Advice on bringing my children to Uganda for a month?

Personally I think it would be a fantastic experience for the kids (and you). Go and see your doctor NOW and make sure you all get the right injections and advise on what malaria precautions to take (some vacinations require more than one spread over a period of time)

Assuming the schools are not on holiday then I am sure that your kids would have a great time as people in Uganda are very friendly. I have spent time in schools and playing with the kids in Uganda (and in many other countries) and never caught TB but I am sure that the risk is low to your kids

I do not know where you will be in the SW but the area is beautiful

Don't worry go for it!

I am sure the risks are manageable with the correct medication/innoculations. There are pediatric malarial prophalactics for kids younger than yours. They may get the odd tummy bug but it's a small price to pay for a fantastic opportunity for them.

I don't know where you're from but I'd recommend going to a specialist travel clinic/practitioner for the best and most balanced advice.

Do it!!!!!!!!

You won't regret it, your children will love it; the first 24h might be challenging but they'll soon get into the swing of things.

Just ensure they're covered in regards to vaccinations & malaria!

I took my 12year old goddaughter to W.Africa for 6 weeks, it's a trip that sticks in both our minds - I realise yours are younger but I was about the same age when I first went (& got bitten by the 'bug'!!)

Enjoy it!

Kira

Bring them! Uganda is an incredible place for kids.

I started bringing both of my children to Uganda when they were less than a year old. Our older boy lived here from 2 1/2 to 5 years old, and our 2-year-old is currently here in Uganda on his 4th 6-week trip. We have had them in villages, cities, remote areas throughout the country for extended periods, even though we are usually based in Kampala.

Both our boys are up-to-date on all the regular vaccinations that any kid gets in the US, but beyond that we haven't given them anything special. When we are in Kampala we don't have them on malaria prophylaxis, but when we go "upcountry" we give them each larium. Some people don't deal well with larium, so if you choose to give them that, you should definitely start it when you are still at home to see how they react. Doxy is a pretty benign medication for malaria. Ask at a travel clinic what they recommend. Don't bother with your regular doctor, as he/she probably doesn't know anything about malaria or other tropical diseases.

As far as someone to care for your kids, rather than investing in bringing someone over, consider having someone at the place you will be working recommend someone local who can watch them. You will be supporting a local, putting money in the local economy, and your kids will have the chance to interact with - and maybe learn some language from - a Ugandan. You can easily get someone full-time for about $100 for the month, and that will feel generous.

At that age, it might be difficult to have your kids "drop into" a school. The schools here are very different from schools in the US. Again, you might be able to ask around at the place where you will be working.

TB is mostly an issue if you will be in, or have your kids in, small, confined spaces for an extended period of time with someone who is infected. Your lungs pretty easily "flush out" TB when you get into fresh air if you have just been around it for a short time. It is unlikely to be an issue in a school. That said, I'm not a doctor, although I have two fathers-in-law who have both worked as doctors here in Uganda and that is what they have told me.

Your kids are at an age where they will really get a lot out of an experience like this. You have to make your own decision, but I can say from my experience that I have always felt extremely safe having my kids here with some simple precautions.

If you do it, I hope you have a great experience!

Well with my dithering I have missed the closing date for the job.
My hubby is not entirely convinced.
The grandparents think I am flat out crazy.

So I have let it slide.
Pity it should come up again next year...and maybe I will be more proactive!

Thank you all for your reassurance.
I'll get hubby and grandparents to read this.

Next time just apply and tell them when you get the job! I hope something comes up

Took mine aged 11 to Tanzania and no problems, although that was on holiday.
He took Malarone Pediatric 2x tablets daily. No worries on that score. Check for TB, although no recollection of it being a problem ni the SW.
As others say - SW is a fabulous area, the people will be good to and with your children. Depending on altitude there will be few mosquitoes or almost none in August. We were over a week in the SW and not one bite.
Food - may get the odd infection, but with common sense and lots of bananas etc. should be OK!

Oh, Anna, how sad you missed this opportunity! May I suggest you go to a travel clinic(I see you are from France) and get the facts and advice from the experts in infectious diseases? You will be so much better informed and be able to take advantage of any other opportunity that comes your way!!!