MAKERERE UNIVERSITY

JINJA CAMPUS
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL
ADMINISTRATION

JOHN JORVIN SSEBULIME

UBB067-JJA/2023/B/C/M/250

YEAR TWO

THE INTERNSHIP WAS CONDUCTED AT THE AIDS

SUPPORT ORGANISATION JINJA

29TH JANUARY TO 29TH MARCH

ACADEMICSUPERVISOR FIELDSUPERVISOR
MR. BYANSIDAVID MR.MOROMOSES
SIGNATURE…………. SIGNATURE………...
DATE…………………… DATE………………..

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I thank God for having given me this opportunity to study and reach this point despite the
upheavals encountered.
The successful production of this report could not have been possible without the assistance and
contribution of many individuals especially friends and classmates who rendered a hand. With
great love and Joy. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the management and staff of
TASO JINJA with special thanks to my agency supervisor Mr. MORO MOSES WILFRED for
the different skills I learnt from him.
I am also greatly indebted to my university supervisor Mr. BYANSI DAVID for his guidance
and advice otherwise it would have been a tailback to complete the training.
Lastly, I acknowledge my family and friends for the financial and moral support towards my
entire life, may the almighty God bless you so much.

ABSTRACT.
The field attachment was carried out at TASO Jinja.
The report consists of three chapters namely;
The background of TASO Jinja, its vision, mission, goals and facility structure, activities of the
facility and strategies to attachment of objectives.
The second chapter includes the description of work carried out, duties and responsibilities, new
knowledge and skill, relationship with other staff and problems experienced and how they were
handled.
The third chapter and the final chapter includes recommendations, references and conclusions of
the report.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT...........................................................................................................................ii
CHAPTER ONE........................................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................................3
1.0 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Background and location of the organization................................................................................3
1.1.1 Vision.............................................................................................................................................3
1.1.2 Mission...........................................................................................................................................4
1.1.3 OBJECTIVES OF TASO.............................................................................................................4
1.1.4 TASOVALUES.............................................................................................................................4
1.1.5 TASO’SPHILOSOPHY...............................................................................................................4
1.2 Organizational Structure of TASO Jinja.......................................................................................6
1.3 ACTIVITIES CARRIESD OUT BY TASO..................................................................................7
1.5 Findings based on goals and objectives..........................................................................................9
1.6 Skills attained.................................................................................................................................10
CHAPTER TWO.....................................................................................................................................12
DESCRIPTION OF WORK CARRIED OUT......................................................................................12
2.0Duties and Responsibilities of the internee...................................................................................12
2.1Knowledge and skills gained..........................................................................................................12
2.2Reletionship with other staff .........................................................................................................12
2.3 Challenges faced and solutions.....................................................................................................13
CHAPTER THREE.................................................................................................................................14
3.8.1 Recommendation to the agency.................................................................................................17
3.8.2 Recommendation to the University...........................................................................................17
3.9 Conclusion......................................................................................................................................18
REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................19

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 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
1.0 Introduction
This internship report gives an over view of the activities carried out at The Aids Support
Organization in Jinja city
As a student, I had the opportunity to intern and gain valuable insights into the work being done
to support individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.
The TASO is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing care, support, and advocacy for
those living with HIV/AIDS. During my internship, I had the chance to work closely with
clients, assisting them with accessing medical care, counseling services, and other resources. I
also had the opportunity to participate in outreach programs and community events aimed at
raising awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.
Through my internship at TASO, I gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by
individuals living with HIV/AIDS and the importance of providing comprehensive support
services. This experience has not only enriched my academic studies but has also inspired me to
continue working towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society for all individuals
affected by HIV/AIDS.
1.1 Background of the organization
TASO is a Non-government organization that was founded in 1987 by a group of volunteers to
support people living with HIV/AIDS these founders included Dr. Noreen Kaleeba and her
husband Christopher Kaleeba who acquired HIV from an accident in which his brother who was
infected was involved. The foundation of TASO is also attributed to people like Dr. Jane
Mulemwa, Dan Otoole, Mary Lukombo, Ssebajja Peter and Dr. Elly Katabira, all these
personalities are still remembered by the TASO family for their endeavors.
TASO Jinja is located in Jinja referral hospital in the Eastern region of Uganda and the North
shores of Lake Victoria and at the source of the river Nile. TASO began its operation in
March1992 out of the initiative of members of the Jinja community because of the growing
concern about HIV/AIDS in the district at that time.
1.1.1 Vision
The world without HIV/AIDS
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1.1.2 Mission
To contribute to the process of preventing HIV infection. Restoring hope and improving the
quality of life of persons, families and communities affected by HIV infections and diseases.
a. AT PERSONAL LEVEL
To one counselling empowers the infected/affected person to make information decisions which
improve the quality and life and facilitate the balance between rights and responsibilities.
Facilitation of provision of home nursing care and nutritional materials.
b. LEVEL AT THE COMMUNITY
Community counselling empowers the community to organize an appropriate response to the
problems generated by HIV/AIDS. Facilitation of community planned response and evaluation
of their response. Mobilization of resources and lying of strategy to reduce stigma and
discrimination. Facilitation of community planned responses, community resources of their
responses and mobilization of the community evolution
c. AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL
Sensitization of the public “positive living”
Training appropriate personnel for service delivery
Mobilization of resources for the achievement of goals
Joint international efforts and torn for the total defeat of HIV/AIDS infection and disease.
1.1.3 OBJECTIVES OF TASO
To sensitive the public about HIV and how it is spread and prevented.
TobuildandsupportcommunitybasedeffortsinitiatedtorespondtoHIV/AIDSepidemic
TooffercounselingservicestopeoplelivingHIV/AIDSwiththeirfamilies.
TotraincounselorsforTASOandotherorganizationsforeffectiveprovisionofcounseling
To offer medical services to positive clients
1.1.4 TASK VALUES
Human dignity
Equal rights shared responsibilities and equal opportunities
Integrity
Family spirit
1.1.5 TASO’SPHILOSOPHY
Living positively with AIDS
Philosophy of Positive Living

