Volunteer Action Network (VAC-NET) is a grass-roots non-profit organization situated in Gulu, Northern Uganda. It was founded in 2005 by a group of committed volunteers who live and serve the region as they realized the worsening situation of the rural poor, especially women who are adversely affected by the socio-economic imbalance and yet constitute a greater labour force for production. The organization is rural inclined and aims at building and coordinating a network of worldwide volunteers to serve the war-torn regions of Uganda through creating awareness and the need for change among the rural people and encouraging them to work towards sustainable development.
Literacy is not merely about basic skills of reading and writing; it is about providing individuals with the capabilities for understanding their lives and social environment as well as equipping them with problem-solving skills. Literacy, therefore, is a foundation of human resources development and is critical to alleviating poverty and to enhancing the general quality of life of the people.
Our literacy program trains 200 women every year. It includes two classes per week, child care for one child, and provision of scholastic materials. The children are given the opportunity to read books, color, and play in a safe, structured environment, with many of the children encouraging their moms to attend because it is the only programming they receive. The literacy program is among the most important opportunities we offer, many of our clients missed the chance to attend school and learning to read and write helps them with their businesses, helping their children with school work, and self esteem. VAC-NET utilizes a unique curriculum focused on "functional literacy" skills, which go beyond "basic literacy". The emphasis is on imparting usable knowledge to women as well as working life, as opposed to mere book knowledge. The goal of the functional literacy program is to empower the learners (women) to enhance their quality of life.
Once social change begins it cannot be reversed. You cannot uneducate the person that has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore. - Cesar Chavez
Our interns can expect challenging work, learning opportunities, and a respectful work environment. All interns will receive on job orientation and support, ensuring they are prepared to work and succeed in the office or in the field, and will work under staff supervision.
Responsibilites
- Assist in teaching adults literacy and life skills
- Assist in developing training manuals and tools
- Assist in child care while adults learn
- Support staff in daily work to empower women
- Assist and support staff with daily activities
- Work and support clients and programs
- Work and support community outreach
- Any other reponsibilites assigned
Qualifications
- Must be patient
- Must have an open-mind
- Proficient in English
- Willing to learn new skills and language
- Ability to teach children or adults
- Basic understanding and sensitivity to womens issues
- Senesitive to cross-cultural situations (for international volunteers)
- Must pocess a sense of humor
- Understanding of the LRA conflict or post conflict environments a plus
This internship has an open time frame but we prefer a period of 3 months or more
