Volunteer Programme
Why?
At least 1.4 million Tanzanians are living with HIV. We believe that educating communities about HIV/AIDS is essential in slowing the spread of the disease in northern Tanzania. SIC targets underserved rural areas where levels of knowledge are very low, but communities are eager to learn and we are making measurable progress. Each year our student volunteers bring new energy and talents to our work.
How?
SIC offers structured 8 and 12 week volunteer programmes throughout the summer and autumn of each year.
The 2012 programme dates are from:
• VP1: May 22-July 17
• VP2: June 19-August 14
• VP3: July 19– September 14
• VP4: September 20– December 13
The SIC UK Tanzania Volunteer Programme is open to students from the following UK universities:
University of Southampton VP2 (June 19-August 14) and VP3 (July 19-September 14)
University of Liverpool VP2 (June 19-August 14), VP3 (July 19-September 14) and VP4 (September 20-December 13)
University of St Andrews VP2 (June 19-August 14), VP3 (July 19-September 14) and VP4 (September 20-December 13)
London School of Economics VP2 (June 19-August 14) and VP4 (September 20-December 13)
Queen’s University Belfast VP2 (June 19-August 14), VP3 (July 19-September 14) and VP4 (September 20-December 13)
We may also be able to accept applications from students at other universities.
What training do I get?
Once selected, training begins here in the UK with a series of prefield sessions run by previous volunteers. In this time, we prepare volunteers for life in a developing country and begin training volunteers to be effective teachers. We will also assist with the logistics of travel plans and give you suggestions for fundraising for the program fee. Upon arrival in Tanzania the programme begins with a two week orientation, during which volunteers live in rural, dormitory-style accommodations.
What will I be doing?
Each program begins with an intensive, expert-led orientation. A week into the programme, volunteers move into a home stay with a host Tanzanian family. After orientation, your primary work as a volunteer will be to run an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign within your partner community. The majority of your time will be spent teaching, lesson planning, and training peer educators, and you will also be involved in community assessment work within your village. In addition to these responsibilities, we urge volunteers to take the lead on other projects related to our work.
How much will it cost?
The volunteer programme costs £1964 which includes all travel food and accommodation for the 8 week period but excludes flights. We want to assure you that the SIC UK national committee will provide support and advice with regards to fundraising and applying for grants and bursaries. In addition to this as a national committee we will establish a calendar of fundraising events, which you can partake in to enable you to raise the required funds. It is definitely possible to fundraise part, if not all, of the programme fee and several volunteers have done so in the past. A deposit of £315 is due two weeks after acceptance onto a volunteer programme.
How do I apply?
Please email the campus coordinator for your university for more information, or alternatively our UK Volunteer Programme Coordinator Kesh Patel at kesh@sichange.org.uk if you are from a currently non-participating university.
Download the application form here: http://sichange.org/get-involved/volunteer/
University of Southampton Campus Coordinator: Emma Parker Contact: southampton@sichange.orgFor more information please contact your universities campus coordinator
University of Liverpool Campus Coordinator: Charlotte Plant
Contact: charlotte@sichange.org.uk
University of St Andrews Campus Coordinator: Kate Smith
Contact: standrews@sichange.org
London School of Economics Campus Coordinator: Rebecca Hurl
Contact:becky@sichange.org
Queen’s University Belfast Campus Coordinator: Kesh Patel
Contact: kesh@sichange.org.uk