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Those who come to TASO are encouraged to live positively with AIDS
Accept their diagnosis
Seek prompt medical care
Practice safer sex
Continue to earn income
Plan for their families

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 1.2 Organizational Structure of TASO Jinja

TASO ORGANISATION STRUCTURE

Centre program Centre Advisory Committee CAC

Manger

Monitoring and Medical Psychosocial Fiscal HR

evaluation officer coordinator coordinator administrator operation

Counselors Clients’ relation

Ass. Filling clerk
Monitoring &
Evaluation

Security Cashier/ Driver

guards store keeper
Data Entrants

Laboratory Pharmacy Medical Clinical Nurse

technician officer officer

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1.3 ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY TASO
Research on HIV transmission and ARVS delivery efficiency TASO JINJA in partnership with
the Center for Disease Control carried out a study seeking to describe HIV transmission on 1,086
HIV- positive persons attending the TASO clinics in Jinja, currently TASO Jinja is in a partner
with MRC researching to establish the effectiveness and efficiency of ARVS delivery
models(facility and home-based model)
a. HIV/AIDS counselling service
Counselling is offered to provide accurate information on HIV to help people infected with the
virus to live positively and reduce the spread of the virus counselling services are given to people
who are both infected and affected, it includes pre-HIV antibody stage, post-test preventive
counselling and ongoing care and support that goes up to the family, it is done at the clinic which
is at the centre outreaches and a home visit. Each client has a counsellor he/she is entitled to, in
the absence of that counsel, there is always another counsellor to step in for the absent one.
b. Medical care
The medical care provided to TASO clients focuses on prompt and proper diagnosis of the
opportunistic infection. Systems have been put in place to facilitate this. This includes a highly
trained and experienced medical staff, laboratory examinations and a well-stocked pharmacy. All
drugs are provided free and Anti-Retroviral drugs available to those who qualify and are well
prepared for it.
c. TASO provides home-based care
It is provided to bed-ridden clients; relatives /home care-givers provide information to a
community volunteer nurse trained by TASO where the need arise the TASO home care team
can be called to give necessary support.
d. Pharmaceutical services
TASO provides free ARVS on about 2000 clients and minor medical services to their immediate
family members. New clients are started on ARVS after it has been proved that hearses are
psychologically ready and are in the advanced stage of the sickness however most of them
respond well to the drugs and their health is improved. clients’ measures are taken like weight,
height bold pressure temperature blood sample: this helps in the provision of medical service in
addition to the services in addition to the services offered by the National Health care system to
people with HIV/AIDs the medication focuses on the prevention and treatment of opportunistic
infections and sexually transmitted diseases.

