Wednesday 24 June 2009

The NABUUR Blog has a new home

Dear all,

It's been quiet around these parts - and now we're packing up and moving. Yes, the NABUUR blog has finally found its permanent home on our website.

Check it out here.

Starting today, you'll read regular updates and announcements from NABUUR, including featured success stories in villages and projects. For those looking to get actively involved, we've got you covered: volunteering opportunities will be showcased on a weekly basis.

You can expect lots more, including guest bloggers, so don't miss one bit - subscribe to the RSS feed now, and make sure to visit us often.

Looking forward to connecting with you there!

the NABUUR team

p.s. If you have suggestions of success stories to cover, we want to hear them! Send an email to info@nabuur.com with the stories you feel we should feature.

Friday 6 March 2009

Meet2Connect Kampala: Lots of people and lots of energy

35 local community representatives (28 from NABUUR villages), 500 business cards, 1 entertainment group and a welcoming venue made up for a successful Meet2Connect event in Kampala, Uganda on 21 February 2009.

"I now have people to turn to directly, when I am facing challenges"
"Two heads know more than one"

The purpose of the event was to connect local community representatives so that they get to know each other and their projects. And it worked!

After a practical introduction to networking, which really boosted the energy level in the room, it was time to put the networking in practice: groups were formed based on location -"I finally got to know the people who are around me" - and on issue, successes were shared and a lot of ideas, contacts and addresses were exchanged: 500 blank business cards, to be personalized by the local representatives with their details, were gone by halfway into the afternoon.

For an impression of the day, see the attached video and pictures.

Just the beginning…More meetups to come!
During the day a group of Local Reps spontaneously decided to form a meet-up group: they will be meeting on a regular basis to learn from each other’s projects & experiences. If you missed this during the day or were not able to attend the event, but want to join this group: you can still contact Paul Bulenzi at paul@behod.org.

Sander van Zanten (ICU) invited all Local Representatives to drop by at the ICU Service Centre, Bazzekukketta Road, Rubaga, Kampala, whenever they are in the area. The ICU Service Centre serves as a hub for anyone working on development projects in Uganda. For more info see http://www.icuganda.org/servicecentre/index_eng.htm (keep in mind they recently moved to Bazzekukketta Road)

Interest from outside parties
The event didn’t only attract people from NABUUR’s and ICU’s network. Some local Lions and Rotary chapters also expressed an interest to be in touch with this group of local representatives, although they were not able to attend the meeting. Contact with the meet-up group is being established.

Right after the event had taken place, the president of the Uganda Journalists’ Association, mr. Joshua Kyalimpa got in touch. As they would like to share more news from the grassroots level, they’re interested to hear stories from the NABUUR villages. Contact details are available with the meet up group and Sander van Zanten.

Watch the video and get inspired!




Tuesday 17 February 2009

NABUUR's first Volunteer of the Year is...Jennifer Wells!

From everyone at NABUUR, we'd like to extend a hearty congratulations to Jennifer Wells who was voted by her peers as NABUUR's first ever Volunteer of the Year!

Jennifer, your tireless work with the communities, and the care and warm personal touch that you bring to your volunteering work is inspiring. On behalf of those whose lives you touch on a daily basis, thank you ~ and congratulations!

Congratulations also go to Mary Smith and Barb Briggs who came in a close second, and whose efforts we also applaud today. And of course, a special mention to the rest of the volunteers nominated.

We hope to feature a short story about Jennifer and her work very soon. Thanks to all those who helped to make this first Volunteer of the Year celebration one to remember!

The NABUUR Team

Wednesday 28 January 2009

Voting is underway for NABUUR's first ever Volunteer of the Year Award!

We'd like to extend a big Thank You to all those who made a nomination for NABUUR's first ever Volunteer of the Year award!

A wonderful and talented group of people has been nominated; all having achieved many results and inspired others by embodying the true spirit of a NABUUR volunteer.

