MISSION TEAM TRAVEL INFORMATION
TO GOD CARES SCHOOL, UGANDA
Buyamba, Inc. welcomes all teams who are interested in serving on a short-term missions visit to God Cares Primary and Secondary Schools. We certainly appreciate your support of this worthy ministry and your willingness to serve the orphans and needy children at God Cares. Pastors Bethuel and Florence Dongo look forward to hosting any team that wishes to travel to Uganda. They appreciate your generous help and labor of love and would like to assure you of Uganda’s government stability. However, travel to Africa does require some preparation. We offer full support in answering the myriads of questions that teams have when considering a mission to Uganda; from questions on travel information and immunizations to food and lodging and many other pertinent bits of information. We will even avail ourselves to conduct in-person team briefings, when possible, or can do so via telephone conference. For your convenience, we have compiled a “Mission Team Travel Information” handout in a pdf format, which covers detailed information, tips and FAQ’s to assist team leaders in preparing your teams for travel and as you answer God’s call to His Great Commission.
If your church, school or group interested in scheduling a short term missions trip or would like further information about serving the children at God Cares School, contact Degna Horton at degna@ugandabuyamba.com or call (805) 405-6431.
Individuals interested in serving an extended or long term mission may also contact Degna Horton for further information and availability.
UPCOMING SCHEDULED MISSIONS TRIPS
The 2009 Missions Calendar is open for scheduling your team. Contact Degna Horton at degna@ugandabuyamba.com or call (805) 405-6431 to book your desired dates.
The following teams are tentatively scheduled for travel in 2009:
Liberty Christian School, Argyle, TX: May 30 – June 13, 2009
Los Angeles Baptist High School, North Hills, CA: June 7 – June 17, 2009
Oaks Christian High School, Westlake Village, CA: June 18 – June 25, 2009
Hillcrest Christian School, Thousand Oaks, CA: June 25 – July 4, 2009
Calvary Community Church, Westlake Village, CA: July 4 – July 14, 2009
TEAM TESTIMONIES
Coming soon!!!!
MISSION TEAM TRAVEL INORMATION
Thank you for your interest in traveling to Uganda to serve the precious children at God Cares Nursery and Primary School and God Cares Secondary School. We appreciate you act of loving service. However, travel to Uganda does require preparation. Here are some tips, and answers to frequently asked questions, to assist you in your planning and preparation:
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
PASSPORT: You will need a current U.S. Passport book to travel to Uganda. We do advise that you make at least 2 extra copies (one to keep at home and the other to take with you on your trip, should your original passport be lost or stolen). High School team leaders might insist on keeping an extra passport copy for each of their members in their
possession. We also suggest that you travel with at least 2 extra passport photos.
VISA: A visa is needed for entry to Uganda. The cost is US$ 50 for single entry (valid for three months from the date of arrival). Teams may purchase their Uganda visas through the Ugandan Embassy in Washington D.C at www.ugandaembassy.com
for more information. Smaller teams of 10 or less members may choose to purchase their visas at Entebbe Int’l before clearing Immigration. The cost is $50 USD and needs to be purchased with bills that are dated 2001 or newer. It is highly recommended that teams use actual fifty dollar bill denominations if purchasing visas at Entebbe.
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Yellow Fever vaccine has been the only required documented immunization for travel to Uganda. All visitors must be prepared to present a yellow fever certificate to the Uganda Immigration officials upon landing at Entebbe Int’l Airport.
Malaria is a serious disease that can result in death and to which there is no immunity.
In order to prevent malaria it is advised that you take the following precautions:
In order to prevent malaria it is advised that you take the following precautions:
Keep well covered, especially from dusk to dawn.
Use mosquito nets.
Use insect repellents with a high concentration of deet.
Take anti-malarial drugs before you come and after you leave.
Health professionals will discuss your anti-malaria drug options when you go to receive your immunizations. However, we recommend Malarone (www.malarone.com) for anti-malarial medication.
Besides the Yellow Fever vaccine, the U.S Health Dept. also recommends Hepatitis A and B (if working with or near blood) and Typhoid. Prescription anti-diarrhea pills are also strongly recommended. With regards to obtaining immunizations in preparation for travel, there are many “Travel Doctors” around the country. However, the county public health departments offer the most inexpensive immunizations.
It is recommended that all immunizations be completed at least 3 weeks before your departure to Uganda.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
BOOKING: Tickets can be purchased with your travel agent or directly from the airline of your choice.
FLIGHT TIME: It is a long flight to Uganda (about 22 hours of travel at minimum, depending on your choice of airline carrier and ticketed route). Please encourage your team members to wear comfortable, loose clothing and be sure to drink lots of water throughout your flight. Staying hydrated can help reduce susceptibility to illness.
