Packing List for Volunteers

Check with your airline to see the maximum baggage you are permitted to carry. Delta, at the time of this writing, allows 2 bags 50 lbs each and 1 carry-on of 35 lbs. We request that you dedicate at least one of you large bags to carry supplies to Africa. If you are teaching, you will be responsible for making sure your own class supplies are there, and other volunteers will help to gather and carry them. Below are ideas of what personal items to bring in your personal bag. These are only suggestions and are based on experience and feedback from prior volunteers.

Clothing:

shorts and or light weight pants
tops - sleeveless is OK, very light sweater or long sleeve shirt
something nice for church.
sturdy sandals or sneakers that are easy to clean.
slippers or extra flip flops
sunglasses and hat
Electrical adaptors (and transformers to 22v if you equipment requires it) for European and UK plugs (2 and 3 prong).
Toiletries (Dr. Bronners works for soap, laundry, shampoo, etc.)
Laundry - You can ask someone to wash for you or you can wash in your room. Bring twine or something to rig up as cloths line in your room.

(you might want to spray clothing with permethrin– a 2 week spray for clothes if the mosquitoes worry you)

Comfort items to consider
Sleep sack (Can make out of a sheet, folded in half and sewed ¾ up the side)
Pillow
Towels – if possible, bring towels to leave there for the children on campus.
Toilet paper – (small amount for travel will do)
Baggies – to carry misc stuff during the day including daily supply of toilet paper.
Flash light (nice to have wind up ones and then leave them behind as gifts). Electricity can be erratic.
Book light (also nice to leave behind as a gift)
Wet wipes/any sanitizing products for travel.
Food – whatever you like that travels well.
GSM cell phone unlocked (you can buy a phone and sim cards there)
Laptop – for keeping notes of your trip, organizing photos, watching movies in your room at night, accessing the internet when connection is available.
Light blanket (if staying in hotels you may fine over-air-conditioned rooms)

Visual Documentation:
digital camera
video camera
Polaroid camera and lots of film if you want to give kids pictures.
Disposable camera if you want to give them to kids to take home and then bring them back to develop. In that case, be sure to send them a copy of the pictures you later develop

First Aid Stuff :
tweezers;
antibiotic ointments
ibuprofen Tylenol in orig containers
benedryl or Claritin for allergic reactions
Vaseline
band aids
Imodium and cipro for diarrhea/antibiotic Z pack (as your Doctor recommends)

sun block min 30 spf – apply ½ hr before going out;
mosquito lotion 20-30% DEET cream and spray right before going out – ½ hr AFTER
homeopathic cures if desired – arnica, olive remedy (good for jet lag), rescue remedy, etc.

 

back to top