VOLUTEERING FOR THE POOR
DESCRIPTION:
PLACE –HESSEP ORGANIZATION IN GULU DISTRICT, NORTHERN UGANDA
Gulu is the District in northern Uganda and is one of the oldest districts among the oldest districts in Uganda. The District is expected to become city in 2011 it is dominated by Acholi as Tribe they speaks Acholis as their langue and is one of easiest langue to learn in Uganda by the foreigners in one week you will be surprise to hear some words coming from your mouth like greetings which says Kop-Ango which is mean how are you? and the person will answer you saying Kop-peke you will also be saying the same to them in a short time as you stay in Gulu.
Gulu district is one of the most suffered districts in Uganda from war between LRA Rebel and the government of Uganda from 1987 in Northern Uganda and in this process of war children were abducted they under went training and become child-soldiers both boys and girls many people were killed. Many of them were trained to become soldiers to fight the government of Uganda with us clear definition why they are fighting the government of Uganda and why they are abducting and killing, destroying and burning people houses.
During this process the Government tried to protect people from the rebel captivities in Acholi sub-reason by displacing people from their homes to the camps that is IDP camps. At peak of displacement in 1995, Gulu District Hosted approximately 500,000 IDPs in 65 Gazzetted IDP camps.
Until in 2006 when Amuru District was curved out of Gulu in 2006 and Gulu district remain with 31 camps with the total 320,232 IDPs. In 2006 August when signing of CHA in Juba marked the beginning of Voluntary return process in Gulu. In 2006 November, Gulu district declared and supported the Voluntary return process. And when you are in Gulu you will be able to see the remains of the camps and some people are still in the camps. Since people begun leaving the camps 80% of the population has gone back and 20% still in the camps and our activities we are doing are in and around the camps most of these camps are return site camps (near their Villages).
Gulu district is one of the districts with rich culture in Uganda and rich land for crop productions and animal rearing many activities takes place in Gulu and is now one of the most central place for foreigners and they are enjoying fresh fruits, fresh food and good hospitality from leaders in this district and other services are available like Internet services recreation centers and so many other you be enjoying just to keep fresh after your work in the office or fields.
In Gulu district child-mothers is the biggest problem in the young female development in the district and these child-mothers most of them are the X-combatants rescued from the LRA Camps or some of them were trained to become soldiers and some of them were forced to become wife of the top LRA commanders gave birth to their children and came back from the rescue with these without their fathers.
Though Amnesty commission they got some packages to let hem start their living these packages are hoes ,axes, blankets, mattresses sospants, and some little money and they were also given certificates of Amnesty among other things that were given to them.
PLACE TO WORK IN: Office of HESSEP Organization, HESSEP Organization is Local organization in Uganda operating in the district of Gulu –northern Uganda as a health and health related focusing organization and it work is in the rural communities and poor urban communities within northern Uganda particularly in Gulu District. Our organization is a non- profit making organization, non-patrician, and non-religious registered to in the above areas
Our Vision, Mission and Objectives
Vision “A Peaceful society(s) where people’s Health are highly observed and protected”
Mission To promote health and health related activities in rural and poor urban communities
Objectives
To improve water and sanitations in the rural and poor urban communities by providing safe and clean drinking water
To promote hygiene education in communities, schools, health centers and market places
To improve and support the fight of killer diseases through immunization programs by mobilizations
To providing support to people living with HIV/AIDS through provision psychosocial support, awareness creation counseling,
To establish Community Health Resource Centers in the rural area which will provide training and mobilization facilities with teaching aids for purposes of elastration during trainings and meetings
To handle Nutrition programs in the areas as to support and stop malnutrition in children within the rural communities are so common with young below 5 years of age
To support child education through scholarship to Orphan and Vulnerable children OVCs through support to their families under poverty eradication projects to cater for their education needs like uniforms, school fees, books, pens pack food for children going to schools these is to children in the rural communities
To open child center for war affected children in northern Uganda especially Acholi sub-region which will focus at education, health, and home care programmes to care to children who are without their parents child-headed families to get equal life as those with their parents apparently
Women economic empowerment to trains and support women in groups to do some income generating activities for their family’s day to day living
OUR CURRENT ACTIVITIES
I. Water and Sanitation/Hygiene Promotion. 2. HIV/AIDS. 3. OVC families’ poverty eradication. 4. Nutrition and Early Childhood Development. Women Economic Empowerments, OVC Education support/ School Farming and other emergency projects, .
