CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS :
Natural Building Volunteer Camp in Uganda 2009
EARTH RISING FOUNDATION: Birthing Centre Project in Luwero District, Uganda
Project Partners: Shanti Uganda Society, Bishop Asili Clinic, Off the Mat Foundation
4-Week Volunteer Placements from November 22, 2009 to March 4, 2010
Webale! (Thank you) We are happy and grateful that you have chosen to volunteer with the Earth Rising Foundation in supporting the development of a Birthing Centre in Luwero District , Uganda .
During this process not only will you learn valuable natural building techniques, you will meet amazing people from around the world and make a meaningful contribution to the community in the Luwero District. Participating in a natural building project of this nature is a rewarding and life-altering experience and through hands-on volunteering you will be supporting and promoting the goals of Earth Rising in the most fundamental manner.
BACKGROUND
Shanti Uganda Society is working in partnership with the local clinic to establish a Birthing Centre in Luwero District, Uganda that will provide greater access to midwife-supported births, pre- and post-natal care for mother and baby, and training of more midwives. The building of a Birthing House integrating natural building techniques, use of locally available materials and supporting the training of local people through the Earth Rising Foundation provides the physical structure and the local building expertise to support the ongoing maintenance of the building in the long-term.
THE BUILDING: Birthing Centre
Current design for the Birthing Centre includes the development of three smaller structures connected by covered walkways with a central courtyard to facilitate outdoor trainings, food/herb production and walking for expecting mothers. The building will be constructed using a mix of readily available materials including earthen/adobe blocks as earthen buildings prove to be more comfortable in the hot season. The Earth Rising Team will assist you in learning the basics and contributing at the build.
THE VOLUNTEER CAMP
ACCOMODATION: Our volunteer camp will be at the building site. Tents, linens and mosquito nets will be provided and each tent will be set up for double-occupancy. A simple camp kitchen, outhouse and shower area will be available on-site.
Volunteers will be working alongside and in support of the local builders on the project. Those with more experience may be able to take on some leadership.
WORK WEEK: We ask that volunteers work a minimum of 3 days /week (or equivalent) on-site. Scheduling will be done according to needs of the project and also considering everyone’s plans and ability. Time off is your own time – please review the Travel in Uganda section of the volunteer information package for some interesting options. As organizers we will not plan specific trips for you, but we can certainly help get you on your way.
FOOD: An on-site cook will prepare meals for the volunteers during their 3-day work week. Generally meals will be traditional Ugandan fare including breakfast, lunch and dinner. Lunch will also be provided to the local builders. Meals on non-work days will be available at the volunteer camp at a charge of $5/meal or volunteers can explore eateries in Kampala and other parts of Uganda during their ‘off’ day adventures.
Ugandan food includes matoke (cooked plantain), cassava, posho (ground, cooked maize), rice, Irish and sweet potatoes, G-nut sauce (ground, cooked nuts) and beans. Dinner is eaten quite late and breakfast always involves tea! There are plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables – lots of mangoes, pineapple and jackfruit.
COST & LENGTH OF STAY
$ 1,500 US per volunteer for one month or less includes: camp, food during work days, instruction/facilitation, project donation
NOT INCLUDED - flights, travel within Uganda, insurance, healthcare (vaccinations etc.), volunteer visa: $50
It is important for volunteers to submit their volunteer payment in US dollars to Earth Rising Foundation.
Volunteer placements begin on specific dates each month (e.g. November 22, January 2 and February 4) and last up to one month from that date.
VOLUNTEER PROCESS & FORMS
Interested volunteers need to submit a completed Volunteer Application to info@earthrisingfoundation.org at which point you will be contacted by an Earth Rising Foundation volunteer support person or the Project Manager to support further questions. You will then receive a volunteer package providing additional information followed by a screening interview. Once you have decided to join the program, you are expected to fundraise individually for the volunteer costs and submit that directly to the Earth Rising Foundation in US dollars. In addition, all volunteers need to review and submit a signed copy of the volunteer waiver prior to arriving on-site.
To apply please fill out our VOLUNTEER APPLICATION. Thank you!
