While on the road to recovery from its devastating economic past, Uganda's people are still heavily affected by the world-wide pandemic of AIDS. Children are often born to AIDS-infected parents who often pass away before begin able to make any kind of contribution to these children's lives. Presently, there are social-improving, issue-aware organizations which care for these orphaned children providing them with shelter, education, and nutrition while simultaneously supplying them with much-needed love, companionship as well as a solid foundation to meet their needs and nurture their interests, goals and ultimately make their dreams for a brighter future come to fruition. The majority of these orphanages aim to offer care for these children by offering a homely environment, education (with classes for children of all ages), and skill-training opportunities (i.e. carpentry, tailoring) which will eventually prove out to be income-generating trades ensuring these children becoming contributing members of the community further down the road. Most importantly, these Uganda-based orphanage programs are resource poor, understaffed and need virtually any and all assistance possible in continuing to offer these vitally important programs to a generation in drastic need of both guidance, education and (most importantly) compassion.

There are many areas where volunteers can use their education and personal skills in providing meaningful contributions in the lives of these orphaned, hunger-stricken children of Uganda . Areas needing assistance include education (Basic English, mathematics, science, etc.), skill-training, sanitation (i.e. personal hygiene), and administrative duties (helping run the orphanage and its various outreach programs).

Some activities include:

• Teaching English, health and personal hygiene
• Entertain children and coordinate extracurricular activities (i.e. games)
• Assist the children with their homework
• Take the children sight-seeing, on picnics, to the zoo
• Educational and cultural visits/tours
• Escort the children to the school
• Art-related activities (drawing, painting, etc.)
• Visiting homes where other children are with caregivers/guardians

(NOTE: Above are sample activities and vary from day-to-day depending on the schedule of school. The local staff members and teachers may request your help in various activities that prove beneficial to the children.)

What Your Program Fee Does Cover?

• Meals
• Accommodations
• Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
• Thoroughly Researched and Personalized Projects
• Airport Reception
• Support of In-Country Coordinator
• Pre-Departure Information
• Emergency Support
• Certificate of Appreciation/Completion
• Fundraising Ideas

What Your Program Fee does not cover?

• Airfare
• Passport/Visa
• Airport Return/Drop-Off
• Airport Tax
• Daily Transportation
• Personal Expenses
• Bottled Water/Soft Drinks
• Entry Fees

There are no specific qualifications needed for this particular program. However, volunteers interested in participating in this program should have a passion for caring for orphans and a willingness to share their time, energy and compassion with these in-need children.

Global Crossroad manages your entire supervision and accommodation during the project period. You will be entitled to three local meals and your accommodation would be managed in a host family according to the project.

Global Crossroad follows 6 steps in completing your application process:

• Step 1 >> If Global Crossroad receives any of your questions by e-mail, we reply with answers. A formal application may be attached, or you may either download an application from our website or apply directly online
• Step 2 >> Complete the application form and submit it with your non-refundable $200 program deposit (check/money order/credit card in U.S. dollars). The program deposit is later deducted from the total program fee.
• Step 3 >> After receiving your application and the $200 program deposit, we will notify you immediately, and your application will be sent to our in-country coordinator for processing. Please allow our local staff up to 2 weeks. During that time, we will process your application, match your interests, and determine the details of your project, arrangements for room and food, and answer any remaining questions you might have.
• Step 4 >> Once you receive your placement details from Global Crossroad (or confirmation), you should begin preparing for travel by obtaining all necessary documents (passport, visa) and meeting immunization requirements.
• Step 5 >> Purchase your ticket and fax a photocopy of your passport and itinerary to our office. Participants must make a full payment of the program fee at least 1-2 months prior to departure.
• Step 6 >> Our in-country coordinator or representative welcomes you at the airport and your Global Crossroad volunteer adventure begins.

Airport Recieve and Transfer to HomeBase (49km) and First Night Lodging and Food $75

Additional Packages

• Language & Culture (1 week-optional): $250
• Airport Pick up and Drop off: $75
• Mini venture: $1,252 for two weeks program