Volunteers can participate in a number of community-based activities. Each day, volunteers meet at the projects' headquarters, take part in daily discussions, and develop daily strategies and follow-up on the projects' current plans. As the HIV/AIDS program's primary aim is the creation of public awareness, volunteers will travel from village-to-village - accompanying members of the local staff. Volunteers mostly walk on foot or ride bicycles/motorbikes during field visits. Some activities include: providing comfort through counseling and/or spiritual guidance, distributing basic supplies (such as food, soap and clothes) administering medication to alleviate symptoms such coughing, diarrhea, as well as assisting in the building or repairing of affected clients' homes.

There are no specific qualifications needed for this particular program. However, volunteers interested in participating in this program should have a passion for educating masses - addressing their fears and numerous misconceptions of HIV/AIDS. Participants should also have a passion for caring for others and a willingness to share their time, energy and compassion with these in-need Ugandans.

Rustic Volunteer Travel arranges volunteer meals, accommodations and strong field supervision for the duration of projects and optional travel packages. In Uganda, most volunteers stay in our home base, a permanent home established for our international volunteers . Our home base in Uganda is located in a pretty community, in a very safe and clean neighborhood. There are internet cafés, restaurants, local bus stations, a police station and supermarkets near our home base. The home base provides is a comfortable place to relax after a long day. There are several bedrooms (which may be shared with a same-gender volunteer) and community areas. There is a shared kitchen, television and shared bathrooms, which have running water and “western-style” toilets. Orphanage volunteers may stay at their project as many orphanages have special rooms set aside for international and these a ccommodations are normally shared with a same-gender volunteer.

Depending on the influx of volunteers, accommodations could be with a host family. Host family accommodations are simple and clean homes in safe neighborhoods. Volunteers usually have a private bedroom, but occasionally rooms will be shared with a same-gender volunteer. Our host families are well screened and are respected members of their communities who live in affluent neighborhoods. Most of our host families have experience with hosting international volunteers. Host family stays are a great chance for cultural immersion and exchange.

Volunteers receive three local meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner). We can provide vegetarian meal options, but needs must be detailed in a volunteer's application. Snacks and beverages outside of mealtimes are not provided; however, there are local restaurants and grocery stores near the residences in which we place volunteers.

Rustic offers unparalleled field support to volunteers to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. There are many layers of support for you. The most important support comes from our country coordinator/field staff. The secondary support comes from the host project staff and members of host families and/or a homebase staff. Volunteers will have access to our country coordinator's mobile number and they are available 24/7. Throughout the volunteer project, our local staff stays in contact with volunteers either with face-to-face visits or via email/telephone. Our field staff will visit regularly (every 2-4 weeks) to make sure things are going well and as planned. However, if placement is far from our local offices, staff members will stay in touch via email/ phone. Volunteers are also welcome to stop in the offices at any time.

Specific details regarding accommodations, food and contact details for our local coordinator will be provided in personalized volunteer placement documentation prior to arrival.

HIV/AIDS projects are available in Kampala (Ssezibwa Falls , the Ugandan National Theater, the very active Balikuddembe Market and Nakasero Market ) , Jinja (located on the shores of Lake Victoria and near Bujagali Falls (a kayakers' heaven) and Iganga (chief town of the Iganga District), with shops, banks & internet cafes nearby. Famously called the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is renowned for its African fauna and fairly conservative Christian/Muslim based society. It's full of contrasts: from traditional culture and history to modern urban infrastructure and much of the amenities you would expect from a city.

Volunteers can organize different possible excursions during and after the project to visit places of interest. There is a tourist infrastructure already in place the volunteer can use during weekends. For example: waterfalls, animal sanctuaries, markets, kayaking, whitewater-rafting, a brewery, Hindu temples, hotels, and many more.

Rustic Volunteer and Travels offers a variety of volunteer projects and travel packages in Uganda . You can customize or upgrade this travel itinerary to meet your specific interests. Please contact our travel advisor for more details