Uganda 2014 Information Pack
Trip Overview: We are pleased to announce that we have the fantastic opportunity to work with the charity Child Africa to assist them with an ongoing project that they have in providing education for children in Uganda who would not otherwise have access to it. We intend this to become a charity that our sixth form will work with every year by raising funds and sending students out to the same school in Kabale, Uganda and we are very excited by the prospect of getting this up and running with current sixth form students. The expedition would be for two weeks in the second half of July (expected departure date is 17th Julty but this will be confirmed when flights are available) and the total cost is expected to be in the region of 1700. Although we do appreciate that this is a lot of money, it is less expensive than the expedition that we organised through World Challenge to Ghana at the end of this year and we believe that it will also be a more valuable experience. We would also like to stress that the expectation would be that the students themselves will raise the bulk of the money through fund raising and part time jobs that they may have. We will help to support them with this and also help them to take ownership of the expedition through a series of enrichment sessions throughout the year. These sessions will be led by a member of staff involved in the expedition and will cover things such as fund raising opportunities, research into Uganda, planning project work, arranging visas and inoculations etc. In addition to the general benefits that students taking part will gain from such an exceptional experience it is also worth noting that taking part in an expedition such as this is something that universities and employers value very highly. While in Uganda students will stay at a resort a short drive from Kabale School and we will have our own bus and driver allocated for the duration of the expedition. Students will take part in a variety of activities such as cultivating a new vegetable garden, renovating class rooms, working with groups of students in class and organising activities such as sports days for the students. There will also be a recreational day trip built into the programme to visit Lake Bunyonyi and some local villages; although plans for this will be finalised during enrichment sessions. There are 20 places available for this exciting expedition and these are open to both Y12 and Y13 students this year so to help with the selection process all pupils will be asked to complete an application form that will then be followed by a brief interview with a member of staff who will be on the trip.
Initial Expedition Itinerary: Although the final itinerary will be put together during enrichment sessions this is an initial plan of our expected activities. Day From To Details 1 London Entebbe, Uganda Arrive in Entebbe. Transfer by minibus to Kabale, Uganda 2 Kabale Acclimatisation, introduction to the school and pupils 3 School Project 4 School Project 5 School Project 6 Kabale Lake Bunyoni RR day 7 School Project 8 School Project 9 School Project 10 Kabale TBA (chosen by pupils RR day in Enrichment) Possible walk and visit with a school pupil to their home and local community 11 School Project 12 School Project 13 School Project 14 Kabale Sports/Culture day and Farewells 15 Entebbe London Return home
Project Work: The school has planned to move their exam dates to accommodate our visit. This is so that the children can work alongside our pupils both in the classroom and on project work. The initial project would include: Creating a vegetable garden in which vegetables can be grown to feed the children their lunch. They have the land and would love for our pupils to turn the land into a sustainable vegetable plot. Some maintenance and basic labour work around the school site. The school would welcome ideas from our pupils of activities to set up and take part in such as music, dance and a sports day. This could potentially become an annual event we run each time we visit the school over the coming years. On one of the RR days a suggestion has been made that pupils and staff would walk the 2 ½ hours walk taken by some of the pupils each day to their local village to visit their homes and community. A potentially incredible experience. The Kabale School in it s current state following recent project work funded by Child Africa. The plot of land that we would hope to produce the vegetable patch for the school. Rest Relaxation: RR time will be just as important to our trip as the project work. We will look to get a broad taste of Uganda and spend our RR time to explore the local area and immerse ourselves in the culture. The activities we take part in during this time will be finalised by the group during our enrichment sessions.
Accomodation: We will be staying at the picturesque Lake Bunyonyi Overlands Resort near Kabale for the duration of our stay and further information can be found on their website (www.bunyonyioverland.com). We will be staying in either dormitories or fully furnished tents and most evening meals will be provided, with the exception of 6 Evenings where we will venture out to local restaurants. Facilities include: meals and snacks from their menu (try the local crayfish direct from the lake) fully stocked bar with cold drinks spacious snack bar, restaurant with a fireplace craft shop picnic and relaxation areas travel information satellite TV grocery with essential items storage or safe custody of personal effects laundry service first aid, emergency contacts, 24 hour security 24/7 Wifi internet connection Nobody is allowed to leave the site after 7.30 pm so this will be a great time for the group to gather, socialise and reflect on the work we have done each day. All transportation from the resort to the project site or local area is provided as we will have private use of a bus for the duration of our stay. You can view more information on the resort by going to www.bunyonyioverland.com.