Meet the nominees, read their stories and vote for the individual you feel has earned the title of Volunteer of the Year.

Congratulations to all the nominees - stay tuned as the winner will be announced on February 13, 2009.

Thursday 8 January 2009

Apply now to become an online project manager with NABUUR.com

Are you proactive? Results-minded? A team player? If your answer is yes, consider applying to become a NABUUR project manager (known on NABUUR as a facilitator) for one of our many online projects.

A little bit about the role:

In this unique and rewarding volunteer role, you will:

-Expand your project management skills.
-Build up a network with like-minded people from around the world.
-Get international and multi-cultural experience.
-Have a direct impact on an entire community.
-Add an official recommendation to your resume/CV.

If you like to organize projects, work with diverse people, and mobilise volunteers to produce results, you could make a great Facilitator. A Facilitator is a host, moderator and project manager. They welcome new Neighbours, makes sure the Village website is up to date and defines the project and its priorities, together with the Local Representative.

And a little bit about what we're looking for in the ideal candidate:

- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Culturally sensitive; travel experience is an asset but not required.
- Experience with online project management is preferred (though not a requirement).
- Fluent in English.
- Available for a minimum period of 6 months, and able to be online at least 4-6 hours per week.

Sounds like a volunteering opportunity you'd like to tackle? Send your resume (nothing fancy; a summary of your work/academic/volunteering experience will do) to info@nabuur.com with the subject line: 'facilitator application.'

We'll be in touch with you to follow up on your application and discuss the online training. If you'd like to speak to an experienced facilitator first to get an idea of what the role entails, let us know and we'll gladly arrange that for you.

Hope to hear from you!

Romina

Wednesday 24 December 2008

Happy Holidays from all of us at NABUUR!

Dear all,

As we enter the holiday season and the year comes to a close, we'd like to wish you a peaceful and joyous holiday, and also extend our gratitude for your support and commitment to local communities around the world. It's been said before but bears repeating: NABUUR is not possible without the dedication and energy of each of you - Thank You!

Before heading out to your holiday plans, take a minute to read the latest happening at NABUUR.

Stories
To see just what kind of a year it's been, have a look at these inspiring stories featuring developments in villages during the past year.

What's new and what's coming up in 2009
You may have seen some of the changes on NABUUR.com, and you're probably asking yourself what's coming up in 2009...Here's your chance to get the latest scoop. And please let us know what you think by contributing to the online discussion.

Last but not least...
NABUUR is happy to announce its first Volunteer of the Year Contest, and we're inviting you to take part in nominating and selecting the winner. Find out more, and post your nomination here! Nominations will be accepted until January 15, so get yours in today!

Happy Holidays, everyone!

the NABUUR Team

Thursday 18 December 2008

Webmaster wanted for www.kabondopoverty.org

You may have come across the amazing website put together by volunteers to raise awareness for the Kabondo Orphan Care Project.

Now this website is in urgent need of a webmaster: a dedicated and thorough volunteer who can write content and update the website as needed. If this sounds like you, read on for a message from Barb Briggs, facilitator of the Kabondo project, outlining the full description of the voluntary duties you'd be undertaking.

Webmaster Needed!
In order to attract potential donors, increase awareness and promote Kabondo, and allow for 'online' donation a website was developed at www.kabondopoverty.org.

We have webhosting for 2 years but now require a webmaster.

Duties include:

- Writing content for the website
- Posting updates at least monthly, but preferably every week
- Posting photos, videos and other links
- Maintaining a list of registered users that sign up on the site
- Developing new pages as the site grows
- Minimum 6 month commitment

Expertise or skills required:
- Experience in working with Joomla
- Experience writing
- Strong English writing skills
- Excellent internet skills
- Ability to add photos, videos and other resources to the site
- Experience in updating a website
- Able to maintain a spreadsheet

If interested, do let them know! Leave a message on the Kabondo discussion board here.