Frequently Asked Questions 

Do you accept volunteers at Amani Baby Cottage?
How do I apply? When can I come? How long can I stay?

We welcome volunteers who have a heart to serve.

In order to apply, click here to be transferred to our application and policies. Once you submit both documents, we will contact you about the remaining portion of the application process. If you are under 21, you will also need a letter of parental consent.

We welcome volunteers from any country.

What will I be doing as a volunteer?

We are all about babies! We can house up to 50 children, ages newborn to 5 years. Volunteers need commitment, a good work ethic, and a servant’s heart. If you are coming to Amani to volunteer then you need to be willing to follow the Amani agenda and not your own. The schedule that is in place needs to be followed and you will be asked to work 35-40 hours per week. Saturdays are project days. One week day and Sundays are your days off. Male volunteers will be asked to help with maintenance and projects in addition to spending time with the babies (as part of your 35-40 hours). You will be here to serve along side the mamas and follow their routine.

Which airport is near you? How will I get to Amani?
What travel documents do I need to bring with me?

Entebbe (airport code EBB) is the nearest airport. The airport is about a 3 to 5 hour drive from Jinja, depending on time and traffic, and we will arrange transport for you to Amani. Transport is included in the logistic fee cost you pay before arrival. The driver will have a sign that says “Amani Baby Cottage” so you can identify him when you arrive.

You will need to travel with your passport. Visitor visas will need to be applied for online. We will advise you after you are approved. You will need to carry your immunization card showing you have been inoculated against Yellow Fever.

Which immunizations do I need? What about Malaria?

Contact your personal doctor, or find a local travel clinic, to obtain proper immunizations for travel to Uganda. Yellow fever is the only required vaccine for entering Uganda, but it is recommended that you are current on several others.

Malaria is a concern here, and caution should be taken to avoid mosquito bites by using an insect repellent and sleeping under a mosquito net. Mosquito nets are provided in the Amani guest house.

How safe is the work in consideration of health, as far as HIV/AIDS and such?

The only way it can be transmitted from them is blood to blood contact, so we are careful about that. They are on ARVs and are virtually symptom free.

Regardless of how careful you are about what and where you eat and drink, you may have some minor problems with your health while here. The most common incidents relate to gastrointestinal problems and parasites. These are easily and inexpensively treated. The children get the normal cold, ‘flu’, infections, etc, as they do in other countries.

Where will I stay? How much will it cost?

You will be responsible for paying your own expenses while here. Amani Baby Cottage has a Guest House for its single volunteers. For married couples and groups we will assist you in finding accommodation. Refer to Amani Guest House Information for guidelines and rate information.

Lunch is provided at the baby home. An additional $250 US per month is usually sufficient to cover other personal expenses and meals. Check out the Jinja Guide for information on restaurants and activities.

What should I know about money while I am there?

Most banks in Jinja and Kampala accept visa debit cards or visa credit cards that have a pin number. Please note that you will be charged a withdrawal fee for each transaction. There are now a few banks accepting Mastercard. Most currencies can be exchanged at a local bank. If you bring American dollars, please make sure they are larger bills ($100s and $50s). Be sure to bring newer bills as older bills are refused. Do NOT bring travelers checks.

Canadians: debit cards from your bank will work if the card has the plus symbol on the back.

What kind of food is available in Jinja?

There are many supermarkets around town that offer the basics. An authentic Ugandan lunch is available to at the baby home. There are also a variety of restaurants around town that will have foods very similar to home.  If there is packaged food you cannot live without from home, bring it with you. There is a microwave in the guest house.

Bottled drinking water is readily available for purchase. Amani guest house has a water filter, so you can help yourself to that.

Fresh fruits and vegetables here are wonderful and readily available at markets around town. Fresh produce that will be eaten without cooking should be washed and soaked in a very weak bleach or vinegar solution before eating to destroy any microorganisms that can make unfamiliar stomachs sick.

What do I need to bring with me?

Many things people are accustomed to are available here, however there are some things that are hard to find, so please bring your basic toiletries/cosmetics.

Electrical current is 240 volts. American appliances that only work on 110v will need a converter. To find out what your electronic devices require look on the plug and check the AC Input. If it says 100-240v then you won’t need a converter (many electronics, including computers, run on either voltage), but you will need a plug adapter that is suited for Africa. Multiplug power strips are available in the guest house.

Is there a dress code?

Yes. You are representing Amani during your stay here and that includes the way you dress. You will be asked to change if you are dressed inappropriately.

During work hours, it’s recommended to wear scrubs as your uniform.

Ladies: Our dress code allows for no shorts above the knee, spaghetti straps or tube tops, spandex shorts or pants, and bikini swimsuits. There can be no waist/torso or cleavage showing, ever. All pants/trousers and skirts must be below the knee. See-through clothing is not permitted. You will need to wear a longer skirt if you are going to a village and most village churches.

Men: It is permissible to wear longer shorts. Shirts must be worn at all times.

When you are in your guest house/accommodations, you may wear modest shorts.

The dirt here is red and is everywhere, so dark colored clothing is recommended. Light colored clothing is likely to get ruined quickly. Please bring some nice clothes for church and outings as well.

Is it safe to travel to Uganda?

Uganda is a safe place to travel. The country is very visitor friendly. The people here are peaceful and non-violent.

What language is spoken in Uganda?

English is the official language spoken here. The local languages spoken in Jinja are Luganda and Lusoga.

I have room in my luggage and would like to bring some things for the babies’ home. 

Please see the Donate page for a current list of items.