Action to save children and their rights (ASCAR project Uganda )

Description

ASCAR (ACTION TO SAVE CHILDREN AND THEIR RIGHTS)

Located at 7kms Bombo Rd, Watuba Zone, Kyadondo County, Nangabo Sub County, Watuba village Wakiso District. And

Contact; 0703-261959 / 0782-397639

Website; www.ascaronline.com 

 

ASCAR BACKGROUND

ASCAR is a nonprofit organization registered charity in Uganda, established in 2009 ASCAR and is committed to providing assistance to vulnerable children, youth and women. As hard as it may be imagine, for families battling hunger, poverty, violence and diseases. It can be a struggle to provide a baby’s most basic need; Love and children who are not nurtured during the central first five years of life face emotional, physical, social and cognitive problem that can severely hands this ability to thrive, if they ever survive.

Mission

Empower children youth and women taking responsibility for their action against illiteracy, HIV Aids and injustice through total transformation of lives and building their skills in Uganda for peace

OUR VISION

Is that every child deserves a happy and a healthy childhood, we offer children and young people inspiration, fun and opportunity through diverse programs offered in a wide range of environment

 

 

 

ASCAR PROJECTS

1. ASCAR YOUTH CENTER

A place for youth to engage and everyone to contribute.

 MISSION 

Keeping young people happy, safe and moving towards a great future!

OUR APPROACH;

Engaging youth in services that are youth specific, by connecting youth to appropriate information, supporting youth to help get them where they want to be, with a team who model integrity and respect for young people, in a non judgmental environment and a welcoming youth friendly place, to achieve good physical, mental and social well-being.

Our flexible, community-based approach provides all kinds of young people with learning, leisure, friendship and access to adults who care and who can do something to help whenever it is needed. Our open access youth clubs, projects and individual support are all designed to meet the needs of the young people in our area as they see them - we keep in touch with parents, schools and other services to understand their needs too. Most young people come to the ASCAR YOUTH CENTER because they know it is a good place to be.

Some young people come to ASCAR YOUTH CENTER because their school or other support service has referred them for more help. For more information on how to refer yourself or a young person you know we have a team of full time staff and workers and volunteers.

Our staff team is skilled in: Group work Computer training Library for the young people. Individual support and coaching Health and wellbeing Girls work Employability support Youth participation Arts, drama, games, music....... you name it, it can happen at the Ascar youth center. Peace education Outreach programs The ASCAR Youth centre will put you in touch with a range of youth services.

2.  LIFE SKILLS PROJECT

 The children we work with face considerable ostracism and discrimination from their local communities. The cultural learning program uses theatre to engage and empower participants to tell life stories and educate the communities about the issues they face. Through the program young people also have the opportunity to become theatre instructors. The story telling component will engage younger children in traditional stories that build cultural literacy and explore contemporary social issues affecting them. This will build their self-esteem that allows children to become confident and healthy younger adults.

Skills to Enable Independent Living (Ascar Women’s Group):  The Ascar project Uganda is committed to providing sustainable solutions to the social problems stemming from poverty. Self-development is crucial to achieving this. By giving young people and women training, skills and trades, we are giving them power. The power to take control and change their lives forever and to help others do the same. The Life-skills Training Institute will deliver high-quality vocational training to individuals that are unable to avail of such services elsewhere. Professionally designed training, which is tailored to suit the capabilities of the trainees, provides the young women and men with the opportunity to receive training.

3. SPORTS DEVELOPMENT

 The ASCAR sports development program provides a range of activities and sports for children, youth and women to participate in that they would not usually have the opportunity to. Different activities such as football, volleyball and netball can be organized on a regular basis and teams and tournaments established. It is a great way to build up a child’s team spirit, and confidence and matches are organized between other local teams in the area. Volunteers are encouraged to help in the coaching and organization of all types of sports. While football is very popular, if volunteers have a specific sport they wish to teach the children, this is always welcomed and received very well by the children. This project traditionally takes place over weekends and after schools. We therefore recommend that the volunteer must also be involved in the teaching project or another project to keep them busy. Once you register please inform your program coordinator of what other placement you would like to be involved in. Please understand that this project, more than any of the others requires you to take the initiative to set up activities. You will need to come prepared with an idea of what activities you want to do with the children in the area, and if possible bring some equipment with you (or be able to buy in Uganda if available such as football equipment, Volleyballs & Nets, Basketballs).

Just to mention but a few.

HERE IS EVERY THING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OUR PROJECT IN UGANDA INCLUDING HOW TO GET THERE WHAT TO PACK AND ADVICE ON MONEY AND SUPPORT.

 

ABOUT THE PROJECT.

