How close will I be to other fellows? Will I be the only fellow in the village?
There will be one fellow per school and therefore one fellow per village. Some fellows may be in close proximity to others , but overall, each fellow will be in a separate region with average travel distance of about five hours or more. However the program manager will arrange weekly check in meetings/calls to assess progress and travel to sights regularly. All Nine fellows will have the opportunity to share experiences bi-weekly and as you settle in on a monthly basis.
What will Internet connection and communication look like in my village? Are cell phones utilized via satellite or local phone towers?
There will be cell phone coverage via local phone towers everywhere fellows are placed. Internet connection will be limited and varied. There will be the ability to call the Program Manager, other fellows, and even the U.S. by cell phone.
What does the agriculture curriculum look like? What resources will be available for us to teach?
Fellows will be provided with the new agriculture curriculum together with teaching materials that have been assembled from the US AgEd system. Fellows will also be trained on the developed materials during the three week in country orientation prior to deployment. While in Uganda, fellows will teach agriculture classes together with high school agriculture teachers.
Can we travel around the country and perhaps to adjoining countries during long weekends or short breaks?
Each fellow is given two weeks of vacation over the Christmas holiday to travel home or other countries at your own expense. There may also be some time to travel around the country throughout the year. However, you are a teacher. You are not allowed to miss school days for leisure travel.Fellows may also support F2F program as volunteers based on interest and availability of opportunities during breaks if they choose.
How much is the fellowship allowance?
The allowance is approximately $7,150 per fellow for the fellowship year. This allowance is meant to cover the cost of per diem. Fellows also receive an additional $105.00 per month as a transportation allowance. CRS will cover fellows housing in-country and cover all travel-related expenses incurred to and from Uganda (US-Uganda return flight cost, visa, travel related vaccinations, etc.)
How do fellows receive their monthly allowance?
Allowances will be advanced to fellows on monthly basis through individual accounts or as cash depending on preference. However, the mode of cash transfer may also change depending on guidance from the CRS Uganda finance team.
What about my cell phone, can I use my current phone in Uganda?
Once in-country you will buy a local SIM card that will allow you to have a Ugandan phone number and you will buy phone credit throughout the year. As long as your cell phone is unlocked you should not have any problem with a foreign SIM. You will need to contact your U.S. service provider to verify your phone is unlocked. Also, your phone must be capable of using Whatsapp (any smartphone is fine). In addition all fellows will be provided with a basic phone to facilitate communication amongst themselves and the IAEFP program manager.
How will COVID-19 impact this program?
COVID-19 has changed the landscape and realities of how this program will operate. Travel to Uganda is currently allowed, and program leadership will maintain moderating any changes and limitations that may occur. The Uganda government is equally strict with observance of COVID-19 SOPs for teachers, administrators and learners while at school. The fellows will be required to observe the same within and outside school premises. The in country orientation will also cover this in detail.