Volunteer FAQs

SET THEM FREE INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is a Volunteer?

A volunteer is a person who gives freely his/her resources, time, abilities, skills and enthusiasm with the aim of benefiting others in different communities.

What kinds of volunteers do you accept?

Set Them Free International welcomes volunteers from all walks of life and backgrounds regardless of their gender, race, religion, martial /family status, traveller community, sexual orientation or disability.

When do I have to apply for the program/project?

Volunteers may apply for a programme any time of the year.

Do I have to pay a certain program fee?

Yes, because there less costly needs identified and supported by volunteers will depend on the programme.

Cost of program?

Volunteers in this case are encouraged to send the request on info@setthemfreeint.org for volunteering with Set Them Free International in Uganda or any other country of operation and will be emailed back need identified for the programme enrolment and then considered for placement.

Do I have to pay my food and accommodation during the volunteering?

Yes, save for accommodation Set Them Free International provides for accomodation_ at the site of project and here you may pay nothing, except in situations where one needs to stay away from the project site or in a city hotel.

How can I pay for the program fees?

You may pay for the program fees after agreeing on our account in UK by direct debt or cash deposit or by credit card.

Payments Terms

All payments have to be done at the beginning of the volunteer program. STFI   does accept monthly instalments. If you want to stay longer than your committed period, you have to inform us

Do I need Visa to go to Uganda?

You required a visa to go Uganda: you can apply this visa at Ugandan Embassies or you can get it when you are passing through immigration. A recommendation enrolment letter shall be provided by Set Them Free International.

Do I need a travel and Medical insurance?

Yes, we strongly recommended that you must have travel and medical or health insurance. STFI doesn’t provide any Medical and Travel insurance.

What happens if I decide to return home before the Volunteering programme is not over?

It is OK, for there may be urgencies to work on and you need to get back home and work out on them, and this will not affect your volunteering with us whatsoever.

Do I have to speak a foreign language?

No, you have to inform us what language you speak so that we can arrange the interpreter during communicating with the local people in Uganda.

Is there anything I can bring with me that would be useful to your organization?

We would be very grateful for educational books (Grammar, science, health, etc.,) illustrated books, English novels, children’s books, Organizer, Camera. Also very much appreciated are donations of clothes and stationery materials which shall donated to impoverished families.

Are their any special items that I should bring that I may not have thought of?

•Sleeping Bag • Light-weight cotton clothes • Mosquito repellent • Sun cream • Water purification tablets and/or water filter • First aid kit • Flashlight • Penknife • Books about your country • Photos of your family / friends / home (essential!) • Small presents for your family from your country • A few examples of your local currency • Ipod/Laptop/Music/Portable music player • Magazines • Colored pencils and pens, drawing books, stickers • Books on teaching English/English Grammar for your reference.

What should I bring for my host family?

The Ugandan people are very friendly, and giving gifts to the volunteer on the day of their departure is very common. If you would like to bring gifts for your family, below are some suggestions:

•A framed picture of yourself and your family

•Children’s books

•T-shirts (new) from your country

•Flags, etc.

How much extra money do I need?

Any amount.

Can I come with a friend or can I be placed near other volunteers?

We allow people to come with a friend or even in a large group. You sometimes may be placed in different homes located within 0-2 kilometres. We can place any volunteer near to another volunteer already working in the field. Please be reminded that two different genders of volunteers are not allowed to stay in same house unless they are a married couple.

When should I arrive in Uganda?

The training begins on the 1st and 15th of each month so it would be good if you could arrive at least one day before one of these dates. You are welcome if you would you like to arrive few days before your program starts.

Does anyone from set them Free International Uganda come to the airport to pick up volunteers?

Yes, our staff / representative will meet with you at the airport to pick up you.

What types training will I receive? Where will I have to stay during the training period?

Se the free international Uganda will provide you basic, cultural information and other important information, during the first phase. For the second phase, you will move to our project area of work. You will be staying with family during the volunteering period.

Will I have access to communications such as, e-mail, telephone, and post office?

Yes, you may have a laptop computer incase you travelled with and connect using mobile internet, charges met by you, or you may using internet cafe’s in town areas, telephone servives are available using mobile, and post office services are available in town areas though this type of communication in Uganda delays for 2 – 3 weeks.

How can my family contact me during my placement?

Most placements are within an hour travel to the city that provides email/internet and/or international phone services. However in case of an emergency, your family/friends may contact set them Free International in UK. We will do our best to get a message to the individual as quickly as possible.

Can my family send me small packages, cards etc.?

Yes, we generally check the post office weekly. You can have mail sent to our .P.O. Box 35999 Kampala, Uganda and we will hold it at the office or try to send it to you.

What sorts of Health Care Facilities are available?

In Uganda, health care is relatively good and reliable. However, we recommend that you bring your own mini-pharmacy for special treatment.

What types of sanitary items are available in Uganda?  What do I need to bring from home?

Most things are available here – shampoos, soaps, shaving products, toothpastes.  It is recommended, hand sanitizer/wipes should also be brought from home, as well as any name-brand/prescription medicine.  Since rice is eaten with every meal here, some people may have constipation problems – volunteers should thus consider bringing fiber vitamins!

What vaccinations should I consider having prior to arrival?

You should consider the following vaccinations, however, please consult your doctor / local travel clinic for the latest recommendations regarding vaccines

• Malaria • Tetanus • Polio • Hepatitis A & B • Typhoid • Yellow fever • Rabies • Tuberculosis

What Makes a Good Volunteer?

Set them Free International does not ask for any formal qualifications from our volunteers.  All we ask is that you have a genuine desire to help people and are committed to seeing the Program through.

The following attributes are vital for survival, regardless of the program!

•Enthusiasm to learn about new things & cultures • Independence • Patience • Good problem-solving skills • Sense of humor/ability to laugh at yourself • Tolerance • Willingness to share • Flexibility • Self-motivation • Open-mindedness

Any time of year is a great time to be in Uganda. .

What is the weather like in Uganda?

The Weather in Uganda is favourable, cool, sunny and there is no ectreme coldness.

Is Uganda safe for volunteers?

Our answer to that is YES.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via e-mail. We love to hear from you. Email:  info@setthemfreeint.org