Local volunteers
Local volunteers form the membership of YEI and are registered annually.
They pay a small commitment fee, which provides them with access to orientation training after registering.
The local volunteers own the organization and are responsible for proposing project activities, implementing programs and guiding foreign volunteers who come to Kasese.
We currently have 53 registered local volunteer members and the number is growing quickly as we expand our programs and move into additional districts.
Our local volunteers are on the ground working in the communities in which they live, bringing with them a thorough understanding of both people's needs and the critical social and economic issues facing them. After becoming registered members, the local volunteers are required to contribute their time and labour to YEI activities.
In return, the volunteers benefit by gaining project experience and knowledge; accessing training opportunities; involving themselves in community activities; receiving related allowances; and building reputations in their own communities. The local members are then promoted to advanced positions based on the acquisition of new skills, educational training and commitment to projects.
My volunteer experience with YEI was a dream come true. I had heard a lot about Africa and the HIV situation there. Volunteering with YEI gave me the opportunity to witness everything firsthand and make my contribution in improving the lives of the poorest. I worked alongside young people living with HIV/AIDS, witnessed the suffering of child orphans, interacted with drug addicts and observed the squalid conditions of living in abject poverty. The most interesting part was that I had the opportunity to make my contribution. I worked with a very interesting volunteer team, worked with great flexibility, received guidance at every turn and learned lots of new things. Yes, it was an experience of a lifetime!
Sheryl,
Global Volunteer from Northern Ireland.