BAGGAGE/CARRY ON: We advise teams to take clothing they are willing to leave in Uganda for those who need it (students, staff and even missionaries). Each traveler is allowed two 50 lbs bags (U.S. passengers), plus one carry on. Team leaders should verify the current baggage/weight allowance/dimension requirements with the airlines. Plastic storage tubs (such as Rubbermaid) are convenient for packing and are a perfect gift to leave at God Cares children’s center, since they protect stored items from the bugs and rats. Team members should inventory and number each checked bag. The team leader should have a copy of these numbered bag inventories with him for easy reference, should customs desire to see what is in a certain bag. We also recommend that team members pack a change of clothes, toiletries and important medication in their “carry on” bags to be prepared in the event that their baggage gets delayed.
CUSTOMS: You must pass through a customs booth before you will see anyone in the main lobby of the airport. Please be courteous, but DO NOT VOLUNTEER ANY INFORMATION THAT THEY DON’T ASK. Example: When the customs agent asks you if you have anything to declare, ask, “Like what?” Let him list the things. Tell him that you are in his country to do missions work with God Cares School.
US Embassy registration is not mandatory for travel to Uganda but teams may consider doing so as a safety measure, in the event of an emergency. Team members can do so at https://travelregistration.state.gov. Choose “Register my Trip” on the right hand side of the page, choose “New Short Term Traveler”, fill out the form, and click “Continue”.
The U.S Embassy in Uganda is located near God Cares School at: Plot1577 Ggaba Road,
Kampala, Uganda. Tel: 0414 259 791/2/3/5 Fax: 0414 259 794 Website:http://kampala.usembassy.gov/
TRANSPORTATION
Pastor Dongo will arrange for your transport to and from the airport, as well as all other transportation needs while you are in Uganda. For planning purposes, he will give teams an estimate of these costs as they do fluctuate with gasoline prices. The school is about a 40 - 45 minute drive from the airport.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE AND SPENDING MONEY
The Uganda Schilling (USH) is the country’s national currency. The rate of exchange for the Uganda Schilling tends to vary between 1,500 – 1,700 USH to $1.00 USD, averaging around 1,600 USH.
When traveling to Uganda, it is strongly recommended that visitors travel with U.S currency in $100.00 bills, 2001 or newer, for the best conversion rates. Banks will accept bills in denominations smaller than a $100 bill or older than 2001 but will give a lower conversion rate (~1400 USH currently)
Alternatively, if you have a Visa debit card, you may use it at most of the ATM’s in Kampala.
Remember: Only $100 bills issued in 2001 or newer will receive the best conversion rate.
LODGING/FOOD/WATER
LODGING: Lodging arrangements are made and confirmed for all teams prior to their arrival in Kampala. Pastor Dongo works with several nearby Christian guest houses and hotels for reasonable rates. Most of these properties are located within walking distance to the school. Teams can average approximately $20 - $25 per day for lodging for each team member ($30/couple). Breakfast is included in these rates. Mosquito nets are provided for each bed along with linens. However, it is advised that teams bring their own linens and towels.
FOOD: Teams can budget about $20.00/day for lunch and dinner. Bottled water is also included in this estimate. Lunch is prepared daily at the school for the teams. Dinner is sometimes prepared as well. However, teams are able to have dinner at recommended local restaurants within the daily budget. Team members are advised to drink and brush their teeth with bottled water ONLY.
COMMUNICATION
Teams have access to a nearby internet café. Rates are very affordable. Phone cards are also easily purchased as well as SIM cards for your global phone. To use your phone in Uganda, it must be at least a tri-mode phone with the GSM frequency of 900 and/or 1800 MHz. Keep in mind that most phones in the US are locked. Please contact your provider for an unlock code or search the internet to purchase an unlock code. Skype service is also available at the café but it is slow.
WHAT TO WEAR
Temperatures are an average of 80-85°F and humid in Kampala. However, it can get cool in the evenings. A light sweatshirt or cardigan is recommended. Since it can rain regularly, a light weight, hooded rain coat can be handy. Jeans and T-shirts are perfectly acceptable if teams will be engaging in manual/hard labor (construction or agriculture). It is also acceptable for teenage girls to wear jeans. Modesty is the rule of thumb for all female team members. Please refrain from wearing mid-drifts, tops with spaghetti straps or visible bra straps. Skirts/dresses are recommended for ladies who will be helping teachers in the class rooms (no shorts or skirts above the knees, please). It is customary for all Ugandans to dress “smartly” for Sunday church services. Dresses or skirts are advised for females. Males should wear casual slacks and a shirt (no jeans or T-shirts please). Closed toe shoes are also recommended but sandals or thongs are fine to wear at the school as long as members are not engaging in construction. Remember to apply DEET to your clothing, arms and legs before leaving your room in the mornings.
Please remember that you are a guest in Uganda and that the Ugandans dress very formally. For example: Someone that digs a ditch will wear office style clothing to work and change once he arrives at his place of employment. He will work all day in work clothes, but baths and changes back into dress clothes to travel home—even if they are walking! Most teams find the Ugandans very smartly dressed. If you have any questions please ask the team coordinator.