Visas: These are required for Uganda. One Enrichment activity will be to complete the visa forms. These will be sent off together with passports by recorded delivery with passports. It will take about two weeks to process and will cost 25 per person and this is included in the overall cost of the trip. This will need to be done in February. Medical/Vaccinations: The following are the suggested vaccinations required for Uganda. The cost of compulsory vaccinations will be in the region of 150 but additional vaccinations including Meningitis and Rabies could push this up to 350. The following list is taken directly from the NHS website although we recommend all decisions are made following personal consultation with a medical professional. Tetanus MMR Yellow Fever Hepatitis A+B Malaria Tablets Typhoid Meningitis (Recommended) Rabies (Recommended) Most of these vaccinations can be carried out at your own doctor s surgery although Yellow Fever, Meningitis and Rabies would need to be carried out at a Travel Clinic. Two such local clinics that come highly rated are: Regent Street Clinic, 1 Bridge Street, Derby MASTA Travel Clinic, Boots Derby, 1 Devonshire Walk Travel Arrangements: Flights: These haven t yet been released but we will be booking flights at the earliest opportunity; this is expected to be in early August. We will fly directly to Entebbe, Uganda, hopefully using British Airways although other airlines have been recommended. The approximate cost of flights is expected to be in the region of 750-800 and is included in the overall cost of the trip. Travel arrangements in Uganda: We will have a hired bus for transfer to and from airport, for movement between our accommodation and the project site and for the RR days. This will be available for all our needs 24 hours a day. Travel to and from airport in UK: This will be arranged through Harpers coaches which works out at approximately 50 per person.
Insurance: The current School trip insurance already covers this trip and covers everything that is required. It will cost 10 per person. We will be speaking directly to the insurance company to ensure that absolutely every possibility is covered for a trip of this nature and that the medical assistance is firmly in place. Risk Assessment: As with all school trips a thorough risk assessment would be carried out using the framework from EVOLVE and then sent to the city council for verification. Pupil Safety: The health and wellbeing of all pupils and staff involved will be our absolute, number one priority. All pupils will be accompanied by a member of staff at all times for the entire duration of the expedition. We will be collected by Rosemary Soyland, our link to the Child Africa charity, and the driver from the airport and taken directly to our secure accommodation where all staff and pupils will stay f rthe duration of our trip. We have been assured that we are staying in a very safe area, a secluded lakeside location but nevertheless security is taken very seriously. The resort is fully fenced off and security is superb with CCTV and security guards always on duty. At no time will pupils be allowed to go anywhere without a member of staff and gates will be secured from 7.30pm. Every person should register with the British Embassy online before leaving, again we will cover this in Enrichment lessons. Medical Assistance Whilst in Uganda: All staff going will be First Aid trained. Our plan is also for pupils to receive basic first aid training in the enrichment sessions before the trip. There is a very good hospital nearby that is a maximum of 5 minutes drive away. As we will always be accompanied by Child Africa staff in case of emergency a visit to the hospital could be arranged immediately any time of night or day. The initial upfront cost for a hospital visit would come out of either the contingency budget or be put on a pre-arranged credit card which would be paid off by the insurance company upon return to the UK. There is also the option to contact the Insurance company on their 24hr emergency medical helpline. Repatriation and flight costs will all be covered by the insurance policy.
Uganda Daily Checklist: Participants will be separated into groups of 5 and will be assigned a key member of staff. That member of staff would have daily checks to complete and tick off everything such as health, malaria tablet taken, sun cream applied, correct clothing worn and water bottle filled. The following is an example of this form. Name: Key Staff: Date General Wellbeing Malaria Tablet Eaten Water Consumed Water Bottles Full Sun Cream Applied Correct Clothing 17th July 18th July We envisage that these checks would be carried out every morning before we depart for our daily activity although pupils will be constantly monitored particularly if any concerns are noted during these morning checks.
