Frequently Asked Questions by our Volunteers

Home / Frequently Asked Questions by our Volunteers

Q.How much does it cost to volunteer with KACODE?

  1. A total of US$610 per month will be required.And this covers the following items:
  •  Food and accommodation i.e breakfast, Lunch and supper and free bottled drinking water one bottle per day.
  • Laundry.
  • Transport to and from all project activity centres.

Please also note that, full room and board are included in your volunteer fee.

Three daily meals are included in the volunteer/internship fees. 

Meal times will be communicated to you once you arrive at the project site. If a  volunteer/  an intern misses a meal without prior communication with the host family, that meal will become the responsibility of the volunteer/intern. Snacks or in between meals are not provided and are at the cost of the volunteer/ an intern.

NOTE: Most meals are vegetarian, meat is a bit scarce.

Typical meals may include:

  • Breakfast: Bread,chapatis,flied cassava,cakes  and chai( Black or milk tea).
  • Lunch: A staple (Posho [cooked maize flour], rice, or pasta – when available), served with sauce/soup, beans or stew.
  • Dinner: A staple (Posho, rice, sweet potatoes, cassava, matooke [green banana]) served with one/two of the following: curry sauce/soup, beans, pumpkin, greens, ground nut (peanuts) sauce with small fish.

NOTE: The costs are subject to change with a discount with number of months that one/volunteer/internee stays (more than two months).

 

Q. For how long should I volunteer in this place?

A . Minimum 1 week to 24 weeks.

 

Q. Do I need a college degree to volunteer?

  1. NO, anyone can volunteer for general projects. HOWEVER – if you plan to teach primary school  children or pupils you must have at least a college diploma in the subject you plan to teach, that is, Mathematics, English and Social science and environmental science

For all other projects, college level education is not required.

 

Q.What age do you have to be to volunteer?

A.Volunteers  must be at least 18 years old but should be in good health.

 

Q.Do I need a college degree to volunteer?

  1. NO, anyone can volunteer for general projects. HOWEVER – if you plan to teach primary school  children or pupils you must have at least a college diploma in the subject you plan to teach, that is, Mathematics, English and Social science and environmental science

For all other projects, college level education is not required.

Q.What age do you have to be to volunteer?

A.Volunteers  must be at least 18 years old but should be in good health.

Q.What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?

A.When travelling to any international developing area we suggest the following though some are required by the immigration law.

  • Yellow fever vaccination (legally required to enter Uganda and to obtain a Visa),
  • Diphtheria (optional),
  • Polio (recommended),
  • Hepatitis A & B (OPTIONAL – Heptatis B is only needed if volunteering in a public health project),
  • Typhoid (recommended),
  • Rabies (OPTIONAL),
  • Tuberculosis (recommended),
  • Malaria (needs to be closely discussed with your  doctor),
  • Tetanus (recommended), and
  • All childhood immunizations should be current.

Q.What is a typical work day?

A.Project work is normally Monday-Friday; hours vary from 5-6 hours per day. The total hours that you are expected to be “on the job”, in various activities, is 20-30 hours per week.

 

Q. Who organizes my country Visa for my volunteer placement?

A.If Visa’s are required based on your country of origin, you should organize your Visa through a travel agent or independently – visit the Ugandan embassy website for more information. In Uganda, for citizens of most countries, you can do this at the airport when you arrive or before you get to Uganda. Currently, Visa’s cost US$50 (Bring a $50US bill, dated 2003 and above).

Q.Do I need travel insurance?

A.Travel insurance is recommended. This should be purchased above and beyond any healthcare insurance you may have.

Q.What should I bring with me?

A. detailed volunteer guide along with a checklist will be provided once you have registered for a project and have sent us flight details.

Q.How safe is it to volunteer internationally?

A,The Ugandan people are very warm and friendly towards foreigners, so you will be well looked after. Uganda has a democratic electoral process and mixed macroeconomic conditions.

Q.What is the climate like in Uganda?

Although the country lies on the equator, most of Uganda is on a plateau 3,600-6,000 ft/900-1,830 m above sea level. Temperatures in some parts of the country can vary quite a bit (high 60’s-90’s) owing to the country’s high altitude, depending on the season.

