECTATIONS OF ALL VOLUNTEERS

TEN BASIC EXPECTATIONS THAT ALL VOLUNTEERS HAVE WHEN THEY GIVE THEIR TIME TO AN ORGANISATION, AND THAT THE ORGANISATION SHOULD BE ABLE TO MEET

EXPECTATIONS

Volunteers should not be expected to undertake tasks that they are uncomfortable with, or are physically incapable of performing to an adequate standard.
Volunteers should be given tasks that match their personal goals, skills, and motivation as far as is possible within the organization.
They should be recruited only where all staff agrees to the arrangement and welcome.
volunteers – paid staff need to have a clear understanding of the role of the volunteer.
Volunteers should never be used to perform tasks that are or have previously been done by paid workers.
They should not be charged anything to give their time, except for traveling and accommodation expenses, and in cases where the project requires a once-off volunteering fee.
Volunteer organizations should be committed to operating an equal opportunities policy, and work within it about their volunteers.
Volunteers should understand the lines of supervision by the staff at the organization. Formal supervision should exist and this should provide volunteers with the opportunity to develop their skills.
Volunteers who are not accepted when applying to an organization have a right to know the reasons why.
They should receive other support and training if necessary.
Volunteers should rely on organizations for ensuring that all health and safety procedures are in place at the project.

Expectations of an organization from volunteers

They should rely on organizations for ensuring that all health and safety procedures are in place at the project.
Volunteers should be reliable, and if they commit to performing certain tasks at certain times, they should be expected to meet this commitment. Volunteers need time off work just like paid employees, but it’s fair to expect them to give some notice if the time off doesn’t fall over an agreed-upon rest period, like a weekend.
They must always work within the aims, objectives, and ethos of the organization.
Volunteers encountering problems with their tasks or the organization should be honest about it with the staff.
Volunteers must respect confidentiality at the organization at all times.
Right person, right role – a volunteer interview is an ideal opportunity for both sides to find out about each other. Both the volunteer and the organization need to know that they can work happily together. Be honest and upfront with your expectations.

RIGHTS

Volunteers should be given role descriptions and written outlines of tasks they may be expected to perform. The more clarity there is about expectations before a commitment is made, the better for all parties.
You’re allowed to say “No”. Both volunteers and organizations have the right to state if they don’t think the relationship will work out. However, it’s right for parties to expect explanations for such a decision.
Good preparation is essential to help new volunteers settle into their roles. There might be a lot to take in at the beginning (especially if there is an added element of culture shock!). A new volunteer at a project should have access to all the information and support they need.
A trial period for new volunteers is a good idea for both organization and volunteers. As it allows an opportunity to review any problems, and to decide if the arrangement won’t work out. If a trial period is going to be used, this must be made clear from the outset, and feedback should be given if everything goes well. Trial periods should be applied to ALL new volunteers.

In conclusion, Volunteers need ongoing support and supervision to ensure that they are happy with their role. Developing their skills, and achieving their full potential within the organization. Appropriate support ensures that volunteers remain motivated to continue with their voluntary role and helps them to feel valued.

Webmasters February 15, 2021 4 Comments

THE MOTIVE TO VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering either through individual or group action is away in which: human values of community,
caring and serving can be sustained and strengthened it is a fundamental building block of civil society. It
brings to life the noble aspirations of human kind, the pursuit of peace, freedom, opportunity, safety.
For every reason a person volunteers, there is a need associated and to effectively convey gratitude, it is
necessary to determine what everyone’s distinct need is. Everyone has a button that can be pushed and the
issue is intriguing each potential volunteer so they will become ebullient in a distinct way. These
necessities include, an agency that has a stimulating mission has a good reputation, is effective at what it
does, is financially secure, and makes them feel needed and valuable. A program that successfully attracts
and retains volunteers reduces the number of people entering and exiting through a revolving door, saves
volunteer leaders from the incessant undertaking of filling roles, and offers gratifying and enduring
volunteer experiences.

There are several factors relating to peoples’ motives for volunteering, which included the following:

a) Serves as a groundwork for employment
b) Presents a reward for displeasing employment
c) Offers opportunities to meet people and build relationships
d) Provides opportunity for personal growth, development, and recognition
Maxwell (1993) addressed factors associated with the motivation of volunteers. When people are
involved in creating something, they will support it because they have an investment in the issue, which
can be referred to as goal participation. Displeased volunteers are eager or inspired to make an immediate
change; also known as positive dissatisfaction.

“Potential board members, volunteers, and staff who feel their skills and passion will be put to good use
will be inclined to contribute their efforts to a successful non-profit, advancing their active participation in
the community while benefiting your non-profit and its mission” (LaPiana & Hayes, 2005, p. 42). These
authors also discussed that some competitive challenges distinctive to these organizations include the
following: community involvement, mission, and public perception. It is essential to keep these elements
in mind regarding attracting, motivating, and retaining volunteers.

