HIV/AIDS Project in Uganda

  Uganda

Entebbe

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: All Year Round

Description: The pandemic resulting from the spread and acquisition of HIV/AIDS is a serious, deadly challenge facing the entire country of Uganda . Each year, thousands of Ugandans (adults and children) die from this acquired disease. Presently, IFRE works in collaboration with local organizations running various HIV/AIDS projects creating and promoting awareness while simultaneously providing comfort to HIV/AIDS-infected citizens. These projects also train local community workers to effectively address and educate others about HIV/AIDS-related issues. These trained citizens then return to their villages of origin to train and educate other citizens  eventually launching their own HIV/AIDS awareness programs. Local program already emplaced by our partnering organizations include: stigma reduction, gender awareness, home visits, community counseling, as well as sensitization in public places (i.e. community centers and/or schools). This project's primary goal is to create hope among the sick  assuring them that they are able to live productive, meaningful lives (living with AIDS, not dying from AIDS) provided that they take proper care of their bodies.

Highlights: Volunteers can participate in a number of community-based activities. Each day, volunteers meet at the projects' headquarters, take part in daily discussions, and develop daily strategies and follow-up on the projects' current plans. As the HIV/AIDS program's primary aim is the creation of public awareness, volunteers will travel from village-to-village accompanying members of the local staff. Some activities include: providing comfort through counseling and/or spiritual guidance, distributing basic supplies (such as food, soap and clothes) administering medication to alleviate symptoms such coughing, diarrhea, as well as assisting in the building or repairing of affected clients' homes.

Qualifications: No specific qualifications are required to join the HIV/AIDS project. However, volunteers interested in this particular project should have some interest in HIV/AIDS-related issues as well as have a passion for helping others and a willingness to share their time, energy and compassion with these in-need Ugandans.

Cost in US$: starts $648

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18 or above

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Uganda Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Institute For Field Research Expeditions's Mission Statement: The mission of our volunteer abroad program is to offer meaningful volunteer abroad opportunities for volunteers and to seek sustainable solutions for education, health, conservation, and development issues through international volunteering. We hope to achieve this goal by offering community orientated volunteer programs where the efforts of our volunteers go directly to the poor people and their communities. Many grass-root organizations working in developing countries are poor in resources. These organizations are doing a commendable job to address development, education, health, and conservation issues by launching a variety of programs but these organizations are in a great need of help and support. IFRE promotes these local organizations by making donations and sending volunteers.

Year Founded: 2005