WELCOME TO UGANDA
ABOUT WINE TO WATER Who We Are Wine to Water s US staff consists of 6 full-time and 5 part-time members. We consider ourselves family but live in different parts of the country and are seldom in the same place at once. We are united by our passion for clean water and the joy we get from working with our local partners on the ground. Wine To Water has worked in 17 countries. We have ongoing projects in 7 countries on 4 continents, and support thirty international aid workers. Our Mission Wine To Water is a non-profit organization focused on providing clean water & sanitation to people in need around the world. Nearly 800 million people in the world today lack access to adequate water and 2.5 billion people lack access to improved sanitation. We are devoted to fighting this epidemic. Wine symbolizes fortune in our society. Our goal is to give the fortunate population an opportunity to fight for those who can't fight for themselves. What We Do Each project is unique, but the common theme is that we use local people in each country. We develop leaders in the community and educate them on proper water and sanitation methods to promote sustainable. Our work empowers the local community to help them meet their ongoing needs. With every project, the common thread in our work is: -Insuring that the proper type of water system is used for that specific community -Our methods included shallow & deep wells, well repairs, ceramic water filters, bio-sand filters, Sawyer filters, and rain-water harvest tanks -We also improve sanitation using latrine and hygiene education -We use local materials whenever possible -We monitor and report on all our projects -We are constantly developing our programs and striving for more efficient systems How We Began Doc Hendley is the founder and international president of Wine To Water. In 2003 he dreamed up the concept of the organization, while bartending and playing music in nightclubs around Raleigh, North Carolina. The first fundraiser was held in January of 2004 and by August of that year Doc was living in Darfur, Sudan installing water systems for victims of the government supported genocide. When Doc returned home in August of 2005, the haunting memories of what he had seen in Darfur drove him to continue building the organization he started two years earlier. Our Partners We have 30 international, on the ground partners including: Filter Pure Connect Africa & SP-UK Water is Life Kone Kmeng Zakat Foundation In 2007, with the addition of Vice President Annie Marion, Wine To Water became an official 501(c)(3) non-profit. In 2009 Doc and the work of the Wine To Water team was recognized by the CNN Heroes program, launching the organization's efforts globally. Doc's dream, and the goal of Wine To Water, is to quench the thirst of those in need.
THE WATER CRISIS 6.7 billion people on earth 800 million lack access to clean water 2.5 billion lack access to basic sanitation Every 20 seconds, a child dies of a waterborne illness. Since 2004 WTW has provided 250,000 people with access to clean water Every Month, we add 8,000 more people by providing/producing: - 1 Rainwater Harvest Tank in Uganda - 1 Deep Well in Ethiopia - 4 Well Repairs in Uganda - 10 Latrines in Cambodia - 10 Wells in Cambodia - 40 Bio-Sand Filters in Uganda - 100 total Sawyer Filters in 5 countries - 600 Ceramic Water Filters in Haiti We have water projects in 17 countries Sudan Uganda India Cambodia Peru Ethiopia Sri Lanka South Africa Haiti Vietnam Ecuador Zimbabwe Syria Kenya Colombia Guatemala Philippines
MEET THE TEAM Doc Hendley, Founder Doc Hendley is the founder and international president of Wine To Water. The first fundraiser was held in January of 2004 and by August of that year Doc was living in Darfur, Sudan installing water systems for victims of the government-supported genocide. When Doc returned home in August of 2005, the haunting memories of what he had seen in Darfur drove him to continue building the organization. In 2007, with the addition of Vice President Annie Marion, Wine To Water became an official 501(c)(3) non-profit. In 2009 Doc and the work of the Wine To Water team was recognized by the CNN Heroes program, launching the organization's efforts globally. Allen Peterson Before joining Wine To Water, Allen had careers as a trial lawyer, entrepreneur and part owner of a candy manufacturing plant. He joined the team in 2012 as President and CEO, to be part of a quirky group of ordinary people doing an extraordinary job for those most in need. Annie Marion Annie developed a heart for helping those in need on her first international trip to India in 1999. For the past ten years she has worked for non-profit aid organizations. She joined Wine To Water in 2007 and currently serves as the Vice President. Josh Elliott Josh Elliott began volunteering with Wine To Water as a student in 2009. He started the first Wine To Water Campus Chapter at Appalachian State University. Today, he manages the Campus Chapter program and Wine To Water s media presence.
