LEDEC BACKGROUND INFORMATION& VOLUNTEERING

Land Environment and Development Concerns (LEDEC) is an indigenous, membership, not-for-profit and registered Non-Governmental Organization (CBO/NGO) at both Jinja Municipal Council (JMC/2013/042) and Jinja District Local Government (JJA/09/2016/00625) respectively. It was founded in March 2013 by environmentalists, educationists, development and social workers, land and human rights activists in the Republic of Uganda, East Africa.

We address climate change, natural resources depletion and extinction of indigenous species, land and environmental degradation, poor Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), shelter, food insecurity, waste management and energy. We also handle the poor quality of education, health and social services, social injustice, disaster and lack of social accountability which are affecting nature, plants, animals, birds and human life. 

VISION:  A Society where mankind lives harmoniously with nature and fellow human beings as originally intended.

MISSION: To achieve sustainable development through; natural resources conservation and climate change adaptation mechanisms, Livelihood and Social Services Interventions, research, advocacy and social justice protection.

CORE OBJECTIVES:

  1. To reduce incidences of climate change, natural resources depletion, bio-diversity, ecosystems, wetlands, forest destruction, extinction of water bodies, flora and fauna and natural tourism sites;
  2. To empower communities on sustainable land management, clean energy, Waste Management, decent and affordable shelter in both urban and rural settings;  
  3. To support grassroots with sustainable agricultural practices, alternative economic livelihoods to address food insecurity, poverty, unemployment, diseases and malnutrition;
  4. To provide communities with clean and safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and humanitarian aid in times of disaster and conflicts;
  5. To promote quality, accessible and affordable education, health and other social services which will empower women, girls, boys and marginalized social groups for sustainable development at all levels.     
  6. To promote democracy, social accountability, participation, patriotism, peace, equity and justice for all.
  7. To advocate and offer legal, human rights awareness and psycho social support to victims of abuse, exploitation like children, women, youth, the poor men and other vulnerable social groups;
  8. To conduct research studies and consultancies on climate change, natural resources, good governance and social accountability, livelihoods, WASH, human rights, peace, education, healthcare, social services provision, etc.

VOLUNTEERING

BECOMING A VOLUNTEER AT LEDEC

We are very happy to look for a placement for you in Uganda as a volunteer with Land, Environment and Development Concerns (LEDEC) Programs. We feel honoured to have you come and volunteer with us.

Who Are Our Volunteers?

Everyone can be of service. LEDEC Volunteers has no language or professional requirements for participation. Volunteers typically share common characteristics such as flexibility, compassion, a sense of adventure, and most importantly, the desire to work with and learn from local people in the host community. Volunteers are drawn from all occupations and backgrounds, and from throughout the world. Each volunteer selects a service program that best employs their experience and interests, and a program where the volunteer feels engaged in a community project of lasting benefit.

Volunteers must be in good health and have the mental and physical capability to function as a team member. Therefore if you're open to new challenges and enjoy working with and learning from local people, then you can contribute to and benefit from a service-learning program. What we ask of you is flexibility, patience, a spirit of adventure, and a sense of humour. Most Ugandan cultures are very friendly though some provide a greater degree of predictability than others due to cultural norms.

It is also important to emphasize that you are dealing with another culture when you are volunteering internationally. How you would approach a particular situation in your own country does not necessary mean it is appropriate to handle it in the same way in Uganda. Your time and commitment to the program is of course is highly valued but please remember you are a guest of the country and will no doubt be looked at as a representative of your homeland.

Within Uganda we would expect you to follow the local laws and regulations. The schools/ centers will also have rules that you will need to abide by and if you are unsure of these you should consult the school/ center staff to clarify.

If you have any queries, you would like to discuss about the information provided here please direct it to the Executive Director LEDEC Pr. Paul Batambuze at email   landanddevelopmentconcerns@gmail.com   or   pastorbatambuze@gmail.com

LEDEC strives to achieve sustainable development through; natural resources conservation and climate change adaptation mechanisms, Livelihood and Social Services Interventions, research, advocacy and social justice protection in Uganda. The need is expansive and long-term, so your opportunity to make a significant difference through service is likewise immeasurable. Think about how much you receive when you give and consider why you want to volunteer. You may have several different reasons. However, if you are someone who has an open mind and flexible and would like:

  • To share a skill
  • To get to know a community
  • To demonstrate commitment to a cause/belief
  • To gain leadership skills
  • To donate your professional skills
  • To have an impact
  • To learn something new
  • To make new friends
  • To explore a career
  • To do something different from your job
  • For fun!
  • For religious reasons
  • To keep skills alive
  • To be an agent of change

THEN LAND, ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CONCERNS (LEDEC) IS YOUR RIGHTFUL PLACE TO BE...

LEDEC welcomes individuals and groups of 18+ years old and all backgrounds. We do encourage you to apply on line as soon as possible. Early enrolment allows you extra time for visa processing and also allows you to make your travel arrangements earlier and perhaps more affordable.

Program Fee

The program fee is negotiable, depending on the period of your stay at LEDEC. This fee MUST be paid directly to our bank Account after and/or upon your placement. There are no application or registration fees required.

VOLUNTEERING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

CAN I COME AT ANY TIME OF THE YEAR?


