Many rural villages in Uganda are
affected by poverty, disease, drought, famine and the associated problems.
There is often a dramatic inequality in the distribution of wealth, with rural
communities living in extreme poverty. The aim of community outreach
volunteer projects is to address some of these issues, assisting in the
provision of basic human rights, such as food, shelter, education and health
care.
The nature of our community outreach
projects means that you will often be located in rural areas in Uganda, where
standards and conditions may be very different to those you are used to. You
are likely to have experiences that will be emotionally challenging to deal
with. However, the work that you will be involved with can be especially
rewarding and we will help to make sure you are as prepared as possible for
your volunteer project before you depart. Many practical or business skills can
be applied to bring value to these projects, so please do enquire if you have a
particular expertise, or interest.
The number of women and child-headed
households has increased dramatically, due to HIV/AIDS, leaving children
orphaned and without anyone to take care of them or their siblings;
not uncommonly up to eight brothers and sisters. Many of these children
are also ostracized and excluded from the local community, due to the stigma
associated with HIV and AIDS. As a result, the children’s living conditions
seriously deteriorate, as does their health, leaving behind
malnourished and neglected children with no support or chance of a future.
Your help, as a volunteer on the Saint
Ann Foundation Community Outreach project, is vital for these children and
other marginalised groups of individuals, such as widows and street
children to build a better life and support themselves.
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