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Under the medical program, TASO provides laboratory services such as HIV counselling and
testing clusters to check on the strength of the white blood cells of clients. There are CDDPS
where ARVS are taken to different communities and clients receive the mat these points for
example Anti-Retroviral Therapy is also under the medical and consists of activities like giving
ARVS to clients and monitoring clients. There is also the facility Drug Distribution point: TASO
provides service at the centre just like the community Drug Distribution Point (CDDP)
This is to ensure that nearby clients easily receive their drugs. This is done on Tuesdays,
Wednesdays and Thursdays Activities such as registering clients, and weighing clients. And
refilling their drugs if done. During the FDDP the student participated in registering clients.
measuring their weights and packaging drugs.
e. Out Reach Clinics
TASO centre runs community outreach clinics at selected sites, once a month to support client
Who cannot afford to travel to the centre and reduce the number of clients seen at the centres on
a single day?
f. Day-care centre
A day-care centre in TASO is open to all clients, home caregivers, relatives, friends and anyone
interested, it is a place for sharing experiences, giving and getting information, supporting each
other emotionally, saying a common prayer, skill-building and general relaxation.
Entertainment is provided through watching television, listening to soft music on the radio,
listening to educative songs and watching skits and plays from clients’ drama groups, clients are
free to join the drama group with the recommendation of their counsellors.
g. Orphans and Venerable Children (OVC)
TASO offers support to OVC both positive and negative children, The Social support office is in
charge of this activity, it selects children for different programs like scholastic and
apprenticeship.
With Scholastic, 340 children received exercise books, calculators, artbooks, schoolbags, and
mathematical sets.
Under apprenticeship, 263 were trained in various activities such as tailoring, hairdressing, A
And motor mechanical engineering.
The scholastic materials that these clients receive help the children to attain education as well as
the counseling given to them by the counsellors helps them in career guidance.

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OVC households, clients under this program were given farm inputs such as maize seeds, bean
seeds, hoes, and pangs to grow food for both subsistence and commercial and this would help the
families raise some money to buy books for their children and also pay their bills, OVC who had
accomplished their apprenticeship were given startup kits to start working and earn a living and
also be able to support their siblings and other family members.
1.4 LOCATION OF THE ORGANIZATION
TASO Jinja is one of the centres of medical excellence located in Jinja regional referral hospital
in Jinja city in the eastern region of Uganda
1.5 Findings based on goals and objectives
1.5.1 Job title
While executing my duties at The AIDs Support organization, the internee worked as an
internee.
1.5.2 Department the internee was placed
While executing my duties at the agency the internee was placed in the psychosocial department
at TASO.
1.5.3 To whom the internee reported
While training at The AIDs support organization, the internee was reporting to the community
linkages officer of TASO Jinja.
1.5.4 The internee’s responsibility at the agency
The internee was assigned to register clients on the clinic days at the triage table which could
help to know the number of clients who have come for medication following their appointments.
The internee was also assigned to make follow-ups on clients who missed appointments for their
refills.
The internee was assigned to register newly tested clients in the field who have been identified
for start and treatment.
The internee was assigned to carryout HIV/AIDS counselling to clients who have been identified
as positive and are set to begin on ART.
The internee was assigned to laminate membership cards to protect them from damage.
The internee was assigned to register clients on the days of prevention of mother-to-child
transmission.
1.5.5 Impression about the agency

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The supervisor usually assigned duties to the internee and he accomplished the tasks in the
specified period.
Maximum cooperation, employees of the AIDs support Organization were so united and
cooperative for a common goal.
Discipline, while carrying out industrial training at TASO, the internee showed maximum
discipline to the agency employees and the community at large.
1.6 Skills attained
The internee learnt social research skills that enabled him to gather information about the agency
and community at large
The internee learnt communication skills that enabled him to interact with the staff and the
community at large, orally and written.
Listening skills, involved analyzing, interpreting and remembering details taught by the field
supervisor at the agency, some instructions and guidelines were verbally communicated.
The internee gained skills in filling in the HIV/AIDS Testing and counseling form that was
obtained from the information of the clients.
The internee gained skills in making follow-ups on clients who are on ART.
Interpersonal skills, the internee interacted with fellow students from different institutions, and
employees from different departments, this aimed at sharing knowledge about various life
aspects.
1.7 Activities of the organization
a. Outreach clinic
TASO Jinja extends its medical and counselling services to clients in distant districts. These clients are
unable to come to the centre due to poor health and a shortage of transport fares. The activity involves
a team from the medical department; counselling among others. The services offered at the center are
the ones rendered during outreaches and they include pre and post counseling, testing, medical
attention and provision of drugs, any new and complicated cases are given appointments.

b. Triage
This section directs the movement of clients with in the departments, it is where files are sorted
out, basic perimeters like age, and height are also taken and clients are attended to depending on
the severity of the case. Those with minor cases are sent directly to the pharmacy of drugs while
those with major cases are referred to doctors and clinicians.
c. Aromatherapy