Water and Sanitation
HESSEP Organization is doing water and sanitation project in rural communities in northern Uganda mainly in the health centers, schools, market places in community HESSEP Organization is providing sanitation tool kits, carrying out hand washing campaigns. The organization is also doing on improving maternity by providing water and latrines
Meetings of the sector in Uganda there a sector meeting which take place every months it partners working in water and sanitation in the district of Gulu and also in Kampala
Our current and ongoing programs under water and sanitation includes:-
1. Water and sanitation programs. Provision of sanitation tool kits to the community, hand washing campaign to community, schools, health centers and market places, Hygiene education/promotion
1. Continue Sensitizing community members and distributes sanitation tool kits in village.
Identification and registration of community leaders to be trained equip to spearhead the activities.
2. Procure inputs namely, bicycles, office equipment and supplies, T shirts, posters, to be used in the implementation of the project.
3. To conduct quarterly monitoring and evaluation of the project in order to check the progress, challenges and short comings of the project.
4. The project is proposed to take 12 months.
HIV/AIDS PREVENTION AND COUSELING SERVICES /CARE GIVINGS
In HIV/AIDS HESSEP Organization is doing hospital visiting of sick people who are suffering from HIV/AIDS and are hospitalized we provide Counseling
outreach program this program includes video shows, drama performing, poems, and song and dances with advocacy massages on HIV/AIDS.
Primary and secondary schools drama competitions with the selected topics for the discussion
OVC FAMILY POVERTY ERADICATION
The project involves the following activities:
1. Sensitization of the community in general and the extremely vulnerable child mothers about the project.
2. Identification and registration of the extremely vulnerable war-affected child mothers to participate in the project.
3. Training of the child mothers in modern beekeeping and goat husbandry in order to equip them with knowledge and skills in carrying out the enterprises.
4. Procurement of 60 she-goats and 60 modern beehives for the child mothers.
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5. Distribution of 60she-goats and 60 modern beehives to 60 extremely vulnerable child mothers.
6. Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the project on bi-monthly basis and compile reports accordingly.
7. Close the project after six months from the start and chart the way forward for the child mothers.
GUIDES TO OUR VOLUNTEERS:
Volunteers typically share common characteristics such as flexibility, compassion, a sense of adventure, and most important, the desire to work with and learn from local people in the host community. Volunteers are drawn from all occupations and backgrounds, and from throughout the world. Each volunteer selects a service program that best employs their experience and interests, and a program where the volunteer feels engaged in a community project of lasting benefit.
Volunteers must be in good health and have the mental and physical capability to function as a team member. Therefore if you're open to new challenges and enjoy working with and learning from local people, then you can contribute to and benefit from a service-learning program. What we ask of you is flexibility, Patience, a spirit of volunteerism, adventure, and a sense of humor. Most Ugandan cultures are very friendly though some provide a greater degree of predictability than others due to cultural norms. It is also important to emphasis that you are dealing with another culture when you are volunteering internationally.
How you would approach a particular situation in your own country does not necessary mean it is appropriate to handle it in the same way in Uganda. Your time and commitment to the program is of course valued but please remember you are a guest of the country and will no doubt be looked at as a representative of your homeland. Within Uganda we would expect you to follow the local laws and regulations.
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HESSEP ORGANIZATION strives to provide a better future for some of the most vulnerable people in Uganda to improve on their health and other health related activities.
The need is expansive and long-term, so your opportunity to make a significant difference through service is likewise immeasurable. Think about how much you receive when you give and consider why you want to volunteer.
• You may have several different reasons. However, if you are someone who has an open mind and flexible and would like: • to expand the knowledge and to share a skill • to get to know a community • to demonstrate commitment to a cause/belief • to gain leadership skills • to donate your professional skills • to have an impact • to learn something new • to make new friends • to explore a career • to do something different from your job • for fun! • For religious reasons • to keep skills alive • to be an agent of change. Then HESSEP ORNIZATION is your rightful place to be.