Kit Requirements: Rucksacks in Uganda: Expedition Pack: This will hold the majority of your kit for moving to and from Uganda and also from the project site to RR locations. We recommend a 65 litre bag. Day Pack: A day sack is useful for cultural, overnight excursions and trips into town or for general use during the day. We recommend a 20-30 litre bag. Sleeping Bags: Sleeping well will be an extremely important part of your expedition. There are two types of filling used in sleeping bags: down (i.e. feathers) and synthetic. Down bags are usually warmer and easier to handle for their weight and pack size but offer little insulation if wet. Synthetic bags remain warm when wet but will be heavier and bulkier than down bags. All sleeping bags are rated by season and as a general rule: 1-2 Season Bag: Comfortable down to +5 degrees C 2 Season Bag: Comfortable down to +1 degree C 2-3 Season Bag: Comfortable down to -2 degrees C 3 Season Bag: Comfortable down to -5 degrees C 4 Season Bag: Comfortable down to -7 degrees C All ratings are only a guideline, if you know that you feel the cold when sleeping it may be advisable to use a warmer bag than recommended. Our recommendation is a 1 season sleeping bag (suitable down to a temperature of + 5 C ) as temperatures will be hot and humid. We will have beds set up for us but they will be useful in case temperatures drop and they can be useful padding. Do not invest in an expensive sleeping bag. Sleeping Bag Liners: Designed to help keep your sleeping bag clean and add a couple of extra degree s warmth, silk or cotton liners pack down small and can be washed easily. A single duvet cover, although slightly bulkier, can make a good less expensive alternative. In Uganda we would suggest you take a liner. You are likely to sleep in these for the majority of the time as temperatures are likely to be hot and humid. Mosquito Nets: Due to the risk of insect borne diseases in Uganda we expect Mosquito Nets will be provided for us at our accommodation resort. Following confirmation of this from the resort we will be able to advise you accordingly.
Walking Boots: Whichever type of boot you choose they must have: A rigid sole Good tread Good ankle-support. It is advisable to purchase your boots well before your expedition and to make sure they are comfortable and are fully broken in. Due to the potentially changeable conditions in Uganda, breathable fabric boots would be more appropriate for your expedition. Your boots do not need to be expensive or technical as there will be limited, if any, trekking on your itinerary. As construction may be involved at our project site you may be required to wear boots to protect your feet. Waterproofs (Outer Layer): When you are out all day, good protection from the elements is essential for comfort and safety. Breathable fabrics are advisable but do not spend a lot of money on fabrics such as Gore-Tex unless you plan to use them on a regular basis after your expedition. Essential features of a jacket include an integral hood with stiffened peak and full storm flaps covering zips and pockets, which are accessible when wearing a rucksack. Waterproof jackets should also have taped seams. The requirement for a good quality waterproof jacket that will give reliable protection from the wind and rain, as opposed to simpler light-weight waterproofs, will depend on the climate and altitude of the treks on your itinerary. As our departure coincides with the end of rainy season in Uganda we should expect some rain. A lightweight waterproof is recommended. This does not need to be technical or expensive. Fleece Jackets: As temperatures may drop in the evening, it is advised you take one lightweight fleece or jumper for additional warmth. Water Bottles: Keeping fully hydrated is essential, you will drink far more water than normal while carrying out physical work on the project site. Whilst on expedition you must carry at least two 1L water bottles, one to purify your water in, and one to drink from. Money Belt: These are designed to be worn on the waist under your clothing for maximum security. Ideally the money belt pouch should be large enough to take a passport and keep your cash unfolded. A money belt is highly recommended for your expedition to Ghana.
