Hi,

I can't bare another tv report on Africa without going myself to see how to best help before picking a charity or cause. I'm searching online for the safest way to see and learn more about the orphanages etc. and where to put a small amount of money and lots of energy in the future. Maybe starting my own organization for a need. It seems like there aren't any short term volunteer programs to join for a trip. Any ideas on a non-religious program I can join up for a week or two for educating myself?

We visited the Sanyu baby orphanage in Kampala and i would highly recommend it.You can stay and volunteer as long as you like and will not see a bible during your entire stay.It is run by a guy from England who is full of energy and takes whatever help he can get.This is not some NGO project with most of the money going to administration.

If you are interested in more info let me know.

Yes, I'd be interested.

You might get more responses if you could narrow down your search a bit. Africa is a very big continent! Do you have a particular country in mind?

After our safari to Tanzania this year we got online to sponsor a Tanzanian child through Plan International: triple w dot plan-international dot org (Please note that other than sponsoring a child through them, we are not affiliated in any way with the program).

You might also check out www dot tanzanianchildrensfund dot org. They have short term volunteer opportunities, as well as other ways to help. Their orphanage is near Karatu, between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater.

Islandmom,

It's pretty hard to find a "non-religious" organization in Africa.

BY FAR the vast majority (international or domestic) have religious roots (as does the majority of the population).

They seem to do the best work, and seem to be the most accountable and honest.

Why wouldn't you want to partner with them?!

If you do a quick google you can find thousands of volunteer options throughout Africa many of which have no religious affiliation.I can't speak for Islandmom but i have no religious beliefs at all and don't want to preach to others or hear it from others.I've talked to a couple of people who did religous work in the Congo and Northern Kenya and while they were very nice people their main job to me was still to convert people.Paul Theroux is a grumpy old man but there were some truths towards NGO's in Dark Star Safari and probably a lot of truth to the Poisonwood Bible.

Oh, forgot about that book. Thanks for the link. It looks like a good program and I emailed them. I have my own beliefs with spiritual programs in Africa, I'm wanting something which focuses on their health only.