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What to bring

by Jamie Bolton

Having been away with VU in summer 2010, I had the benefit of hindsight as I readied myself for my next trip away with them in 2011. To say I over-packed last year would be an understatement, so I set about packing a far more modest bag this year.

I’ve split my packing for this year into 3 sections - Clothes, Essentials and the Optionals.

Clothes

I’ve been far more sparing this time round. Though that comes at a small cost of a bit more regular washing though that’s not a big deal. Likewise, you tend to pick up a few clothes along the way. The ’smarter’ wear is for teaching in, whereas you can be a bit more casual away from the schools. Don’t forget your swimwear to have a dip in Lake Bunyoni.

I took a chance by not taking a waterproof, but in Uganda, when it rains - it pours, so it might be a good investment! Always good to have a range of footwear, whenever possible I lounged in flip flops, but casual shoes are needed for school and other bits and bobs, finally, a good pair of trainers is handy for playing sports with the kids or doing some keep fit!

Volunteers having fun in evenings

Volunteers having fun in evenings

Essentials

Most of these pick themselves. A kindle is a great way to save on the space books can take up, though that said, paper-based books can make a great gift to locals. Make sure the mobile you take is unlocked so it will work with a Ugandan Sim card (provided by VU & a big money saver). Insect repellent comes in very handy at points to put it mildly! A torch is a worthy investment for when we are away from the lodge - when it gets dark, its really dark. I’m taking a maglite, but a wind-up torch works well too. For a sleeping bag, I’m only taking a very light ’cover’ almost in effect, and I’ll have to ’rough it’ a bit. That’s a personal choice to save some space. Likewise, you’ll see below I’ve listed a roll mat as optional, as its really just a comfort issue. We don’t camp that much, and personally I’d rather take a smaller bag instead.

A group of volunteers leaving from Heathrow

The first group of volunteers leaving from Heathrow

Optional

Nothing terribly dramatic above, just a few other possibilities. I’ve listen sunscreen as optional since last year I came back with my bottle unused. Whilst it’s hot, you won’t be sunbathing 24/7, so its possible to do without. Though if you burn easily or want to be on the safe side, better to take some.

The Bags

I’m taking two bags this year, but I expect to be coming back with only one. I’ll explain. My ‘main’ bag is a 35 litre North Face ‘Terra’ Rucksack, which will have 90% of my stuff in. My other bag is a 45 litre duffel-bag. You’re probably wondering what on earth I will have then in the other 45 litres. Simple - goodies to give away. I’ve managed to accumulate a box full of sports kit to take over, and I’ll be using this bag mainly for just that. That’s the beauty of taking a more modest amount. Obviously, if you opt to take a roll mat, bigger sleeping bag etc then you will need to take a bigger bag accordingly.

All in all, I think that’s a pretty short list. Its amazing how little you miss from home and realising what you actually need to survive on. And whilst Kanungu is somewhat remote, you can still pick up anything you need pretty easily so there’s no need to worry.

NewWhat to bring

by Alice Withington

Hello future volunteers! I volunteered last summer for 6 weeks. It was amazing and I remained involved going on to become an on campus representative in my last year at The University of Manchester which has been a great way to stay involved and in the loop with all things VU. Anyway, I hope this kit list is helpful!

This is what I took away with me for a six week trip, although I wouldn’t take any extra for a longer trip as you can hand wash clothes at the lodge. Also, you can buy washing powder in Kanungu so there is no need to pack any.

Clothes

It is important that you dress appropriately for school, and there really isn’t any wiggle room with the guidelines. Skirts or dresses must be below the knee, the longer the better really so maxis are best. They should not be at all sheer either. Make sure that any tops you intend to wear for school don’t show too much cleavage. It’s a good idea to pack some tops that cover your shoulders. You shouldn’t wear flip flops to school so pack something smarter, I took a pair of leather sandals.

Girls can’t wear trousers to teach in but it was nice to have some for when we went out in the evenings or at weekends, I took a pair of harem pants which were good as they weren’t too tight, which is considered indecent. I also took leggings, which I wasn’t able to wear in public but were good for lounging around in at the lodge.

Volunteers having fun in evenings

Volunteers having fun in evenings

Essentials

Try and find a sleeping bag that rolls up really small, as you will only be using it a few times and you will want to save as much space as possible for taking presents out for the kids and bringing souvenirs home.

I couldn’t find shampoo or conditioner to buy anywhere near Kanungu so make sure you take plenty to last your trip. I managed to find some face wipes in one of the larger towns when we went on Safari but generally toiletries aren’t very readily available so I would suggest you make sure you pack anything you will definitely need.

Optional

There are pillows provided at the lodge so you don’t have to bring your own but I was glad to have mine on the journey from Kampala down to Kanungu as it is a long drive on some fairly bumpy roads, and my pillow made the journey a bit more comfortable. I didn’t take a roll mat for the times we are camping and I didn’t regret it as we were only ever camping for two nights at a time.

I would recommend taking a very basic nokia as they’re reliable and there is always a charger or two in a socket at the lodge.

You don’t need to take a tent as these are provided. Also don’t take any hair straighteners or hairdryers as there is not enough electricity to use them. You can charge phones and cameras on the electricity at the lodge but that’s really it, so don’t take any other electrical appliances.

Volunteer in the classroom

Alice in the classroom

Ideas of what to bring for the kids

Anyway, I hope this was a help and make sure you stay involved with VU when you come back! I hope to get back out to the lodge before to but otherwise, I look forward to meeting you.

Alice x