Alavus: Become a host family for a young volunteer from Uganda

Hakeem is coming in August to volunteer at Kirkkomännikkö school for one year. The meaning of the volunteering period is to create understanding between different cultures through daily grassroot co-operation.

We are are currently looking for a host family for Hakeem. Hosting a young volunteer is a voluntary activity that offers a great opportunity to be of help, gain international experience at home, strengthen language skills, and view one’s own environment from a new perspective. We are looking for a host family currently from 10/2022 to 8/2023 but also a shorter hosting period (4 months, for example) is possible.

Hakeem

Kuva Hakeemista

Hello, I am Hakeem!

  • I’m 21 years old and I come from Uganda.
  • I speak english and luganda.
  • My personality is patient, empathic and honest. I enjoy playing football!
  • I hope I will learn about finnish culture and especially the finnish language. I’m waiting to get to interact and work with new people.

Who can become a host family? Anyone who is interested in getting to know a new person and their cultural background as well as sharing their daily living with a new family member! The family provides the volunteer with accommodation and daily meals.

Established in 1958, Maailmanvaihto – ICYE Finland works for advancing intercultural understanding, equality, and peace. Maailmanvaihto sends and receives volunteers for long-term (6–12 months) volunteering. Our organization is religiously and politically nonaligned.

Got interested?

If you would be interested in becoming a host family for Hakeem, please contact us! You can reach us at hosting@maailmanvaihto.fi.

On our website, you can find further information on host family activities. You can also receive further information from Programme Coordinator Mari Takalo: hosting@maailmanvaihto.fi, +358 44 318 0888.

“At least with this experience of two months, I would recommend becoming a host family for all those who wish to see, hear, and experience more. Sometimes a leap to the unknown can be the best action of your life.” – host family member Jaana Silvast

”Our volunteer was a wonderful friend, who quickly became important to the whole family. It was a privilege to get to be a part of the life of this young person and to support them on the edge of becoming an adult, give courage for new adventures!” –  Salla Finlow-Bates

How do the coronavirus times affect host family activities?

The safety of the volunteers and host families is of primary importance to us. We will inform the volunteers about the recommendations and restrictions related to the coronavirus situation in Finland prior to their arrival in Finland as well as during their volunteering period.

We will encourage the host families and volunteers to agree at the beginning of sharing a home about the practices related to the coronavirus situation. In addition, we will instruct the volunteers and their workplaces to discuss the practices of the workplace. The volunteers will follow the possible remote work recommendations of the workplace. The volunteers have health insurance which covers becoming ill with corona.

Both volunteers and families can turn to Maailmanvaihto in any of their concerns related to the coronavirus.

Read also

Maailmanvaihto’s office closed on 18th May

Maailmanvaihto's office will remain closed on 18th May 2023.

Join the online workshop on brave space Fri 26th May 2023

Welcome to the online workshop on brave spaces! The trainer...

Training: Young Activists for Peace and Climate Justice 12.06. – 19.06.2023, Germany

Maailmanvaihto is looking for representatives from Finland for the training...