FAQ

Q: If I make a donation to A4WH, where does my money go?

A: The full value of your donation will be used to provide critical medical services to women in developing countries, including:

• training and building capacity of local doctors, nurses and midwives;
• provision of equipment; and
• construction of infrastructure projects such as hospitals, clinics and operating theatres.

The use of donated funds exclusively for patients in need and the building of capacity in their countries is a fundamental principle of the A4WH foundation.

Q: How is this possible? And how can I be sure my donation does go to where you say it does?
A: Some donors elect to have their donation cover the administrative and organisational costs and an Australian company transfers all of its annual profits to A4WH. This company (Port Macquarie Ultrasound) is owned and operated by the founder of A4WH, Dr Ray Hodgson. These funds and personal donations by Dr Hodgson and contributions from other than donors eg merchandise sales, cover all administrative and organisational costs. A4WH is strongly committed to complete transparency of all finances within charitable organisations.

Q: There are so many charitable organisations asking for my money. Why should I choose to donate to A4WH?
A: There is no doubt that Australians are extremely privileged to receive very high standards of medical care. Our access to a world class health system can so easily be taken for granted. There is a massive imbalance in the availability of medical treatment between countries like Australia and those of the developing world. And among the populations of these countries this imbalance is most blatant among women. If you agree with A4WH’s Mission Statement that every woman, regardless of race, wealth or status should have equal access to the highest standards of medical care, a donation to A4WH is an effective and efficient ways of redressing this shameful imbalance.

Q: Is a donation I make to A4WH tax deductible?
A: Yes. All donations to A4WH are fully tax deductible.

Q: I want to become a volunteer. What do I do?
A: Download the Volunteer Application form.

Q: Is there an age limit for volunteers?
A: As working in overseas countries involves a certain element of risk, the insurance policies of A4WH specify a lower age limit of 18 years.

Q: What types of insurance cover will I need?
A: A4WH will cover all travel and medical insurance, including, if necessary, medical evacuation.

Q: Will I be safe at my overseas placement?
A: There are security issues of some kind in every country. A4WH monitors security through our official and local contacts. Understanding the culture, observing local social behaviours, establishing friendships and seeking advice from the local community will improve your everyday personal security, as will being sensitive and sensible.

Go to the “How You Can Help” tab in the menu above for full particulars.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM

Download application form (PDF)

ADVICE FOR VOLUNTEERS

• Think about your motivations for going overseas and consider how they link to your expectations of your camp.
• Be realistic about what you can achieve.
• Speak with former volunteers before you go and fellow volunteers when you are away.  Their experiences can be very helpful.
• Learn some local language.  A few words will get you a long way.
• Spend time researching your host country and get to know as much as you can about the culture and history while you are there.
• Don’t allow yourself to get worn-out.  Give yourself time to relax and ensure that you are getting enough sleep and looking after your health.
• Try to reserve judgement of different cultural practices.  Be willing to accept other ways of doing things and allow your own cultural assumptions to be challenged.
• Ask lots of questions.  You may wish to start by questioning A4WH before you go.
• If we can’t provide you with the answers you need then you may need to look for another organisation.  At your camp, keep asking questions.  If you don’t understand something, ask.  If the answers don’t align with your expectations, be patient and take time to explore the reasons why and realise that understanding others is about seeking out the complexities of people’s lives.
• A large part of being a volunteer is about forging relationships with others.  Your volunteering experience will be far richer if you make an effort to forge good relationships with local people and fellow volunteers.
• Be prepared that you might not receive a warm welcome from everyone you meet.
• Be cautious of how your behaviour will be perceived by your host community and be aware that the impression you make will inform how people think about your host country and other volunteers in the future.
• As far as possible, try to keep your eyes and mind open.