 

Experience Ugandan life first hand as you meet new people and soak up local culture. Based in the central region, in Wakiso District, in Uganda not far from Kampala. Volunteers have the chance to improve the local quality of life, Education; welfare while volunteering in ASCAR project a growing community based organization which now provides a number of programmes in the community. Taking care of children between 3-16 years old in addition to women empowerment, Soccer project, Net ball project Support girl child project, Sweet sleep project ,(HIV/AIDS aware ness) Health care project when not volunteering amongst  the children , you join the out reach programmes  in addition to providing  clean water, safe environment,visitng health centers, prisons, schools among others.

 

 What is it like to volunteer with ASCAR project Uganda?

 Assist the local volunteers with reading classes with the children Organizing Art and crafts and out door activities. You will be left feeling fulfilled as you have played a pivotal role on this project and see the smile on the children's face because of the care and affection that was provided by you. If you are feeling comfortable you may be able to feed the hungry children or provide one on one support on the new computer training and life skill education program

 

 Can I work with very young children?

With so many young children coming to the centre you can help enormously by bringing an extra pair of Ears and eyes for assemblies, break fast play times and moving children smoothly between classes and other activities.

 Can I help in other area?

For those un sure about working with children, they are plenty of other opportunities perhaps you would like to help the women in the women empowerment project to enable independent living as ASCAR Uganda is committed to providing sustainable solutions to the problems stemming from poverty, self development is crucial to achieving this by giving women training in skills and the power to take control and changing their rights to help others to do the same through helping them start up small programs like liquid soap making, candle making among others.

 

You could as well spend time with the health care project, work shadowing or helping to organize visiting patients, clinic assistance, home based care, HIV/AIDS, volunteering projects, education and awareness medical treatment, observation and health care education. Volunteering in the health care field provides away for volunteers to gain practical work experience, learn about new culture and gain valuable new skills.

 

Some lucky volunteers take time with sports project. This provides a range of activities and sports for children, youth and women to participate in what they could not usually have the opportunity to. Different activities such as football volley and netball Can be organized on regular basis and teams and tournaments established. It is a great way to build up a child's team spirit and teams and confidence and matches are organized between other local teams in the area. While football is very popular if volunteers have a specific sport they wish to teach children, this is always welcomed and received very well by the children. This project traditionally takes place over weekends and after schools. We therefore recommend that the volunteers must also be involved in the teaching project or another project to keep them busy and if possible bring some equipment with you (or be able to buy in Uganda if available such as football equipment, volley ball and netball and basketball.

And other programs like film and drama project, computer training, library and games among others.

 

What do I need to bring

For the children, children's clothes shoes, rubbers, books, pens, and pencils of all sizes are always needed. Sports equipment from football, freebees, football boots wooden education toys for the village toy library, serotypes, sharpeners , biros pritt sticks, glue and pens always in need , toddlers pictures books and picture dictionaries. Together with books and picture dictionaries together with picture bibles for children and adults.

It is recommended not to handout donated items directly to children but instead these are collected together and can be used over and over again at the centre. This also helps to prevent a culture of hand outs.

 

 For yourself bring insect repellant first aid kit including sewing kits, for general tear and tear and strong walking shoes or trainers and strong sandals as you will be walking on rough ground at and a round the project each day also don't forget to bring malaria tablets- you should start taking them before travel, consult your G.P or pharmacist , a padlock is also a good idea for your room , longer stay volunteers have found hard luggage suit case or trolley cases useful for keeping their belongings. Tidy and dust free rather than rucksack, also tampons, swimming gears, dresses , skirts, shorts, phone, light weight water proof jackets, rehydration salt sachets, sunburn, razor, guide book, deodorants, hand sanitizer.

 

How can I keep in touch with home?

We recommend buying a cheap unlocked mobile phone and buy Ugandan sim card on arrival. Local service providers like airtel and orange offer cheap international calls. The project coordinator will help you after arrival at the project house. You will need your passport to register you new sim card. You can recharge by buying air time at the near by shop. You are welcome to bring your laptop and this can be left in your room. The house has a wifi which you can buy air time and recharge for data but some volunteers use free especially on weekends in Kampala 5km from the house.

 

How can I protect my health?

Make sure you get all the relevant jabs and boosters you required. Don't forget to take malaria tablets before, during and after your stay. You can obtain detailed health advice from the NHS website fitfortravel. The organization is in the central part of Uganda so at times it gets hotter depending on the season so take precautions.

 

Will I be safe at the project?

At the house where volunteers live, there is 24/7 security on the front gate both for protection and peace of mind for the volunteers and the local volunteers at the house. Having security is normal and part of the local culture in Uganda and it is not because of any problems.

 

Where is the nearest town?

Kampala the capital city is the nearest town from the main house where volunteers put up. All the basic facilities that are needed including banks, forex beaural, doctors cafés and other amenitities.

 

 Are meals provided?

