WHAT NEXT?

Here is an outline of how the volunteer program works. If, after reading this, you have any questions, please contact us at reetsindiego@yahoo.com

Applying

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with FHLM you will need to contact the Director for a Volunteer Application.

Training and Support

Once you have been accepted for a project or placement, you’ll receive advice and support throughout your preparations. You’ll receive the FHLM Welcome Pack. Closer to departure you’ll need specific information on health, vaccinations, visas, kit, insurance, flights, language etc.

You’ll be supported by the FHLM Information Officer during your preparations. In addition, we can put you in contact with a returned volunteer who can answer any questions you may have

Program Fees

FHLM asks you to pay a program fee one month before departure. A detailed breakdown for the money you pay goes towards your accommodation, meals and house up-keep while on duty for the period you are volunteering with any particular program. It also includes FHLM Administrative costs.

You’ll also need to raise the money for your flight, insurance and kit. You’ll be expected to organize this yourself with close corroboration with our information officer reetsindiego@yahoo.com

The amount that you’ll need for your personal budget, will depend on where you are travelling from and if you want to travel during your placement or afterwards

Flight From and To Your Project Placement

You are responsible for arranging your own flight and insurance. We strongly recommend you give yourself some time to travel around during and after the project (see below).

You’ll leave for Uganda and will be met off the plane by our local representative or the team project members you will be with. Depending on your project and length of volunteer time you may be with a group of 2 to 12 volunteers work alongside them on the project and in the community. You’ll be fully supported during your time in the villages by a host staff backed up by FHLM. Usually conditions are different from the westernized way of life and most villages do not have electricity or running water. These conditions also depend on the project you are working on.

Traveling During and After Project

Uganda is a country with plenty to explore. We strongly recommend that volunteers arrange with the host organizations at least some days off for travelling. Many volunteers head off on safari to game parks (Lake Muburo or Queen Elizabeth National Parks), historical sites which are some of world’s most spectacular sites. You’ll want a good camera, as the scenery and wildlife are fantastic. You may want to climb Africa’s wonderful mountains such as Mt Elgon or the Rwenzoris, or relax on the beautiful beaches of the Ssesse Islands or along the shores of Lake Bunyonyi or Nabagabo

Returning home

Volunteers return to their home country after a unique and wonderful experience. We ask all volunteers to give us feedback on our volunteer program in order that we can continually improve it. Many volunteers keep in touch with and get involved supporting new volunteers. You’ll have the experience of a lifetime learning a lot about yourself and life in the developing country of Uganda.

Tips on fundraising

Several volunteers have expressed some interest in looking for extra funds so that they can support their host organization.

Here are some tips on how to do it:

• Your fundraising should approach different sources. Don’t spend too long or invest too much hope on any single area of fundraising, unless you are absolutely certain it will bring returns

• You will need to work hard, plan ahead and involve your friends and contacts with what you are trying to do. Take into account the payment deadlines and the need to put a lot of work in at the beginning and then maintain the effort until leaving for your placement

• Concentrate your efforts on a local or regional basis and talk to people about what you are doing; the contacts will slowly develop