Lisa Merritt Lisa Merritt currently lives in Raleigh, NC and serves as the Volunteer Coordinator for Wine to Water. She has been coordinating volunteers internationally since 2005 and is passionate about connecting people to service opportunities around the world, while exposing them to the global water crisis. Jessup Marion Jessup Marion is the Wine Director for Wine To Water. He has 13 years of experience in the wine and beverage industry. As Wine Director, Jessup developed Wine to Water's private wine brand and enjoys introducing the wine world to the need for clean water. Kyle Lomax Kyle Lomax is currently serving as the International Project Manager for Wine to Water. Kyle is especially gifted in building relationships wherever he travels and is able to teach the importance of clean water and create sustainable ways of attaining clean water throughout the world. Tony Bellagamba Tony Bellagamba is the Development Director for Wine to Water. Tony has worked in Mergers and Acquisitions for several years and now heads up sales for a software company in Chicago, IL. He resides just outside of Chicago with his wife and two daughters and also has a son on the way. Whitney Hendley After graduating from Appalachian State University with a degree in Marketing, Whitney Hendley began working at Wine To Water as the Events & Church Coordinator. She is passionate about serving others and bringing fun and authenticity to her work. Lisa Merritt
MEET THE CONNECT AFRICA TEAM Trevor and Jana Tychon Trevor and Jana Tychon are the founders of Connect Africa Ministries and have been on this "safari" for a dozen years now. Carrying a passion for self-sustaining community development, they live in the village and raise their 2 boys to be world connecters. Gilbert Olakashem Gilbert Olakashem leads the Connect Africa water programs with excellence. He has been adopted as native son from tribes as diverse as the Maasai in Kenya to Acholi in northern Uganda and his laugh is heard in many villages. Steven Ayee Steve facilitates teams at the Kigumba CARC and introduces villagers and visitors alike to the world of life-changing appropriate technologies. Deo Driver Deo is a key part of the Safari experience. Driving safely and with a smile, Deo seems to know every village path.
GEOGRAPHIC INFO UGANDA Motto: "For God and My Country" Capital: Kampala Population: Around 36,000,000 Currency: Ugandan Shilling Religion: Dominantly Christian (84%) Government Structure: Presidential Republic GDP (PPP): - Total: $50.44 Billion - Per Capita: $1,414 Official Language: English, but you can find up to 40 other dialects and languages such as Bantu, Nilotic, and Central Sudanic National Sport: Football (Soccer) Staple Foods: Groundnut and meat-based stew, soybeans, flatbread, and ugali (maize meal) or matoke (boiled and mashed green banana) Major Exports: Coffee, tea, and fish Major Imports: Mineral fuels/oil and electronic equipment 8.8 million people in Uganda lack access to safe water. This is almost a quarter of the population. Uganda
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES What will I do in Uganda? WATER OPPORTUNITIES Participate in hygiene training and a number of tasks that will help provide communities with clean water, such as: - Biosand water filter construction and installation: Biosand Water Filter is simply made of concrete, gravel, and media sand utilizing a slow sand filtration process to produce clean water. -Rainwater harvest tank construction: Wine to Water s rainwater harvest tanks are made from compressed soil bricks and are installed on large structures providing close access to water for the community. -Bore hole repairs: Our local team repairs broken wells at a fraction of the cost of drilling a new one, while helping to establish a water committee to ensure sustainability. VILLAGE/MEDICAL OUTREACH Outreach events with singing, dancing, and films in partnership with local pastors as part of technology outreach. There are also outreach opportunities to teach basic first aid in areas with no doctor. CONSTRUCTION Help build schools and orphanages using a compressed soil brick similar to tank construction, called ISSB s.
