Mission Watoto Australia would welcome your assistance as a volunteer in helping to build infrastructure in a sustainable Watoto village in Africa. Projects can cost varying amounts up to $40,000AUD depending on what is required. Our volunteer group fundraises the required amount and sends it to Uganda six weeks prior to us leaving, allowing the slab to be prepared and poured and bricks hand made and delivered to the site.
The full amount covers the cost of the building, including plumbing and electricity, surrounding earthworks and the furniture. Our project cost also includes the sponsorship of 6 Watoto children for 12 months. We will help build for 4 or 5 days during our stay. Teams consist of around 10-12 volunteers.
Initial Requirements
- No previous building experience is necessary we all learn how to lay bricks.
- Each team member will be required to complete and sign the Mission Watoto Australia Volunteer Application and Volunteer Code of Conduct forms.
- You will also be required to provide 2 character references
- You will also need to assist in the raising of funds needed for the building project we will be helping to construct.
- Your stay in Uganda will be alcohol free.
Age and Fitness
Children under the age of 18 wanting to join a team must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who will assume full responsibility for the child. An average level of fitness is required.
Fundraising
For information concerning this aspect click here.
Cost per Person (when travelling as a Mission Watoto Australia team member to Uganda)
While it is uncertain what movements might occur in the value of the American dollar between now and when we leave, it would be safe to allow for approx. $5,700AUD (Over recent years individual refunds have funded numerous souvenir purchases and other ad hoc costs). This all inclusive amount will include the following:
- AIRWAYS TICKET – (With Emirates Airlines) Assuming we have a team of at least 10 people, arrangements will be made for a discounted group booking. We will be entering Africa through Dubai with a connection to Entebbe airport and will be returning the same way. However, there will be opportunities for you to arrange a break of your return journey in Uganda, Dubai or Singapore. Some fees might apply.
- UGANDAN ANIMAL SAFARI – A 3 day safari includes transport, meals, superb 4 star accommodations and a specialist safari guide.
- WHITE WATER RAFTING (OR FISHING) – White water rafting on the Nile River can be an exhilarating experience. You have a choice of ‘wild’ or ‘mild’. (There may be a small extra cost for transport on this day). Depending on interested numbers, a day’s fishing on Lake Victoria may also be an alternate option.
- ACCOMMODATION – Quality secure Western style guest house accommodation is provided near Kampala
- MEALS – Breakfast, most lunches and dinner will be provided by the guest house. We will be given bread, bananas and pineapples for our lunches at the building site. We need to take any extra fillings we might require (e.g. Vegemite, peanut butter, jam, honey Nutella etc). There will be plentiful supplies of bottled water continually available.
- TRANSPORTATION – During our stay in Uganda a mini bus will be provided for our exclusive use by Watoto Child Care Ministries along with a driver and a local guide.
- 2 EXPERIENCED TEAM LEADERS – As this is a humanitarian journey into Third World Central Africa, it is essential each team has two experienced leaders. Their role is to manage, develop, prepare and assist team members before leaving Australia and whilst in Africa. Your cost includes a contribution towards the expenses of your leaders.
- SIGHTSEEING – In addition to experiencing life in a Third World Country, you will also get to visit Watoto villages and:
* Play and relate with lots of children
* Be a guest and share a traditional meal with a Watoto family
* Visit Watoto Babies Homes help with the babies and receive lots of smiles and cuddles
* Visit the Botanical Gardens and local markets where you can barter for souvenirs - MISSION WATOTO AUSTRALIA TEE SHIRT – The cost of a quality printed polo-neck shirt is included in your deposit
- ENTRY VISA – The current cost of a visa to enter Uganda is $50US. The visa is purchased at the Entebbe airport and we each need to have this amount with us at the time of arrival.
- GENERAL EXPENDITURE POOL – Cost $40US. Experience has shown each team needs a ‘Petty Cash’ pool to pay for general expenses such as our guide’s lunches when we eat out, internet and telephone usage, and lunch for the workers on the last day etc. What is left over will be distributed as part of our personal gift contribution to our Watoto Ugandan Guides before we leave.
- LAUNDRY- $10US to have a laundry service provided while accommodated in the Kampala Watoto guesthouse
Personal Costs (not included in the $5,700)
- OTHER PURCHASES – Apart from the purchase of souvenirs, your only other expenditure would be a few inexpensive lunches.
- TRAVEL INSURANCE – The cost will vary depending on your age and the degree of cover you require. As we will be booking as a group, our travel agent will offer a sizable discount on insurance. However, you are free to use any company of your choice. Insurance arrangements will be a personal responsibility and cost.
- VACCINATIONS – Special advice concerning this aspect will be given to you separately by your team leaders. This will be a personal cost and a personal choice.
- PERSONAL SPENDING MONEY – Our advice is to take into Uganda US currency. $50 & $100 denominations printed after the year 2006 are preferred by money exchangers (high denominations attract a better exchange rate). Depending on your bartering skills and the number of souvenirs you wish to buy, you could allow yourself around $300US to cover personal expenditure but this is only a guide.
Progressive Payments
Your $5,700 amount is payable in instalments as follows:
$500 – upon submission of your Application Form
$2,200 – 3 months before departure date
$3,000 – 6 weeks before departure date
If the overall costs come to a figure less than $5,700 the unused amount will be refunded to you before departure.
Bank Account Details
The Mission Watoto Australia account is with the Commonwealth Bank
BSB: 064-406
Account Number: 1055 2637
Reference: Please ensure any monies paid into the account has your name in the Reference Column
Luggage Allowances
Emirates Airlines allow us 1 piece of luggage weighing up to 30kg with one carry-on bag weighing up to 7kg. As we will have numerous items to take for the children, we recommend you only pack the bare essentials in respect to personal items. Your team leader will discuss this with you further.
On Arrival
When we arrive at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda we will be greeted by Watoto Child Care Ministry members who will escort us to our guest house accommodation. One of our first activities will be to attend a welcome and orientation gathering. We will meet senior members of Watoto Child Care Ministries who will share with us the Watoto vision as well as lay out guidelines for our stay.
What to Bring
- A trowel and work gloves
- Personal items (these will be listed and discussed by your team leader)
- You will NOT need a mosquito net at our accommodation
- A light rain jacket is advisable
- Bring a brimmed hat, sunscreen cream and insect repellent
- Long sleeved shirts/blouses etc are advisable as some malarial treatments tend to cause your skin to sunburn more readily
Adventures
SAFARI AT A GAME PARK – A 3 day safari with an experienced local guide at a game park such as Murchison Falls National Park or the Queen Elizabeth National Park will be part of your itinerary and is included in your overall cost (check out www.mwevalodge.com and www.paraalodge.com)
WHITE WATER RAFTING ON THE RIVER NILE – A 1 day excursion with either a mild or wild experience is part of your itinerary (www.surfthesource.com)
TRAVEL DATES
SEPTEMBER 2011
JUNE 2012
SEPTEMBER 2012
OCTOBER 2012
APPLICATION FORMS
Request Application and Reference forms along with a copy of a proposed itinerary for the team you wish to join click here.
