10 WAYS WE KEEP VOLUNTEERS SAFE
A List of Ways we Ensure your safety as a volunteer/intern in Uganda
Are you travelling alone to a Uganda for the first time? Wondering if volunteering, interning or studying in Uganda is safe? We know it can be daunting. But one of the things you can be 100% sure about is that you’re in good hands with us.
Keeping you safe while you’re overseas with us is our top priority. We keep in touch with you every step of the way, from the moment you sign up until you fly back home. We want your focus to be on your project and exploring. You can leave the rest up to us. This includes making sure our projects are run responsibly and ethically.
Here are 10 things we provide that you can tick off your volunteer safety checklist:
1. Safe and secure volunteer placements
Before we set up any projects in a destination, we’ve ensured it’s safe and politically stable. We will never send you to a destination that is not safe. The only struggle you’ll encounter is which of our projects to choose from.
2. Fully-vetted, highly-trained staff
What our volunteers love most about us is our dedicated, friendly team. Our staff in all destinations go through a thorough vetting and training process. We instill high standards, ensuring we can trust our staff to keep you safe.
3. Volunteer health and safety when abroad: advice from our in-house medical practitioner
Your physical and mental health is a top priority during your time with us. We have employed a doctor, experienced in volunteering travel and expeditions. Our doctor is available to consult with you and your general practitioner before you leave. This way, you and your general practitioner can discuss any health concerns and our in-house doctor will advise you accordingly so that you feel confident about your upcoming trip. They’ll also liaise with our staff on the next best steps if there is an emergency or you’d like to see a doctor while in Uganda.
4. Pre-departure advice
You didn’t think we’d just send you without a little guidance, did you? You’ll have access to a personal webpage detailing all the information about your project and your Project Expert will talk you through it. They’ll manage your expectations, share safety tips and more. Think of them as the Wikipedia of your project and destination.
During your trip, we can ensure:
5. No hassle, airport transfers
We don’t want you to struggle to find your way around a new city when you first arrive. Come rain or shine, day or night, our staff will be at the airport to collect you. You can’t miss them in their beautiful branded staff shirts, complete with a sign saying “Avella Sights”. They’ll be waiting for you at the entrance of arrivals, and may even be mistaken as your overexcited extended family.
6. Safe and comfortable accommodations
We want your accommodation to feel like a home away from home; safe, secure, comfortable and relaxed. So our host families and accommodations are chosen by us according to neighborhood ratings, comfort and friendliness. Although there won’t necessarily be king-sized beds and gourmet meals, you can expect a safe and homely place to sleep in, a full belly every day, and a host family or accommodation staff that really care about your well-being.
7. Full country and project inductions
You don’t need to scour the internet for days on end in order to feel safe during your trip. We’ll provide you with everything you need to know. Our staff will share cultural tips, how to travel around the country safely, what to be aware of when alone, who you can contact in emergencies and more! If there’s anything else you need, they are only a phone call away.
8. Organized transport to and from your placement
For your daily work commute, we have arranged the safest form of transport. In some cases, you’ll use efficient public transport and in others, we will have arranged private vans or boda-bodas to take you where you need to be. You may even walk or cycle every day if you live close enough. We’ll always go with you on your first day to show you how it works. And, if you still aren’t comfortable commuting alone, we’ll accompany you until you are.
9. 24-hour back-up and support from our staff
Do you think millennials are the only ones attached to their phones? Well, our staff would beat them! No matter what time of the day or week, our staff will be contactable. Whether it’s an emergency, an issue at your placement or you just needing someone to lend an understanding ear, our staff will be there. They really do go above and beyond the call of duty. Your project supervisor will also be your support system during your stay. If you need help with anything, they’ll be there. They know your project, the local area and community well. So while you’re finding your feet, they can organize things quickly and easily and are always happy to do so.
After you get home, we ensure:
10. Post-project follow-ups
We want to know if you got home safe and we want to hear about your trip. Did it meet your expectations? Did you feel safe? Were our staff available when you needed them? There’s always room for improvement and with your feedback, future volunteers will benefit from your volunteer safety tips.
These are just a few of the procedures and systems we have in place to ensure you feel safe and supported when volunteering in Uganda so you can focus on making the biggest impact possible.
Want to know more about how we keep you safe?
Get in touch with our Project Experts. They’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.