Significant contributions, goal participation, positive dissatisfaction, recognition, and clear expectations
also motivate people to engage in volunteer work. People may be interested in volunteering based on
altruistic or instrumental motives. Furthermore, some people are inspired to engage in volunteer roles
because of ethical motives such as a desire to help others, religious beliefs, believe it is a social duty, or
help themselves feel better. Others with influential reasons may want to prepare for employment
opportunities, better use free time, interact with others, gain experience in a field, or help with displeasing
employment issues. They also explained that when volunteers work in an encouraging environment,
recognize efforts, and work to maintain positive relationships, they are more likely to remain engaged.

Other reasons that motivate people to engage in volunteer capacities include significant contributions,
goal participation, positive dissatisfaction, recognition, and clear expectations.

When it is appropriate for volunteers to assist in recruiting other volunteers, Retention can be positively impacted. Furthermore,
when volunteers represent an organization, this indicates trust, a confident organizational culture, and
assurance that the agency offers a worthwhile experience for the volunteers. Fisher and Cole (1993)
explained that psychological needs can impact a person’ interest and decision to volunteer. An
environment can influence the choice to continue volunteering. Hager and Brudney (2004) explained that
age can be a factor in volunteer engagement and commitment. They continued to discuss that people
under age 24 are known to have lower retention rates and are less likely to sustain relationships compared
to older volunteers. Due to the substantial preparation and consideration associated with a person’s
decision to volunteer suggests that individual needs are essential foundations of volunteer motivation
(Dwyer, et al., 2013).

This involves determining where people fit, how their abilities can be put to proper use, and then provides
them with the tools needed to adequately perform their roles. Volunteers are more likely to remain
engaged when they have the resources needed to successfully perform their position, have a clear
understanding of expectations, are interviewed, and reasonably placed in their appointment.
In conclusion People engage in volunteer capacities because they care; therefore, it is essential to provide
them with opportunities to contribute as much as they can.

Webmasters January 28, 2021 2 Comments

KNOW MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING UGANDA

Volunteering in Uganda is an NGO initiative aimed at reaching out to the various needs within the Ugandan society through volunteerism. The organization has the objective of availing an opportunity to everybody. That has a zeal for changing and transforming a society positively. Through the provision of a platform and hands-on involvement in the support process. Through its partnership with Love Uganda Foundation, Volunteering in Uganda intends to “make volunteerism a relevant, purposeful engine for democracy and sustainable communities today, and by so doing, create a vibrant purposeful society tomorrow.”

Also known as “Footprint Volunteer Uganda“, the organization has diverse programs. That is to say the elderly program, disabled program, HIV/AIDS program, Youth program. Childcare program, widows program, water, and sanitation program, healthcare human rights, and development program. All the above programs are catered for within the organization’s four major programs which are; The Community Development Program, The Healthcare program, The Education/teaching program, and The Childcare/Orphanage program. Each of these programs is specifically and carefully arranged. To cater to the needs of the different beneficiaries of the Organization.

The Community Development Program

believes that through training local farmers, helping the local women groups. Sensitizing women, and child advocacy, volunteers can be able to cause a rewarding impact on society. This program involves working alongside people within the local communities, engaging in developmental programs through education. Women`s empowerment, environmental monitoring, income-generating activities, health management, and mapping. The Women Empowerment program and the Youth Empowerment Program fall under the Community Development program.

Under the Women Empowerment Program,

Volunteering in Uganda notes, “If you want to change a culture, to empower women, to improve basic hygiene and healthcare, to fight high rates of infant mortality, the answer is to educate girls”.

It is for this reason that this volunteer program is steered. Towards the creation of better welfare and socio-economic development for women. From poor areas both within rural areas and Uganda`s capital city – Kampala.

Through many projects, for example, teaching the English language to young women, providing training on proper account keeping to women in small finance groups. Participating in, as well as initiating awareness-raising activities in various issues. Working with women in their farms, arranging activities to improve the self-confidence and educational development of women. Working with Love Uganda Foundation local staff to train women, etc. All the volunteer programs are aimed at ending discrimination against women in the most marginalized communities.

The Youth Empowerment Program

is geared towards supporting the youth, who demographically, make up 78% of Uganda`s population. Making it the youngest population worldwide. UNICEF defines youth as being between the ages 15-24years. Unfortunately, despite being the majority of the country being young and vibrant. Statistics show that the unemployment rate in Uganda is 83%, with 3.2% of Uganda Youth working for waged employment. 90.9% work for informal employment, and 5.8% are self-employed. It is thus Volunteering in Uganda`s desire to changes these statistics through availing opportunities for volunteers. To support the youth in Uganda by sharing success stories, the impartation of skills. Such as leadership to the youth, and where the need is, grant financial support to them. The youth are also encouraged to take part in community stimulating activities.

