HIV/AIDS Programs in Uganda

  Uganda

Kampala

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Throughout the year

Description: Uganda in general has been hit hard by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, with over 200,000 people having died from the disease in recent years. About 9.5% of population of Kampala have HIV/AIDS and the youth are the most vulnerable. Our local partner organization teaches and counsels the youth in poor neighborhoods of Kampala about HIV/AIDS. It also has a community health worker program which goes out to schools and poor neighborhoods to sensitize people on HIV/AIDS and other health issues and treatment. As a volunteer you will work along side staff of the local organization to educate and counsel the youth on HIV/AIDS, participate in drama and music production about HIV/AIDS prevention, help with the community health worker programs and provide counseling and support to people infected or affected with HIV/AIDS.

The project is located in Kampala- the capital city of Uganda. Kampala is a bustling cosmopolitan city surrounded by seven hills with lush green vegetation. It is often referred to as the greenest city in Africa due to its many beautiful gardens and parks. The people are warm and friendly. It has a population of about 1.5 million people. English and Swahili are the most spoken languages.

Highlights:
- Affordable, enriching and safe programs.
- Safe and inviting communities.

There are many attractions to see in Kampala such as: The Kasubi Tombs, which were the traditional royal tombs of the Kabakas of Buganda; The Namugongo Martyrs' Shrine, which commemorates twenty Ugandan Christians that were burnt alive in 1886 on the order of the Kabuki of Buganda; The Ugandan Museum featuring a display of Uganda's cultural heritage, and a vivid reminder of their fabled past; The National Theater of Uganda, which opened in 1959 and is truly a national theater for the people of Uganda There is religious landmarks of historical significance including the Bahai Temple ( the only one in Africa) set on a hill with a great view of Kampala, The Rubaga catholic cathedral, The Sikh temple and the Namirembe cathedral. Shoppers can absorb the pleasures of the Nakasero Fruit and Vegetable Market, the Owino Market in Nakivubo Place or the Ugandan Craft Center in downtown Kampala.

Kampala is awash with cheap internet cafes, international banks with ATMs which accepts VISA/MASTERCARD transactions. There are also plenty of local and international restaurants and pubs. Kabalagala is Kampala's pub/disco capital- a place where locals go, especially on weekends, to enjoy food , beers, music and dancing. There are several pubs and hotels in this area. Just out side Kampala, there is the white water rafting either in Murchison falls or Jinja. You can also enjoy a visit to one of Kampala's 10 National parks or go Gorilla trekking to see the rare mountain gorillas.

Qualifications:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have no major health problems
- Have no criminal record
- Self motivation, patience, open minded and respect of local culture, traditions and dress code.

Cost in US$: $950 for 1 month.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Uganda Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Come Kuona's Mission Statement: Supporting the work of grassroots development organizations engaged in finding sustainable solutions to poverty, illiteracy, diseases and promoting a learning exchange between volunteers/interns and the communities they serve. We believe a better world is possible!

Year Founded: 2002