Meals are provided on the house for all volunteers which are cooked by local staff and includes 3 meals a day plus tea/coffee. Break fast is served between 8am-9am of local bread and Rolex chapatti with spreads, bananas, avocado and Irish potatoes and boiled eggs.

Lunch typically is served at between 1pm -2 pm with local dishes like matooke, rice, beans, meat gnuts, cassava, potatoes, posho, yams and vegetables. Evening tea/coffee is served at 5pm. The evening meal is served at 8pm of meat stew, fish, rice, chips and chicken and avocado. The food is very safe to eat and the local staff takes great care to ensure hygienic cooking methods. Water for eat and coffee is boiled before served. Additional snacks like drinking chocolate, Nescafe, weetabix, peanut butter can be purchased from the near by shops without having to go to town.

 

 Are there vegetarian options?

Please let us know if you are vegetarian and the cooking team can prepare alternatives for meat nights.

 

What money should I take?

The local money is the Ugandan shilling. Most travelers change money on arrival at the air port, clean notes of British pounds, American dollars or British pounds are preferred. Visa cards are the most acceptable bank cards. In an emergence should you run out of money; family can wire money over in minutes using an agent such as western union. It is essential to let your bank know you are traveling if you are taking a card to prevent them from blocking your card.

Why I need a visa?

A visa is required for all travelers to Uganda. For British passport holders this is obtained on arrival at the air port, take either a clean $50 note or the equivalent in pounds or euros with you. If you require a visa before travel 0to Uganda (some volunteers require visas before travel to Uganda) we can also provide a letter of support if required by your nearest Ugandan embassy/ consulate you are applying through.

 

How do I get to ASCAR PROJECT from the air port?

The nearest airport to the project is Entebbe (which is a small city next to the capital Kampala). An airport pick-up is organized for you when we receive your flight details. The regular driver plus the project coordinator will wait for your flight and assist you with any thing before you head to the project and then escort you to the volunteer house. You will have the contact details of every one you need in any case should you need to.

 

If you give us your flight details in time we can arrange any time of your arrival and What if my flight arrives late in the evening?

The driver plus the project coordinator will be waiting for you at the air port to give a safe drive to the project house.

 

 What happens when I arrive at the project?

There will be people waiting to meet you and settle in. you will meet the director and the program director for orientation after some hours of rest from the airport.

 

 What is the typical day like at the project?

Break fast is served between 8am- 9am on a help your self basis. Then briefing on the days program and then setting off for the project and at 10am program starts where you will be placed as per the project of your choice.

 

Volunteers' lunch is then taken between 1pm to 2pm and then from 2pm you meet some other projects and at around 5pm back to the project house. At around 6pm briefing and making reports of the day as afternoon tea is served and then the evening meal is served between 8pm - 9pm.

 

What is there to do in the evenings?

There are games at the house that can be enjoyed by the volunteers and the staff and it is always fun. Then a TV is also available. And some evenings you can visit Andrews bar for a beer and a recreation centre near the house called passions for massage, swimming pool and more.

 

How much free time will I have?

Volunteers are active for 4 to 5 days a week. And the weekends are your free time for travels tours like in the visiting museum , zoo, lakesides, national game parks, cultural sites, visiting the equator, the source of the longest river in Africa - Nile river among other sites.

 

How are trips organized?

Trips are organized by the project coordinator on a charge that is for petrol or gas in the car and entry charges which differ depending onto where you wish to visit. Some places need earlier booking while others do not.

 

What happens if I travel with friends?

Friends are met together at the airport as per the usual pick up arrangements. On arrival at the project. The house has different rooms which can accommodate 2- 3 volunteers sharing. Where there is no room for the group to squeeze together, you will be just a few meters away as they will be given other rooms with the house.

 

Am traveling alone - will there be other volunteers?

Although some volunteers with friends the bigger majority travel alone. You may find some and at times find none but the local volunteers are always there to welcome and comfort you so that you have the best of your stay.

 

What happens if I get ill during my stay?

Few volunteers experience any illness requiring medical attention but there is a doctor close by and the hospital should you need the use of one , the team will help you get there.

 

How will I get back to the air port?

The easiest way is to return to Kampala then to the airport. As you will require fueling the car to drive you to the airport.

 

What are the costs after I have registered and secured my place?

The weekly project cost is $120 for accommodation, meals only and air port pick up to and from the air port is $60 paid before travel. We will send an invoice by e-mail shortly after we receive flights not to worry and this can be paid any time up 2 weeks before travel.

All volunteers will need to purchase return flights to Entebbe air port (air port code EBB). Half of all volunteers arrive on 3am flight which is the perfect time to arrive. This allows you to make a quick exit of the capital Kampala where traffic can be chaotic at best mornings. If you have any doubts to what the traffic is like in Kampala you might like to watch the top gear programme "the source of the Nile" which featured the Kampala crush in episode 6 of series 19.