Yes, you can come anytime of the year, however for those coming specifically for volunteer teaching, Due to the school calendar in Uganda; Land Environment and Development Concerns (LEDEC) can only place you within the following periods (terms) in the year: (a) JANUARY through APRIL (1st School Term) (b) MAY through AUGUST (2nd School Term) (c) SEPTEMBER through DECEMBER (3rd Term) However, there is a need to note that sometimes the school schedule changes without prior notice. Therefore In case of any changes we ask the participating volunteer to be very flexible. In between these periods, you can still keep your room if you are staying beyond one (1) school term but you may be expected to bear your other living expenses.


WILL ACCOMMODATION BE PROVIDED?

Yes, will give you accommodation (at times to share with another volunteer - in a house in which other people live.) If one so wishes you can also live with a family in a community. As a volunteer you will be expected to maintain a reasonable standard of cleanliness in your surroundings. This would include keeping your living space clean and tidy as well as your personal hygiene to a high standard. Daily showers/ washes are recommended as well as ensuring clothing is washed regularly.

MEALS AND FOOD?

Yes, you will be given breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Typical breakfast: tea/ coffee/cocoa/oats/porridge and bread with jam/butter/egg omelets. Typical dinner: rice, yam or Matooke (Green Plantain) with stew or soup plus fruits. At lunchtime you can get fruits and/or snacks. However special arrangements can be made for special needs person, days or events. Land Environment and Development Concerns (LEDEC) will provide all the meals from the funds paid (program fee) by the volunteer. Almost 80% of the program fee donation goes to costs of the volunteers’ up-keep during his or her stay with LEDEC.

WHAT IS THE PROGRAM FEE DONATION FOR?

Your program fee donation fee covers the following: (a) Arranging for, organizing and inspecting your placement: such as the school and accommodation and meals. (b) Airport meeting and pickup, and drop offs. (c) LEDEC Administrations


ARE THERE OTHER COSTS?

Yes, you have to budget for bottled (or bagged) water, lunch and dinner and transportation when you are out on your personal entertainment, touring or site seeing, and other personal needs.

WHEN AND HOW SHOULD I PAY MY PARTICIPATION FEE?

The Program fee donations should be deposited into LEDEC Bank Account on your arrival in Uganda. An official invitation will be sent to you for your visa application. This fee is required to cover expenses while you are on the program. The program fee is non-refundable.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE IN UGANDA?

You will be welcomed at the airport by our International Volunteer Liaison Officer. But prior to your departure from your home country, you'll be given detailed directives by email on what to do when you land at Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport. From the airport you will be taken right to the LEDEC offices were you will be given information regarding your accommodation arrangements and then later our Liaison Officer will be able to give you a detailed orientations or an induction in reference to your program placement and the cultural aspects of the Ugandan people.

CAN I CASH MY VISA OR MASTERCARD OR TRAVELLERS’ CHECKS?

You can cash your VISA, MasterCard and Travellers’ Checks in any branch of Barclays Bank (Only in Entebbe, Jinja & Kampala). However, you must carry with you the traveller checks receipts.

DO I NEED TO TAKE ANY SHOTS?

Yes! Obligatory for all visitors to Uganda is the YELLOW FEVER inoculation. The vaccination must be taken at least 10 days before the journey. Please consult your physician for the appropriate medication for Malaria too.

SUPPOSE I WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND MY STAY OF WORKING WITH LEDEC, CAN THIS BE POSSIBLE?

Yes, this is possible. However, you will need to discuss this with the LEDEC administrator before you can change your flight schedules. You will also be required to pay an extra fee towards your extended period of stay.

HOW BEST CAN I BE OF HELP IN THE COMMUNITY?


LEDEC is currently concentrating its effort and activities within the district of Jinja, but we are exploring soon to go to the districts of Busoga like Kamuli, Buyende, Luuka, Mayuge, Namutumba,  Bugiri, Kaliro, Namayingo  and Iganga Districts though we are registered as a national NGO to operate nationwide. Our Development Programs are not only focused on restoring people and their communities to their pre-crisis conditions, they also focus on establishing a process that enables those in need to build a self-sufficient and self-sustaining lifestyle as a community. Our development programs strive to permanently break the bonds and cycle of poverty of individuals, families and their communities LEDEC has identified people, communities and families who are genuinely in need who might need our collective help. So we would like to ask all the volunteers prior to helping anybody either financially or in any other way, that you first cross check with Pr. Batambuze Paul the Executive Director or any responsible LEDEC staff.   However, if you feel that you want to help someone in the community, then first cross check with the LEDEC administrations. All kind of help MUST go through LEDEC administrations and with the recommendation of LEDEC and the local authorities. Please do not promise to help someone within the village if you are not 100% sure that you will help them.


ARE THERE SOME PROJECTS, WHICH NEED OUR COLLECTIVE ATTENTION AND FUNDING?

Yes. Land, Environment and Development Concerns (LEDEC) does not encourage hand-out approach when helping the community. Our development Programs are not only focused on restoring people and their communities to their pre-crisis conditions, they also focus on establishing a process that enables those in need to build a self-sufficient and self-sustaining lifestyle as a community. Our development programs strive to permanently break the bonds and cycle of poverty of individuals, families and their communities. Therefore we encourage volunteers to work closely with the LEDEC administration in looking out into possible avenues to help the community. For further information about opportunities please visit regularly this website or send us an e-mail at landanddevelopmentconcerns@gmail.com or pastorbatambuze@gmail.com                                        or call: +256752936898/ OR +256772166818