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Uganda Photographic Project Volunteer Opportunity
This is a unique opportunity to work with the staff of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda and other Ugandan National Parks, on a voluntary basis.
Your base of operation would be Queen Elizabeth National Park.
As a skilled photographer, you would be instrumental in setting up a Photographic Project in the Park. This has been needed for a very long time, but there is never any funding for it. Therefore, we have decided to seek a professional or experienced photographer who is willing to fulfil this mission on a voluntary basis.
This is a pioneering opportunity that would involve making a wide ranging photographic record of the wildlife in the park - on the land, in the air and in the water, the habitat, varied and changing landscapes, the communities living in the park and those who are employed to caretake it, e.g. the Wardens, Rangers and other staff.
The project also involves recording bird song, animal sounds and living sounds from locations in the park, including local communities and schools.
Designing pamphlets, brochures, educational materials and other advertising materials for the Park, also forms part of the project.
It would also involve providing photography tuition, including photo manipulation and correction, for Park staff to enable them to continue the work when you have left.
Accommodation is provided free of charge. You would have your own bedroom, possibly with attached toilet and shower, and share the use of the living areas and kitchen with anyone else who may be staying there at the time. The house has electricity, running water and western toilets. Internet is available at the Park Offices. The house is never crowded as it only has 4 rooms with 2 beds in each. Subject to certain conditions, it would be possible for the volunteer to be accompanied by their partner , but not children.
Working cooperatively with Park Staff, the volunteer will draw up a business plan for the project.
The minimum period is 3 months, but ideally the volunteer would stay at least 6 months. It is anticipated that the project will take two years or more.
The same work would be necessary at other National Parks in Uganda which would entail visiting those, but your base would be QENP. There would be similar transport and living conditions attached to those visits.
Location of Uganda National Parks MapThe Purpose of this Project
This project will enhance the ability of Parks' staff to protect habitats, wildlife and ecology. Promotional materials produced via this project will attract more foreign visitors to the park bringing greater revenue for the development of the necessary protective systems. The presence of greater numbers of foreign nationals and their exposure to local living conditions will inevitably benefit impoverished families in the local communities in and around the parks. Many tourists not only buy crafts and produce from local people, some leave with a desire to support NGOs working in the communities or return to volunteer or even set up their own projects.
What you pay for this experience
The cost of your International air fares to and from Uganda
Your fully comprehensive travel and medical insurance
The cost of all vaccinations, inoculations and prophylactics as recommended and prescribed by your medical doctor
The cost of the ingredients for cooking your meals, all between meal snacks, beverages, sodas, alcoholic drinks, bottled water and sundry personal expenses
Any travel, accommodation and meal costs at any time when you are not working on the project - for example - if you decide to take any time out during your stay. We would prefer that this is kept to a minimum so that the project and the schedules of park staff do not suffer.
A good time to do any other sightseeing or visit any other countries from Uganda would be at the end of your time at the project if you are only there for 3 - 6 months and, in reality, every day will be like a holiday!
What you get in return
Free airport pick up on arrival and free drop off for return home flights
Free accommodation at the National Parks when working on the project
 Free transportation to and from work venues
Subject to proof of appropriate, fully comprehensive motor insurance and a driving licence appropriate for driving in Uganda, use of a vehicle will be provided
The company and support of Parks’ staff both during your work and leisure time – during the latter by choice
The opportunity to learn about, experience and participate in the lives of Ugandans in local communities and in the work environment in ways and depths not possible for tourists and other visitors. You will make many friends!
The amazing experience of living and working in Uganda’s magnificent and varied National Parks, free of charge and with unlimited 24/7 access for up to 2 years!
The most unforgettable experience of a life time which includes working amongst the gorillas of Bwindi!Applicants need to be:- 25 years of age or older. Maximum age 68 - subject to their being fit and having good health
- Skilled and experienced photographers
- Experienced in leading and managing people
- Skilful in the production of pamphlets, brochures, educational and advertising materials
- Adaptable to inherent differences between cultures & the challenges these may pose in working situations
- Have a kind and understanding attitude towards the people they will work with who are quite unused to IT
- Flexible and with the ability to adapt to very different conditions in the developing world
- Able to cope with very varied climate conditions from extreme heat to very cold
- Able to anticipate, remain calm and behave responsibly in potentially dangerous situations
- Personally resourceful and able to handle feelings associated with being away from their home and family
Due to the serious nature of this work, application is via CV, short application form, references, portfolio of work which may be emailed or viewed via a website and telephone interview. Upon mutual acceptance of the placement, full support is provided to facilitate a smooth preparation, journey and assimilation into the country. Uganda is a very easy and friendly country to visit and in which to work.
Charles also has other volunteer opportunities which you can ask him about. These are quite wide ranging and mainly within the fields of teaching and medicine.
 
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