Pygmy Protection in Uganda

Here’s an opportunity to take a vacation with a difference. Scott and Carol Kellerman are
missionaries running a clinic serving the Batwa people – a displaced Pygmy tribe in Uganda. The Batwa lived in
the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest through their entire tribal history, until the Ugandan
government declared it a national park in 1991 and relocated them. No longer able to follow their hunter/gatherer
traditions, the pygmies are struggling to survive.

The Kellermans put volunteers to work at their weekly clinic held
under a tree, providing hands-on medical training for the diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses and tropical
diseases like malaria. Every volunteer who comes leaves knowing they have played a vital role in saving many lives.
When not at the clinic, volunteers work on school and supply projects.

Visiting this region of Uganda offers other amazing opportunities, too:
gorilla trekking in the Bwindi National Forest will cost
about $275; only 12 visitors a day are allowed into the forest. There’s also a waterfall hike locally, and
in Kampala, the capitol, Nile rafting can be had for $120.

The Kellermans provide food and accomodation to their volunteers, and ask for a contribution of $25 a week in
return. Travelers will be very comfortable on a budget of around $125 a week. Information about travel and visas can be
found here.