By Donnachadh McCarthy
Healthcare, education, child rights, sustainable livelihoods and gender equality built around a holistic family centred model are the main elements of Nurture Africa’s work in Uganda. On Wednesday 30th October, Michelle Hesso of Nurture Africa took part in an engaging information session to discuss the charity’s ongoing overseas volunteer programme. The charity has provided aid to children and vulnerable families in Uganda since 2003 when founded by Brian Iredale (who had been volunteering in Uganda since 1997) and has carried out a number of projects ranging from building a health centre, complete with a HIV treatment and testing unit as well as a maternity ward, to a thriving child sponsorship programme which saw 259 children receive financial aid in 2019.
Michelle provided information regarding the various activities which volunteers carry out over the duration of a three-week placement in Nansana in the Wakiso district in central Uganda. She described the skill specific assistance that volunteers would provide across three disciplines; medical, education and general skills. Volunteers will build upon and enhance work carried out during previous placements. Michelle emphasised the importance of prior knowledge and experience being a necessity for potential volunteers looking to engage in the medical and teaching aspects of the programme, while all are welcome to take part in the general skills projects. Throughout the session, Michelle described the variety of cultural activities volunteers will take part in, as well as the timetable in place for the three–week placement. Activities ranging from interactive storytelling, roadside HIV testing and community garden projects are just some of the work potential volunteers can take part in, all of which enable and empower vulnerable African families to become self-reliant.
Nurture Africa are currently seeking applicants for summer 2020 and should not hesitate to contact Michelle Hesso should they have an interest, who can be reached through michelle@nurtureafrica.ie.
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