Karibuni Uganda

This is Benji the MAD man in Uganda, this is a quick rundown of what we get up to here in Uganda!

We have had a wonderful time here in Jinja since I took over as crew. Everyone has been exceptionally co-operative and the year has been a great success. We have participated in numerous activities and made some great achievements overall, credit to all who helped this year.

Since January, we have been able to offer educational, medical and sports voluntary service as well as material support to different communities. The performance at the orphanages has also been outstanding. We have a great working partnership with Valley View Primary School and St. Mary's Nsuube Primary School and work closely with two major orphanages, Welcome Home Child Ministries and Amani Babies Cottage. In addition we network with 2 other Orphanages. All have recorded MAD as having a positive influence on their work.

Teachers!

Valley View Primary School is situated about 20 minutes matatu (bus) ride from Jinja town. 8 teachers serve 140 pupils the majority of whom are orphans. Prior to the Madventurer activities at the school many of the classes were conducted under mango trees due to lack of classrooms. However, with the help of MAD volunteers and the MAD Foundation a new temporary shelter has been established and painted. Thanks to all MAD volunteers who got their hands dirty on this project! It doesn't stop there, we even had MAD volunteer teachers at the same school and as such provided a counter to the shortage of teaching personnel, the school especially acknowledges the outstanding teaching performance of Ms Kelly Dix, Ms Robyn Purdie and Ms Stephanie Airs. The presence of MAD volunteers at the school also enables the MAD Foundation to provide scholastic materials, sports equipment and food supplies. As well as being in partnership with Madventurer it is also linked to The Aids Orphans Rescue Program.

''madventurer and its volunteers have by far been the best organization we have worked with, the volunteers are great and we have never been asked to pay any subscription fee like other organizations asked us to if they were to help us!''Head Teacher Valley View

Nsuube primary school is much more equipped for teaching and therefore requires less help than Valley View. Here we provide teaching staff and scholastic materials.

Medics!

We have had MAD volunteers in a variety of medical placements in and around Jinja. We have worked closely with The Aids Support Organization and The Aids Information Centre, Jinja Children's Hospital and Bugembe Health Centre IV.

This field requires volunteers with medical experience as it can involve handing out anti retri-viral pills and counseling during outreach programs. We have had volunteers assisting with deliveries, notably Ms.Anne Dobbs and Ms. Lisa Hewitt. This can be a great experience.

MAD volunteering is challenging, but it is worth undertaking as it can be a life changing experience! Sign on and be part of the great MAD community!