Placement Locations
K4C currently offers student placements in Fort Portal and Kampala (Uganda) and in Moshi and Zanzibar (Tanzania). Despite relatively high levels of poverty, Uganda and Tanzania are some of the most stable countries in Africa which makes them safe and enjoyable places to work. The biggest causes of death and injury in Uganda and Tanzania are neonatal disorders, HIV/AIDS, tropical diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis and road traffic accidents (CDC, 2019). The average life expectancy at birth is 63 in Uganda and 65 in Tanzania, and their respective average annual incomes for low-skilled employees are $1,320 and $2,172 (World Bank, 2019). The public health and education systems are free to access, however they are hugely under-resourced and some staff lack the necessary skills, meaning they can sometimes struggle to provide even basic levels of care and education to the population. The private health and education systems perform much better, however are unaffordable for the majority of people. This is why K4C focuses on the public health systems which cater for the poorest and most vulnerable members of society.
Described as the ‘Pearl of Africa’ by Winston Churchill, Uganda and Tanzania’s natural beauty ranges from snow-capped mountains to lush rainforests, vast lakes, hot dusty savannahs and (in Tanzania) perfect white sand, blue sea beaches. The combination of diverse stunning scenery and exciting tourist activities make them must visit destinations for all travellers and holiday makers. Our students are free to explore on evenings and weekends and our knowledgeable local staff are on hand to advise and assist in making any arrangements. Whether you want to spend the weekend spotting elephants in a safari park, surrounded by gorillas in a rainforest, white water rafting down the River Nile or just sunbathing on a pristine beach or in a fancy lodge next to a beautiful crater lake, we’ve got it covered!
Fort Portal (Uganda)
Fort Portal is a town in the west of Uganda. Located at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains, it is 1500m above sea level and is therefore much greener and slightly cooler than other areas of the country. Outside of the main town, the area is very rural and the majority of the population are subsistence farmers. Most villages are only accessible by mud road which can cause difficulties during wet seasons.
Our student placement opportunities include:
- Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital which provides comprehensive services (including maternity, paediatrics, medicine, surgery, rehabilitation, mental health and infectious diseases) to over 1 million people from the surrounding regions.
- Bukuuku, Kasusu, Kataraka and Kagote Health Centres which are smaller, rural, nursing and midwifery led health facilities and provide primarily basic maternity and outpatient services (including K4C’s cervical screening programme).
- Various community based organisations which provide social work support, mental and sexual health, women’s empowerment and community sensitisation and education services. We also work with organisations which provide rehabilitation for children with physical or mental disabilities.
- Primary schools which cater for children with physical or mental disabilities.
Popular tourist activities include:
- Queen Elizabeth National Safari Park
- Relaxing and swimming in beautiful local crater lakes
- Hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains and to Mahoma Waterfall
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Experiencing local markets, cafes, bars, restaurants and nightlife
Kampala (Uganda)
Kampala is the capital city of Uganda and home to over 3 million people. Although the city is developing rapidly with many new cosmopolitan areas hosting big businesses and fancy hotels, bars and restaurants to entertain those that can afford them, it also hosts huge slums and vast areas of poverty. Many poorer people struggle to access good health and education services due to them being under-resourced and overwhelmed with high numbers of patients.
Our student placement opportunities include:
- Kasangati and Kira Health Centres which provide maternity, inpatient and outpatient services (including K4C’s cervical screening programme).
- Mulago Hospital Rehabilitation Unit which provides comprehensive rehabilitation services.
- Katalemwa Cheshire Home which provides rehabilitation services for children and adults with mental and physical disabilities.
- Kids Club Kampala which provide health, education, nutrition and social services for vulnerable children living in slum communities.
Popular tourist activities include:
- Murchison Falls National Safari Park
- White water rafting and other adrenaline sports on the river Nile
- Visiting Lake Victoria and its many beautiful islands
- Exploring the city and its various food and craft markets
- Vibrant restaurants and exciting nightlife
Zanzibar (Tanzania)
Zanzibar (officially known as Unguja Island) is a semi-autonomous island off the east coast of mainland Tanzania and is home to over 1.5 million people. It is largely known for its tourism, with its pristine beaches and fantastic spice and seafood markets attracting visitors from around the globe. Despite having a successful tourism industry and a lot of fancy hotels, many local people live in poverty as most of the profit from the sector does not trickle down to the general population. In 2022, K4C began its partnership with Mnazni Mmoja Hospital which is located in Stown Town, Zanzibar City.
Our student placement opportunities include:
- Mnazi Mmoja Hospital which provides comprehensive services (including maternity, paediatrics, medicine, surgery, rehabilitation, mental health and infectious diseases) to the whole population of Zanzibar and also the neighbouring Pemba Island.
- K4C is still developing its new partnerships with health, education and community based organisations in Zanzibar; more student placement opportunities will become available throughout 2023.
Popular tourist activities include:
- Island hopping, boat trips and 'Blue Safaris'
- Diving/snorkelling with the turtles and dolphins
- Learning to kite surf
- Swimming and relaxing on the beach
- Visiting the local spice and seafood markets
- Several music festivals and other social events run throughout the year
Moshi (Tanzania)
Moshi is a city in the north-east of mainland Tanzania, and is home to over 200,000 people. Located in close proximity to Mount Kilimanjaro, it is surrounded by rolling green hills and is a popular destination for hiking and sightseeing. Outside of the city, the area is relatively rural and the majority of the population are subsistence farmers. Most villages are only accessible by mud road which can cause difficulties during wet seasons. In 2022, K4C began its partnership with Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), and throughout 2023 we plan to develop additional partnerships with other health, education and community based organisations.
Our student placement opportunities include:
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) which provides comprehensive services (including maternity, paediatrics, medicine, surgery, rehabilitation, mental health and infectious diseases) to the population of Moshi and also its neighbouring Districts.
- K4C is still developing its new partnerships with health, education and community based organisations around Moshi; more student placement opportunities will become available throughout 2023.
Popular tourist activities include:
- Going on safari to one of three fantastic National Parks
- Visiting and swimming in Kikuletwa Hot Springs
- Hiking in the hills (and up Mount Kilimanjaro for more experienced and adventurous hikers)
- Visiting Lake Chala, Materuni and several other waterfalls
- Weekend trips to Zanzibar