TYPICAL SCHEDULE Friday PM: Arrive in Uganda and take a 3-hour trip from airport to Connect Africa's Hub Saturday AM: Orientation for Village Africa PM: Tour of Connect Africa's 20-acre Hub site *hands-on activities with Appropriate Techs Sunday AM: Attend and speak at local churches PM: Shop in Kampala, stocking up for bush trip. Monday AM: Travel to CARC (Connect Africa Resource Center) PM: Intro to village project Tuesday AM: Village project PM: Village project Wednesday AM: Village water project PM: Village water project Thursday AM: Transport to safari PM: Safari Friday AM: Boat safari PM: Transport to Hub Saturday AM: Debrief meeting PM: Pig roast, send off Sunday AM: Church PM: Shopping, transport to airport
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: What should a team pack? A: Work clothes, work gloves, shorts, church outfit, warm jacket, toiletries, Bible, notebook, reusable water bottle, closed-toed work shoes (tennis shoes are fine), sunscreen, beach towel, camera (optional), hat, personal medications, and passport. You do not need to bring pillows, bedding or towels, as those will all be provided for you. Q: What airport should we plan to fly into? A: Entebbee, Uganda (EBB) Q: Is there a dress code? A: We ask that you dress modestly. Ugandan culture frowns upon any short or revealing clothing (especially mini-skirts). Long pants are required when attending speaking events, such as church. Q: Will a children's program need to be prepared? If so, for how many children? what ages? What is the environment like? (indoors with desks or outdoors on a soccer field?) A: Children's Programs can be arranged if the team is interested, but teams do not need to prepare a program beforehand. Q: Do we need a visa to enter your country? A: YES! Upon arrival at the airport in Uganda, the teams willl need to purchase a $50/person tourist visa at the airport IN CASH. This is the only entry requirement and this will be done before baggage claim, so be sure to bring the cash with you on the plane. Q: What type of payments are accepted in your country? A: The Ugandan shilling is at 2500 to $1 USD. Newer $100 bills are the preferred exchange currency, because smaller bills receive a lower exchange rate. Connect Africa (CA) will be able to exchange your money on site, but there is not much to purchase in villages. You will, however, have at least one shopping day in the Kampala craft market during your stay. Credit cards and other payment methods are hard to use while in Uganda. Debit Visa cards may work in a few places.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: Is there an age requirement? A: Individual: If you are traveling as an individual, you must be 18 years of age or older. Group: If you are traveling in a group, the age requirement is up to the leader of your group. Keep in mind that Wine to Water has a policy that anyone age 12 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. ** A Note from the Organization: All partners/volunteers will often be in post-conflict areas where riots and border conflicts are common. They provide current on the ground intel and security at all sites. Q: What is the recommended group size? Is there a max or minimum number that you can host? A: Connect Africa is currently equipped for hosting teams of 12, but we can squeeze and accomodate up to 16, if needed. There will be a 30-passenger bus with backup 4x4 for emergencies. Q: Will there be snacks to purchase? A: Bring your own snacks, as villages have a very limited amount to buy. Q: What are the living conditions like? beds, hammocks, floor, wifi, AC, etc? A: Connect Africa Resource Centers (CARC) are equipped with single bunk beds with mosquito nets, sheets and towels. There is an indoor sit-down toilet and shower. Some remote site buildings will have an option of staying overnight in tents. Q: What is the weather like? A: We encourage all of our volunteers to check the weather before departing, but Uganda usually has a fairly mild climate ranging from 75-80 during the day to 60-65 at night. The rainy seasons are April through June and October through early December. Q: What will meals be like? A: We have western-style cooks at all of our sites who prepare meals with lots of fresh fruits and veggies, as well as a selection of African fare. We like to celebrate the end of your trip with a feast, so plan to join us for a BBQ and eat some hogs and chickens!! We will provide refreshments and entertainment, and, for the volunteers that are 21+ years old, we invite you to join us for a cocktail!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: Is there a way to contact home? A: We encourage you to unplug as much as possible while on your volunteer trip. Even if internet is available, we ask that you limit time spent online, so that you can fully engage in the experience. In Uganda, W-iFi and a generator for charging devices are provided at all sites. If you choose to use your personal phone, be careful of roaming charges. All calls to USA will be charged at $.10/minute on provided local phones. Q: What vaccinations and medications are needed? A: We recommend that you check with your doctors (ideally 4-6 weeks before departure) for any personal medications, letting them know where and when you will be traveling. Required Vaccinations and Medications: -Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine -Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine -Hepatitis A and B -Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis vaccine -Malaria medicine (taken orally before, during, and after your trip) Recommendations for other medications: -Diarrhea/Stomach medication -Anything for dehydration In addition to those listed above the CDC (Center for Disease Control, www.cdc.gov) also recommends that you are updated on the following vaccines. ***These are not required*** -Polio vaccine -Yearly Flu shot -Typhoid -Yellow Fever (this shot is available in Uganda for free) Q: Are the electrical outlets the same as they are in the US? A: At all of the different sites in Uganda, power strips that fit the standard (in the US) 2 prong plug-in will be avaialble. Power is 220V in Uganda, so make sure devices are 110-240V rated. The device will indicate this in the WARNING section printed on the actual item. Please leave your hair dryers and curling irons at home. We will have someone who will iron clothes, if needed. Q: What can a team bring to donate? A: Connect Africa will send a wish list to Wine To Water before the team comes. Email Lisa Merritt at lisa@winetowater.org to ask for an updated wish list.
CONTACT INFORMATION Wine to Water (stateside): Office Phone: 828.355.9655 Lisa Merritt lisa@winetowater.org 770.851.4132 lisamerritt (Skype) or Allen Peterson allen@winetowater.org 829.773.9916 Connect Africa (Uganda): Trevor Tychon trevortychon@gmail.com Skype:trevortychon +256 782596850