HESSEP Organization welcomes individuals and groups of 18+ years old and backgrounds. We do encourage you to apply on line as soon as possible. Early enrollment allows you extra time for visa processing and include:
1. Water and sanitation programs. Provision of sanitation tool kits to the community, hand washing campaign to community, schools, health centers and market places, Hygiene education/promotion
1. Continue Sensitizing community members and distributes sanitation tool kits in village.
Identification and registration of community leaders to be trained equip to spearhead the activities.
2. Procure inputs namely, bicycles, office equipment and supplies, T shirts, posters, to be used in the implementation of the project.
3. To conduct quarterly monitoring and evaluation of the project in order to check the progress, challenges and short comings of the project.
4. The project is proposed to take 12 months.
2. The provision of Hospital visits and home-based care for people living with HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS, free blood testing for HIV/AIDS, Care giving to people living with HIV/AIDS.
3. ovc family poverty eradication
The project involves the following activities:
• Sensitizations of the community in general and the extremely vulnerable child mothers about the project.
• Identification and registration of the extremely vulnerable war-affected child mothers to participate in the project.
• Training of the child mothers in modern beekeeping and goat husbandry in order to equip them with knowledge and skills in carrying out the enterprises.
• Procurement of 60 she-goats and 60 modern beehives for the child mothers.
• 5. Distribution of 60she-goats and 60 modern beehives to 60 extremely vulnerable child mothers.
• 6. Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the project on bi-monthly basis and compile reports accordingly.
• 7. Close the project after 12 months from the start and chart the way forward for the child mothers.
Each volunteer is free to sample any of the following program activities depending on each volunteer’s skills and flexibility.
Water and sanitation • HIV/AIDS Prevention & Counseling Program/care giving • OVC Family poverty eradication • Nutrition and early childhood development programs • Women Economic Empowerment • and other emergency programs/Community Development Program:
You can become involved in a range of programs that appeal to your personal interests as some of the projects run in the morning and the afternoons only. If you are unsure of which project you would like to become involved with, you can spend a few days visiting each of the different projects to find out more about what each does and also participates activitively
OUR Organization is a very flexible organization and looks too constantly to develop and extend its range of activities reflecting the skills of the incoming volunteers. If you have suggestions or ideas as to how to increase the scope of the organization’s activities feel free to share them and in this current activities we need our volunteers to feel free participating in it actively and always ask questions in what you do not understand let them it is very important for you to know what you don’t know.
FREE TIMES
Weekends are free! The volunteers will not work on Saturdays and Sundays. In this time they can plan their free time accordingly. The team leader is there to provide you with the necessary information about interest excursions and trips around twon and other big centers.
And also to other cultural activities places around please is peace in Gulu our organization will guides you good directions and it is the place for you work come and enjoy our activities and participate actively
Requirements
Every person can volunteer in HESSEP ORGANIZATION programmes as long as you are 18 years old or older, enthusiastic, motivated to work with people who need your services and assistance, as long as you are flexible, compassionate with feelings of solidarity to work and leave with underprivileged people.
To enroll in HESSEP ORGANIZATION programmes
You need to do the following: -
Registration
You can ask for application form from our information desk at
hesseporg@yahoo.com .We will process your application and send you an acceptance letter with more detailed information.
Schedule and work duties
The schedule is flexible according to your project of choice, you will be working with our programmes officer who will assist you on any inquiry you will be having.
Some of the duties you will be performing are, attending meetings in the district and outside the on behalf of HESSEP ORGANIZATION, Visiting patients in the hospital, training the beneficiaries and you also be train as a participants, attending workshops, monitoring of the projects ongoing and you will also be monitored , help with administrative work.
Once you chose a project you will get more specific information about your duties and responsible officers.
All your ideas and creativity in your work site will be much appreciated and will also appreciates others in their duties
Social activities
Once you arrive in Uganda you will participate in a two days social activity that will include Ugandan cultural adaptation talks, museum and sites visits etc.
