The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO)
Background
TASO is a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) founded in 1987 by a group of volunteers to support people with HIV/AIDS. From a small
group initiative TASO has grown unto one of the biggest organised national responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Uganda. TASO has eight branches in
Uganda today. These are found in: Mulago (Kampala), Entebbe, Mbale, Jinja, Mbarara, Masaka, Tororo and Arua. UPA has been working with TASO since 2003.
Aim
TASO aims to contribute to a process of restoring hope and improving the quality of persons and communities affected by HIV/AIDS.
Activities
- Medical treatment
- Care for orphans
- Nutritional support (by WFP – World Food Programme)
- Counseling
- Prevention work in communities, schools and workplaces
- Reach out programmes
- Day care center for children of clients
Volunteer task
- Assist during food distributions at different locations under the WFP
- Office work related to the food distribution programs
- Taking care of children at the day care center for children of clients
- Observe counseling sessions, often combined with home visits
- Assist in taking basic measurements of clients
- Social Support of people affected by HIV/AIDS
Volunteer qualities
- Emotional strong. The volunteer will experience people in all stages of HIV/AIDS which can be emotional challenging
- Patience and prepared to wait for things to happen
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work in a large set up
Rating
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Low |
Medium |
High |
Educational
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| X
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Practical
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| X
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Room for new initiatives
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| X
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Emotionally challenging
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| X
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Work load
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| X
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Rating by MTVs
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| X
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Working hours
TASO's office hours are from 8.00 to 16.30. Food distributions generally finish earlier, depending on their location. The volunteer can
work at TASO for 5 days a week or 1 to 3 days and in combination with a second placement.
Transport
TASO Masaka is located, about 145kms from Kampala. Transport is by mini bus from Kampala.
Accomodation
UPA will organize the accommodation for the volunteer with either a family or rent a room for them in Masaka:
TASO in other locations: Options are being explored.
Comments from UPA
TASO is an interesting placement for those who wish to work in a large institution. Volunteers with no prior medical experience and
formal qualification will not be directly involved in the medical care of patients. A volunteer will typically be attached to the reach out component
under the World Food Programme and assist during food distributions and counseling sessions. The day care centre for the children of patients and assist
with office work are other options. As TASO is a large institution there is limited room for volunteers to start new projects and initiatives.
Communication
Communication with staff is easy as most are educated. Not all clients and children speak English.
Past Volunteers
From Denmark, Netherlands and Germany