Under the Healthcare program,

Volunteering in Uganda aims to improve health in rural communities by educating and engaging people in health programs. Volunteers with a medical background and public health. Volunteers in this program are taken to some of the rural hospitals, clinics, communities, or orphanages. Where they provide checkups, basic medical care, early intervention services, family planning information, etc. Volunteering in Uganda understands that Health is a basic human right. And as a result, it put in place such programs to ensure that the vulnerable people in Uganda can access them.

Recognizing that the Right to Education is a fundamental human right,

Volunteering in Uganda seeks to make access to that right possible for as many children as it can reach. Through its Education/Teaching Volunteer program. Under this, volunteers work in government and public schools. Mainly teaching children aged between 4-16 years in English, Maths, Geography, Religious Education, Entrepreneurship, General Knowledge, and Physical Education. This particular field requires the volunteer to be compassionate and can care for and relate with children. Through fun and outgoing activities that can grab the interest of the children. And creative teaching methodologies with which they can easily learn. Volunteers under this program are required to work for 4-5 hours each day, for five days a week.

Childcare program

Finally, Volunteering in Uganda has a volunteer program set up to render support to the orphaned, poor and marginalized children of Uganda. Through its Childcare program. This program seeks to reach out to children who have not acquired parental support. That they need and have faced several challenges in life. Under this program, Volunteers can support and love orphans. Under the care of Love Uganda Orphanage which is based in Kalagi – Mukono. The orphanage is home to 30 vulnerable children aged between 3-15 years. Among those who are disabled children, those that were abandoned, and some of them living with HIV/AIDS. This Volunteer program also reaches out to 300 other children under the external child care program. Where the organization gives support to very poor single families. Within this program, volunteers can participate in the rescuing and restoration of hope to such vulnerable children.

Seeing as the world has partnered to create a positive and long-lasting impact globally through the UNDP’s Sustainable Development Goals. Volunteering in Uganda is actively playing her role, with emphasis on SDG No. 1-No poverty, SDG No. 3- Good health, SDG No.4- Education, and SDG No. 5- Gender equality. It is thus a call to action for all those with a passion for causing and participating in the creation of a world. That can support the existence of life today, as well as enable a fruitful life for future generations. Through either partnering with Volunteering in Uganda or giving to the cause.

Webmasters March 14, 2019 2 Comments

HOW TO VOLUNTEER AS A COUPLE ABROAD

How to volunteer as a couple abroad.

Traveling abroad as a couple takes your relationship to a whole new level. You might fear that the change of living and volunteering in another country will add a lot of pressure on your relationship. But it will only be a wonderful adventure and a time to grow together hence making great memories. Here is how you can volunteer as a couple hence making a difference together; Read more

Webmasters February 21, 2019 1 Comment

DENNIS’ VOLUNTEERING EXPERIENCE IN UGANDA

Dennis’ Volunteering experience in Uganda.

My journey started in October 2018 from Frankfurt, Germany. As part of my studies for business administration I’ve to make a practical semester. I decided to do this abroad and chose Uganda for my preferred destination. I wanted to see how they work and running their business in a complete unknown country. Read more

Webmasters January 31, 2019 5 Comments

HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY VOLUNTEERING IN 2019.

How to make a difference by volunteering in 2019

Everyone has something in mind to do in 2019 but all of you would agree on one thing, to have a happy new year ahead. It is automatic that everyone wishes to do good in 2019 and there can be various ways in which you can make a difference. A positive change is not just about the contributions you make to the outside world but also your inner changes that happen overtime. Read more

Webmasters January 15, 2019 1 Comment

THE BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING

The benefits of volunteering

It is always hard to find time to volunteer due to our busy lives. However, the avails of volunteering are enormous to you, your family plus the community. The right match helps you reduce stress, find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills and also advance your career. Offering service to others can also help protect your mental and physical health. Learn more of the interests of volunteering below.

Volunteering connects you to others; one of the well-known avails of volunteering is the impact on the society. Volunteering connects you to your community and make it a better place. Even taking part in the smallest tasks can make big and real difference to the lives of people.

Volunteering is a two way street, it benefits you and your family like the cause you choose to help. Offering your time as a volunteer helps you to expand your network, boost your social skills and also make new friends.

07:30 – 19:00

Kubbiri Roundabout

+256 754806809

volunteer in Africa

MALNUTRITION

The World Food Programme puts it so well;