Q.Who organizes my flights?

A.volunteers are responsible for all their  travel costs; however, we are happy to offer assistance when making international travel arrangements. A few cheap airfare internet sites can be accessed below:

 

Q.What are the living arrangements when volunteering?

A. All accommodations will be provided in a dorm/organisation quarters. Most villages are rustic and may not provide running water or electricity. Latrines are squat pit latrines and showers are warm water bucket showers located outdoors. Accommodations are in a dorm setting with up to3/4 volunteers in a room

Q.Can groups (e.g. family, church, college) volunteer together?

A.YES, we have various projects that can support group work. However we request that group arrangements be made a minimum eight (8) weeks in advance. For groups with children, we recommend children be at least 12 years old. 

Our Volunteer Preparation Guide

  • What clothes should I pack for my trip?
  • What general supplies should I pack?
  • What medical supplies should I pack?
  • What about money?
  • Other important things to remember…

What clothes should I pack for my trip?

 

WOMEN’S/GIRL’S CLOTHING

  1. 1 pair of sturdy shoes or walking boots for hiking
  2.   1 pair of sandals (flip flops) to use at the guest house and showering at the project site
  3. 3-4 pair of socks (cotton)
  4.  5 pair of underwear (cotton)
  5. 2 bras
  6. 1 fleece sweater or light jacket
  7.  1 swimming suit (for weekends
  8.  1-2 pair of long casual trousers (jeans or khakis’)
  9.  3-4 casual short sleeve or sleeveless blouses
  10.  2 long sleeve casual blouses
  11.  3-4 long skirts (shorts are not recommended as they are offensive in rural areas)
  12.   1 rain coat
  13.  1 hat (THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR SUN PROTECTION)

 

MEN’S/ BOY’S CLOTHING

  1. 1 pair of sandals (flip flops) to use at the guest house
  2.  1 pair of sturdy shoes or walking boots for hiking
  3.  3-4 pair of socks
  4. 5 pair underwear (cotton)
  5. 1 fleece sweater or light jacket
  6.  2 long sleeve casual shirts
  7. 1-2 pair casual trousers or jeans
  8.  1-2 pair of shorts
  9. 1 belt
  10. 1 swimming suit
  11.  3-4 t-shirts
  12.   1 dress shirt (tie optional)
  13. 1 rain coat
  14.   1 hat (THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR SUN PROTECTION)

 

What general items should I pack?

  • Your Up to date passport
  •   You will need a Visa to get into Uganda (purchased at point of entry – e.g. Entebbe Airport in Uganda)
  •  Good pair of sunglasses
  • A good camera (digital is best)
  • Extra batteries (rechargeable)
  • An alarm clock (travel)
  •  A good backpack (for short camping/travel trips)
  •  A small lock (combination are best)
  •  Gifts for schools / orphanages (best purchased here in Uganda – e.g. books, school supplies, candies, clothes, toys can be purchased for little money in Kampala)
  •  Small games (cards etc .. )
  • For people who wear glasses or contact lenses, it is advisable that you take some spare ones and cleansing solutions.
  •  Sun block (SPF 45 or higher)
  • Insect repellent
  • 1 compact travel umbrella
  •  Towel, wash cloth, hand towel
  • Headlamp or torch

Toilet Bag:  Most items (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, razors, etc.) can be easily purchased here including feminine hygiene products (sanitary pads).

What medical supplies items should I pack?

  • Mosquito repellent
  • Malaria tablets
  •  Antiseptic cream/gel
  • Plasters (band-aids)
  • Wet wipes
  • Sun cream – High factor at least 30-45
  • Anti-diarrhoea tablets (Imodium)
  •  Laxatives
  • Midol (for women)
  •  Rehydration salts or sport drink mix (Gatorade) for dehydration
  • Iodine tablets
  • Ibuprofen (Advil) for pain relief
  •  Ear plugs (optional)
  • If you use prescribed medicine, you must take enough to last the time you will spend in Africa