WHAT TO PACK
DEET is a MUST when traveling to Uganda. It is the most effective mosquito repellant. Here is a suggested packing check list:
Comfortable summer clothes-jeans and T-shirts. (bring a dress/skirt for Sunday Service for the ladies, a shirt and pants for the men)
Closed toe shoes (sneakers preferably when we are working/walking and at the Safari).
Light sweater/cardigan for night time
Rain coat (optional … but it does rain)
Flashlight (as the electricity is turned off sometimes at night)
Uganda uses 220 electrical outlets. We use 110 her in the U.S. Bring a converter.
Any snacks you enjoy eating (fruit bars/energy bars/peanut butter/jell etc)
Camera
A lock for your suitcase. You will need to lock up your valuables at the guest house or hotel any time you are away.
Small backpack or a fanny pack--to carry some of your valuables with you at all times.
Bath towel
Small emergency first aid kit
Your own spending money--preferably in $100.00 bills (2001 serials and above for best conversion rate)
Often, teams will want to empty their suitcase and leave their clothes behind for kids and teachers at God Cares. What a wonderful gift and demonstration of love. We humbly thank you! J.
CHILD SPONSORSHIPS
It is the sole responsibility of Buyamba, Inc to oversee the Buyamba Orphan Sponsorship Program. When teams visit they see the great need and desire to assist us in securing sponsors for the unsponsored kids. Any team member may begin to sponsor an unsponsored child at God Cares. They simply need to meet with the social worker at the school, fill out their personal information and the name of the child, then take the child’s photo with them. The school’s social worker will communicate that information to Buyamba, and we will add you to our sponsorship database. You will begin to receive our newsletter and be billed monthly. However, we humbly ask that teams not take any photos of children back to the U.S to attempt to secure sponsors. Though we appreciate your kindness and willingness to help in this area, such action can result in erroneous record-keeping and double sponsorships of these children. However, if any team member desires to introduce the Buyamba Sponsorship Program to his/her home church, with the intent to host a sponsorship drive, please contact Julie Dimas at (805) 558-0089 or email Julie@ugandabuyamba.com. We will be happy to assist you in any way and will send the necessary materials to you (promotional DVD, photos, brochures, and “new sponsor” registration forms).
Note: There is a small percentage of children enrolled at God Cares School who do not need sponsorship. This is due to the fact that these children are cared for by family members who can afford the monthly tuition. Since our the school is a government sanctioned public school, we make some exceptions. Teams are encouraged to check with the God Cares social worker or other administrative staff to verify the sponsorship status of the children before making promises to them.
SAFARI
On occasion, teams may request to participate on a safari tour. Interested teams must contact Pastor Dongo well in advance of the scheduled trip so as to secure reservations. Safari trips cost approximately $150 - $200 per person. This cost includes transportation, accommodations and tour fees. Food is not included, however. A deposit will be needed for your reservations. Note: Teams will need to plan for allowing a minimum of 3 days for a safari trip.
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
What can I expect with regards to lodging accommodations?
The lodging is quite comfortable and each property includes breakfast in their daily room rates. Pastor Dongo hand-picks the lodging and you can rest assured that you will be comfortable. We usually accommodate teams in either Christian Guest Houses or a nearby inexpensive hotel.
Are the bathrooms indoors or out?
Yes, the bathrooms are all indoors.
Is there electricity?
Yes, Uganda is wired for 220V electrical. You will need to bring a converter to use your electrical appliances. However, you can expect some periodic power outages.
Is there hot/running water?
Yes, you will be able to take daily showers. But please refrain from drinking the tap water.
Will I be able to do laundry?
Visitors can pay the hotel or guest house personnel to do laundry or do it themselves at the God Cares compound.
What is the food like?
Very delicious! Teams will eat lunch at the school and sometimes dinner too, if so desired. You can expect to eat rice, a type of flat bread, ground provisions (vegetables) and your choice of beverage is usually bottled water. And for dessert?? The best pineapple you will ever taste. Teams should only eat at the restaurants recommended by Pastor Dongo to ensure freshness. Teams can expect pizza or continental cuisine for reasonable prices at these restaurants.
What is Uganda’s time zone?
Uganda is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich time, 8 hours ahead of Eastern time, 9 hours ahead of Central time, 10 hours ahead of Mountain time, and 11 hours ahead of Pacific time. Please note: these times are not including Day Light Savings time. Uganda does not practice Day Light Savings. (Example: Uganda is 10 hours ahead of California in the summer but 11 hours ahead in the winter).
NOTE: Teams can obtain even more specific information on DO’s and DON’T’s by downloading the Mission Team Travel Information
Need More Information?
We trust that this information will serve as a helpful resource for your short term mission to Uganda. We are happy to conduct team preparation briefings either via telephone conference or in person, when possible. For further information, please contact Degna Horton at (805) 405-6431 or email Degna@ugandabuyamba.com.
