AFRICA VOLUNTEERS NETWORK is a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2005 by a team of former volunteers as a liaison
for non profit and self-supporting volunteers looking to work directly with grassroots organizations and programs with a variety
of directives. It is open to both national and international volunteers. It is registered under the Min. of Gender and Social
develpoment (Mukono District, Uganda) as not-for-profit charitable organisation
We focus on enabling people
to experience life in African developing countries and to raise funds for the host projects volunteers work. Currently we places volunteers to Kenya and Uganda local CBOs and initiatives, however;
there is room for new openings.
Projects are practical hands-on work, such as building school classrooms, working
with orphaned children, teaching or helping the development of a local initiative. Here is an outline of how the volunteer
program works. If, after reading this, you have any questions,
please contact us at avn.org@gmail.com
Training and Support
Once you have been accepted for placement, you'll receive advice and support throughout your preparations. You'll
receive the AVN welcome pack. Closer to departure you'll need specific information
on health, vaccinations, visas, kit, insurance, flights, language etc.
You'll be supported with information during
your preparations. In addition, we can put you in contact with a returned volunteer who can answer any questions you may have.
For your placement to be effected, we ask you to pay a program fee for the full
period you are planning to volunteer with any particular program as soon as your volunteer placement is confirmed.
A
detailed breakdown for the money you contribute is a non-refundable donation that goes towards your accommodation, meals
and house up-keep while on duty for the period you are volunteering with any particular program. It also includes administrative
cost and airport pick up from Entebbe. If you decide to return home before your placement period expires, the remaining portion
of your un-used donation will be counted as a contribution to your host organisation's developmental projects.
You'll also need to raise the money
for your flight, insurance and kit. You'll be expected to organise these yourself with close collaboration with our Country Placement
Officer. The amount that you'll need for your personal budget, will
depend on where you are travelling from and if you want to travel during your placement or afterwards
Flight
from and to your placement
You are responsible for arranging your own flight and insurance. We strongly recommend
you give yourself some time to travel around during and after the project (see below).
You'll leave for Uganda
or Kenya (depending on where you want to volunteer) and will be met off the plane by our local representative.
You'll spend the first week learning the skills and and some community dos and don'ts you'll need to live and interact with
the local host families.
It is also possible for volunteers to live together (groups range from 2-12 volunteers) and
work alongside with the community. You'll be fully supported during your time in the villages by a host staff backed up by one
of our staff. Usually conditions are different from the westernized way of life
and most villages do not have electricity or running water.
Kenya and Uganda are countries with plenty to explore.
We strongly
recommend that volunteers arrange with the host organisations at least some days off for travelling/touring. Many volunteers
head off on to game parks, historical sites which are some of the world's most spectacular sites.
You'll want a good
camera or video camera, as the scenery and wildlife are fantastic. You may want to climb Africa's wonderful mountains such
as Mt Kenya, Mt Elgon or the Rwenzoris, or relax on the beautiful beaches of Indian Ocean or along the shores of Lake Victoria
Returning home
Volunteers return to their home country after a unique and wonderful
experience. We ask all volunteers to give us feedback on our volunteer program in order that we can continually improve it.
Many volunteers keep in touch with and get involved supporting new volunteers. You'll have the experience of a lifetime learning
a lot about yourself and life in developing countries
Tips
on fundraising
Several volunteers have expressed some interest in looking for extra funds so that they
can support their host organisation.
Here are some tips on how to do it:
v Your fundraising should approach
different sources. Don't spend too long or invest too much hope on any single area of fundraising, unless you are absolutely
certain it will bring returns
v You will need to work hard, plan
ahead and involve your friends and contacts with what you are trying to do. Take into account the payment deadlines and the
need to put a lot of work in at the beginning and then maintain the effort until leaving for your placement
v Concentrate your efforts on a
local or regional basis and talk to people about what you are doing; the contacts will slowly develop
v Don't waste too much time writing
to big companies and trusts as the response rate is very small (unless you have personal contacts or connections)
v Investigate possible grants from
local councils, local trusts, local Rotary Clubs, your old school or college etc. Start thinking about organising parties,
a sponsored event or garage/car boot sales. May be a friend or relative will under-take a sponsored event for you
v Be aware of overhead costs incurred
in running events or making something
v Involve as wide a range of people
as possible (individuals and organisations) and remember that if they think they are getting something out of it as well,
whether it is a service, a meal or just good fun, you are likely to get more support
v Always tell people you are a
volunteer and that you are fundraising. You may be surprised that many people will give discounts or waive fees when they
hear what you are doing
v When selling yourself and AVN,
please take care over how you talk about AVN
The main point is that we work very closely local communities on both short and long-term projects. Point out the differences
that exist between other organisations and us
v Be selective about what you send
and to whom. They will appreciate it and there will be far less waste
v If you can exceed your target
all extra money raised goes directly to your host program unless you advise us otherwise
v Keep your own records of who
has supported you; so you can write to them to show them it was money well spent
v Keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on.
