Volunteer Name: Amy Divincenzo
Project Location: Bulenga, Uganda
Volunteered at: School - orphanage
1- How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country?
Very helpful and supportive-available any time of the day
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced? Name 2
Program: How small the schools were, the great need for support
Host Family: how nice it was – very modern
Country: how friendly and welcoming the local people were – I was also surprised by the level of inequality between the city and rural areas.
3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?
Program:the conditions some people live, seeing children and no parents
Host Family: it is somewhat of a distance to the schools
Country: meeting people who have disabilities who have no source of income, the government does not provide social service support.
4- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations)
1. Clothing: old clothes, comfortable tennis shoes
2. Donations: chalk, pens, pencils, crayons, colors pencils, sharpeners, any school supplies, clothing, pencil erasers.
3. Weather: prepare for the hot weather, very hot and sunny
5.1- Other things volunteers should know before coming here:
a. Most of your time wil be spent at the school teaching
b. there isn't wifi, so no reason to bring your own computer
c. you will get done with work early in the day, lots of time to visit village
d. Bring a Kindle/books/games – entertainment for evenings
6- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):
If you are thinking about volunteering, go for it! It is such a great life changing experience that will change your perception of what you think life in Uganda is like. I couldn't have asked for a better experience and I am so grateful for the opportunity.
7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security, friendliness, quality others:
The accommodation is very nice, electricity, water, indoor toilet and shower.
Meals are very basic, mostly potatoes, spaghetti and eggs.
Security is very fate, the house is gated and there is a guard.
8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:
Program: working with the kids at the school
Country: Walking around the village and meeting the local people.
9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling? (who helped you, emails, phone calls, chat online, how fast did you got an answer, did you got all your answers)
Very fast responses, helpful to answer questions and the website accurate
10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Definitely – I would be happy to communicate through email or phone
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