Volunteering

FAQ

Can I come at any time of the year?

Yes, you can come anytime of the year, however for those coming specifically for volunteer teaching, Due to the school calendar in Uganda; OGLM can only place you within the following periods (terms) in the year:

(a) JANUARY through APRIL (1st School Term)
(b) MAY through AUGUST 2nd " "
(c) SEPTEMBER through DECEMBER 3rd " "

However, there is a need to note that sometimes the school schedule changes without prior notice. Therefore In case of any changes we ask the participating volunteer to be very flexible. In between these periods, you can still keep your room if you are staying beyond one (1) school term but you may be expected to bear your other living expenses.

Will accommodation be provided?

Yes, OGLM will give you accommodation (at times to share with another volunteer - in a house in which other people live.) If one so wishes you can also live with a family in a community.

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.

Meals and Food?

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. However special arrangements can be made for special needs person, days or events.

OGLM 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 volunteers up-keep during his or her stay with OGLM.

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 school and accommodation and meals.
(b) Airport meeting and pickup, and drop offs.
(c) OGLM 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.

When and how should I pay my participation fee?

The Program fee donations should be deposited into OGLM Bank Account on your arrival in Uganda. An official invitation will be sent to you for your visa application. This fee is required to cover expenses while you are on the program. The program fee is non refundable.

What happens when I arrive in Uganda?

You 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 the OGLM offices 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 induction 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 (Only in Entebbe, Jinja & Kampala). However, you must carry with you the traveler checks receipts.

Do I need to take any shots?

Yes! 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 OGLM, can this be possible?

Yes, this is possible. However, you will need to discuss this with the OGLM 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?

The OGLM is currently concentrating its effort and activities within three districts namely Jinja, Kamuli & Iganga Districts 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 permanently break the bonds and cycle of poverty of individuals, families and their communities

OGLM 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. Christopher Kalema

However, if you feel that you want to help someone in the community, then first cross check with the OGLM administrations. All kind of help MUST go through OGLM administrations and with the recommendation of OGLM 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 Projects, which need our collective attention and funding?

Yes. OGLM 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, 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 permanently break the bonds and cycle of poverty of individuals, families and their communities. Therefore we encourage volunteers to work closely with the OGLM administration in looking out into possible avenues to help the community. For further information about opportunities for volunteer support, please see Sponsorship.