Provisional Individual kit list for Uganda: This list is not exhaustive and we will be discussing kit requirements in more detail in the enrichment sessions closer to our departure date. There is no requirement to buy new or expensive kit but we will be able to recommend which shops will be cheaper for different items you may require. Clothing: 3 pairs Socks 3 pairs Underwear 2 pairs Comfortable, strong, quick-drying trousers 1 pair Comfortable cotton shorts or equivalent 3 T-shirts 1 Lightweight, long-sleeved shirt or top 1 Micro-fleece or lightweight jumper 1 pair Work gloves 1 Wide-brimmed sunhat (not baseball cap) 1 Lightweight waterproof jacket 1 Bathing costume (girls should not bring bikinis) Footwear: 1 pair Boots 1 pair Sandals, Approach Shoes or sturdy trainers Equipment: 1 Large rucksack or duffle bag (approximately 65 litres) 1 Daysack (20-30litres) 1 Rucksack liner to waterproof your kit 1 Sleeping bag (1 season) and compression sack 1 Sleeping bag liner 1 Head torch 2 or 3 1 litre water bottles 1 pair Sunglasses (good quality, UV A and B reflective) 1 Towel (not beach towel, but lightweight travel towel) 1 Mosquito net (TBC) 1 set Knife, fork, spoon, mug and plate/bowl (bowl is generally more practical) Optional: 1 Padlock for locking things for security 1 Bandana 1 Paperback book
Health and Hygiene: 1 Washing / shaving kit 1 roll Toilet paper 1 Large packet of wet wipes 1 to 2 Bottles of antibacterial gel 1 Insect repellent (formulas with DEET tend to be the most effective) 1 Sunblock/ high factor suncream 1 Tube of lip sunblock / lip salve 1 to 2 Small bottles biodegradable/ all purpose soap Sufficient Sanitary products (females- These can be hard to get hold of in Uganda so ensure you have adequate) 1 Athlete s foot talcum powder Sufficient Personal medication 1 Personal first aid kit to include antiseptic cream/wipes, assorted plasters, blister kit, Antihistamine for allergies (not Triludan), 10 x rehydration sachets i.e. Dioralyte, painkillers i.e. paracetamol Ancillaries 1 Notebook/ journal and pen 1 Small penknife 1 Money belt 1 Cheap waterproof watch 1 Set of reealable plastic bags for waterproofing kit 1 pair Spare boot laces Group items (per 5 person group): 1 Travel sewing kit 15m Strong synthetic cord (paracord) 1 Roll of thick waterproof plastic tape (Gaffa Tape)
Applying for a Place on the Trip: As this is the first year we have run the trip we have no idea of how many people will be applying. Therefore to make the application process as fair as possible we will be asking pupils to go through a 2 part application process: 1. Pupils will need to complete the attached application form (or complete the template included online) and hand it in by Friday 5th September. This can be done by either: > Handing in a printed copy to Pupil Support. > Emailing an electronic copy to Mr Archer at: R.Archer@littleover.derby.sch.uk. > Posting a printed copy (if completed over the summer break) to: Mr Archer, Littleover Community School, Pastures Hill, Littleover, Derby, DE23 4BZ. 2. Following the review of the written applications there will then be an interview process towards the middle of September where pupils will be invited to discuss their applications with a member of staff. Final offers for places (including 5 reserve places) will then be made towards the end of September. We hope to make the application process as fair as possible but, depending on the level of interest, it may be unavoidable that some applicants will be left disappointed. In this instance we will be happy to put you in contact with World Challenge who may be able to help you with alternative expedition options. Payment: As previously mentioned the overall cost of the trip will be 1700 and this will be split as follows: 500 deposit payment by 1st October. This will be needed to secure the accommodation and flights. 150 on the 1st of each month from November 2013 - June 2014. Due to the quick turnaround between places being offered and the deposit payment being made we suggest that all applicants financially prepare for the 1st October instalment to avoid missing out on their place.
Uganda 2014 - Application Form Name: Tutor Group: Why do you want a place on the trip to Uganda? What qualities do you feel you have that would benefit the group? What ideas do you currently have for raising your 1700? Please submit your application using one of the methods outlined on Page 12 of the information booklet.