Cultural Exchange
The local people would be happier to welcome you to work in their areas and to share with you many ideas concerning their wellbeing and our organization success in their communities. While you are with us there will be some cultural during free times so that learn in practical our and by practical our culture and as you will be our pioneer volunteer, you will greater love and an important person to remember in our volunteer opportunity history.
Medical insurance
You must be covered by your own health insurance.
Volunteer Housing
It is the host organization’s responsibility to identify a Volunteer’s housing and Volunteers are to cover all costs related to it. The Volunteer is normally expected to live in this housing for the duration of service. Any issues regarding Volunteer housing should be discussed with the Host Organization.
Unless other arrangements have been made directly with Host Organization, a Volunteer’s housing must have minimum standards to meet visitor’s expectations
Fees
Your fees covers work placements, accommodation and meals, social activities,
General guidance and support
10% of you fee is used to support Organization development to prepare for future activities
Two weeks volunteer service programme
$400
Four weeks service programme
$800
Six weeks volunteer service programme
$1300
Eight weeks service programme
$1500
Three-month volunteer service programme $2000
NB: fees do not cover air ticket, medical insurance, and local transport.
Payments
You can pay your fees via a wire transfer to our account or to our accounts department.
You can as well pay by cheque or clear with our cashier here in Uganda.
Note: You are advised to clear at least 20% of your costs before you arrive in Uganda.
For more information about payments contact our accounts department. Or call 256 (0) 772359085 or +256(0)372275467
For information contact
Mr. Wanni Richard Wanni
Director of HESSEP Organization
Tel: +256 (0)772359085/+256(0) 372275467
P.o.Box.1072 Gulu
Plot 29th Timothy Okwera Road,
E-mail:
hesseporg@yahoo.com
E-mail:wwannirichard@yahoo.com
FAQ (FREQUENTLLY ASKED QUESTINS)
Is this to come any time of the year?
Yes, you can come anytime of the year because our programs runs for one, HESSEP Organization can only place you within the following periods (terms) in the year: (a) JANUARY through APRIL MAY through AUGUST (c) SEPTEMBER through DECEMBER "
Will accommodation be provided?
Yes, HESSEP Organization will provide you accommodation (a furnished room at times to share with another volunteer - in a house in which other people live. No volunteers of the different sex will be allowed to stay in the same room unless they are a married couple.
You will be assigned a bedroom with a lock. There are always other people in the house as well; and they would be willing to provide you all the necessary assistance you require. Typically, in your room will be one or two beds with mattresses and in some cases a table and chair. It is advisable to bring along a mosquito net and a spare bed sheet. There is electricity in the house compound and cold running water.
However, you are advised to bring a flashlight since power cuts may frequently occur. Most houses have no shower and water closet; hence you would have to manage with a bucket of water and a pit toilet. As a volunteer you will be expected to maintain a reasonable standard of cleanliness in your surroundings. This would include keeping your living space clean and tidy as well as your personal hygiene to a high standard. Daily showers/ washes are recommended as well as ensuring clothing is washed regularly.
Will Meals and Food be provided?
Yes, you will be given breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday. Typical breakfast: tea/ coffee/cocoa/oats/porridge and bread with jam/butter/egg omelets. Typical dinner: rice, yam or Matooke (Green Plantain) with stew or soup plus fruits. At lunchtime you can get fruits and/or snacks. HESSEP Organization will provide all the meals from the funds paid (program fee) by the volunteer. Almost 80% of the program fee donation goes to costs of the volunteer’s up-keep during his or her stay with HESSEP Organization in Gulu. Under no circumstance will volunteers have to pay any extra money for their meals during the course of their placement.
What is the Program fee donation for?
Your program fee donation fee covers the following: (a). arranging for, organizing and inspecting your placement: such as the accommodation and meals. (b). Airport meeting and pickup, and drop offs. (C) HESSEP Organization Administrations
Are there other costs?
Yes, you have to budget for bottled (or bagged) water, lunch and dinner and transportation when you are out on your personal entertainment, touring or site seeing, and other personal needs. (A weekly budget of $20-$300 depending on what you intend to do during your leisure time).
