How to be Fully Prepared
How to Dress:
Women: clothing needs to go past the knee. Appropriate items are dresses, skirts, nice blouses, plain T-shirts, capri trousers, basically anything you like. Sandals are fine for footwear.
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Men: appropriate items are slacks, long gym shorts, shirts or plain T-shirts, sneakers, jeans, sandals.
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We recommend you bring a rainjacket - weather in Jinja can change very quickly! Bring a swimsuit and hiking gear for weekend adventures.
Culture and Food:
During your orientation we will teach you a few basic words in Luganda (greetings, asking how much something costs, saying thanks). As it is the administrative language of Uganda, many people know at least some English, but using a few words of the local language will mean people treat you with more respect.
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To get around town you'll use a bodaboda (motorbike taxi). Transport is very cheap and WORI will help you with finding reputable safe drivers.
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Your host family will give you breakfast and dinner on workdays and three meals at the weekends and days when you're unwell. Some staple foods are: meat, fish, beans, rice, posho, matoke, chapatti, samosas, greens, tea, coffee, and lots of fruit! Our host families are really accommodating, so please say if you don't enjoy a particular food or you'd like to eat more of a certain dish.
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There are many cafes and restaurants in town where you can get lunch on workdays. Many also offer very reasonably priced Western foods such as sandwiches, wraps, burgers and salads if you're craving some home comforts!
What to bring:
Some recommended items are:
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your own prescription medications and anti-malaria pills
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sunscreen and after-sun
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basic first aid kit (eg. band-aids, painkillers, rehydration sachets, disinfectant cream for cuts)
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insect repellent
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outlet converter (sockets in Uganda are Type G, same as the UK)
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reusable water bottle (there is safe drinking water at your host home and the office for you to fill it up)
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sunglasses
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lightweight raincoat
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earplugs
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power pack/portable charger as powercuts are common
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baby wipes
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USB drive, pens and notebook for work
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flashlight
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menstrual products - pads are easily available in supermarkets in Jinja but tampons are quite hard to find, so please bring what you are comfortable using
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if you'd like to, you can bring your own computer/tablet to work from at the office
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any other items to make your stay comfortable - books, games, playing cards, photos from home, snacks
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if you're able, a few donations for the shelter (eg. women's clothing, toys for the children) - though this is not a requirement by any means