When and how should I pay my participation fee?
As soon as you have been accepted into our volunteer program, you are required to deposit your program fee donations with HESSEP Organization bank account as soon as an official invitation has been forwarded to you. This fee is required to cover expenses while you are on the program and if it is not paid at this time the program may not be able to operate to full capacity. The program fee is non refundable. Your paying the program at this time helps us to be in a better position to make concrete arrangements for your program placement and stay in time.
What happens when I arrive in Kampala?
We will meet you at the airport by our International Volunteer Liaison Officer. But prior to your departure from your country, you'll be given detailed directives by email on what to do when you land At Entebbe airport. From the airport you are taken right to our coordination office were you will be given information regarding your accommodation arrangements and then later our liaison officer will be able to give you a detailed orientations or an introduction in reference to your program placement and the cultural aspects of Ugandan people.
Can I cash my VISA or MasterCard or Travelers checks?
You can cash your VISA, MasterCard and Travelers Checks in any branch of Barclays Bank Standard chartered Bank, Allied Bank (mainly in Kampala). However, you must carry with you’re the traveler checks receipts.
Do I need to take any shots?
You can and secondary Obligatory for all visitors to Uganda is the YELLOW FEVER inoculation. The vaccination must be taken at least 10 days before the journey. Please consult your physician for the appropriate medication for Malaria too.
Suppose I would like to extend my stay of working with HESSEP Organization, can this be possible?
Yes, this is possible. However, you will need to discuss this with the HESSEP Organization’s administrator before you can change your flight schedules. You will also be required to pay an extra fee towards your extended period of stay.
How best can I be of help in the community?
HESSEP Organization is currently concentrating its effort and activities within Gulu district though we are registered as an NGO to operate nation wide. Our development Programs are not only focused on restoring people and their communities to their pre-crisis conditions, they also focus on establishing a process that enables those in need to build a self sufficient and self sustaining lifestyle as a community. Our development programs strive to promote Health and health related activities and to permanently break the bonds and cycle of poverty of individuals, families and their communities HESSEP Organization has identified people and families who are genuinely in need who might need our collective help. So we would like to ask all the volunteers prior to helping any body either financially or in any other way, that you first cross check with Mr. Wanni Richard Wanni. However, if you feel that you want to help someone in the community, then first cross check with the HESSEP Organization administrations
All kind of help MUST go through HESSEP Organization administrations and with the recommendation of HESSEP Organization and the local authorities. Please do not promise to help some one within the village if you are not 150% sure that you will help them.
Are there some Project, which needs our collect attention and funding?
Yes. HESSEP Organization does not encourage handout approach when helping the community. Our development Programs are not only focused on restoring people and their communities to their pre-crisis conditions, we focus on establishing a process that enables those in need to build a self sufficient and self sustaining lifestyle as a community. Our development programs strive to permanently break the bonds and cycle of poverty of individuals, families and their communities.
Therefore we encourage volunteers to work closely with the HESSEP Organization administration in looking out into possible avenues to help the community. Our current program includes, but not limited to the followings: water and sanitation a Latrine with two stances cost $1,000, AIDS Programs through counseling and support to people with HIV/AIDS. In this HIV/AIDS Prevention & Counseling Program for rural communities
HESSEP Organization provides free counseling services and HIV/AIDS blood tests and other STD related diseases to the rural community both within the camps and the community. We also provide free medical care for HIV/AIDS clients and weekly food supplies. We therefore appeal to all volunteers to help raise extra funding for this project.
, OVCs families through poverty eradication, Women Economic Development. This is done through teaching them practical skills towards initiating sustainable income generating with a total of around $600, Nutrition and early childhood development $1000 USD meet the child’s basic needs and his family for a year.
This money will cover the child’s school fees, school uniform, school supplies, and feeding and medical care. This is done through teaching them practical skills towards initiating sustainable income generating projects.
5. Community Development Program.
For information contact our main office at
HESSEP Organization
P.o.Box1072 Gulu
Tel: +256 (0) 372275467 or (0)772 359085.
E-mail:
hesseporg@yahoo.com