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This is a unique form of treatment that involves the use of essential oils to promote, maintain
health and vitality. The essences are extracted from aromatic plants, flowers, and trees. These
oils after massaging enter the skin and leave the body with great efficiency leaving no toxins
behind and relieving the clients from pill burdens. They work on different diseases like skin
problems among others.
d. Community mobilization and education.
This is done with the support of the client’s drama group who present in communities.
Communities are mobilized; and sensitized and their effort against HIV/AIDS is recognized and
supported by TASO Jinja.
e. Advocacy and networking
TASO is committed to ensuring that the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are
protected and therefore deals with any issue that violate their rights. This is done in collaboration
with other organizations nationally and internationally. TASO networks and collaborates with
the government and non-government organizations to avail quality care and support people
living with HIV/AIDS.
f. The record management
This is carried out under the records section which is one of the busiest sections. It involves a lot
of movements retrieving clients’ files and taking them to different service providers. Files for
new clients are arranged from this section and there after delivered to the counseling coordinator
for the day’s work, registration of clients is carried out under this section.
g. Nutrition support
Most of the TASO clients are too weak to work and support themselves and their families
therefore they cannot access sufficient food supply.

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 CHAPTER TWO

DESCRIPTION OF WORK CARRIED OUT.

2.0Introduction
This chapter represents the activities we carried out at the facility during the internship and
highlights the methods used in task accomplishment to achieve the goals.
During the first week of industrial training, all students from different institutions were cafeteria
for conduction. We were told to introduce ourselves and present our internship letters plus the
names of institutions we were coming from.
We were given handouts that had all the rules governing the facility and there after we were told
how to handle patients, screen for HIV and how to look and fill in the patients’ files who are on
ARVs. We were toured around the facility to know where everything was and to get used to the
environment.

2.0DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILIY OF THE INTERNEE.

Delivery and distribution of scholastic materials, this activity was done under the OVC
program in the OVC office. They were given to vulnerable children that are infected and affected
by HIV/AIDS and it’s usually based on their performance in previous school terms.
Counseling of the vulnerable, children who are given scholastic materials are counselled about
the benefits of education, sanitation and positive living.
Gardening skills, under the OVC programs, TASO taught clients gardening skills, and how to
grow crops on a small scale this was done to ensure food security and economic empowerment,
food and nutrition are also issues that were taught to the clients to ensure that they live health
lives.
Distribution of drugs, in different communities and drugs distribution points (CDDPS) in Jinja
district. For example, in Busuyi village, Idogolo and in some parts of Bugembe, upon the
distribution of these drugs, the internee also sensitized the clients about food security, sanitation
and healthy living positively.
Distribution of farm inputs, we distributed bags of maize, beans, hoes and pangs among others
to clients, this was done to ensure that they have food security within their households. TASO is

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involved in activities of seed grants to the community especially the people infected and affected
by HIV/AIDS.
Mobilization and sensitization exercise, under the Safe Male circumcision (SMC) program this
aimed at reducing the risk and spread of HIV/AIDS among the community members. Safe Male
circumcision is a project that was started a year ago and it will be running for 5years. This was
started after research came to realize that if a man’s fore skin on his penis is removed, it helps
reduce HIV contraction by 60%
2.1KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS.
The internee gained the following skills during the internship period
Time management skills, during the internship period, the internee learnt punctuality and the
significance of time in an organization. The internee realized that time management is an
important element of work. My practical learning taught the internee to prioritize and organize
my work according to schedule which enabled the internee to complete their tasks in the
allocated time.
Better communication skills, this was my first-hand experience of communicating with the
manager, junior officers and others and socializing myself among those professionals. This
experience augmented the internee’s communication skills and gave the internee confidence to
communicate with professional people

2.1 Lessons
One of the lessons the internee learnt was that building relationships is a vital part of building a
career. Building a positive relationship with the people you work with is important and can help
you as you carry on in your endeavors.
Explaining to people inquiring about the activities of the organization physically and also being
patient and understanding the different groups of people as well as what they have to say.
Trying to differentiate between the correct information and wrong information and not rushing
into decision-making was one of the key lessons the internee learnt.
The internee learnt and improved on their team-work and cooperation with staff and fellow
students irrespective of their ranks, team work within TASO is a very big opportunity between
the employers and the employees. This is evidenced by the fact that it is called a TASO family.
This is relied on will defectively help improve the service delivery of the organization by
encouraging the sharing of ideas among the staff

2.2RELETIONSHIP WITH OTHER STAFF.

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During my internship, I was a well-behaved person and my referee was my supervisor Mr. Moro
Moses, my relationship with other staff was also relatively good because we used to perform
most of the duties in a team and there were no mistakes in completing our tasks and we all
enjoyed working together which implied that we had built a good relationship.

During the times of field-work, we used to attend to clients in a group which also helped us to
build a good relationship even in the field which promoted team-work among us and effective
accomplishment of tasks.

2.3 CHALLENGES
Adjusting with the employees, in an organization, I came across many people who were
opposite to my personality and often found them offensive and uncomfortable because of their
attitude but the internee had to work and coordinate with them which was very challenging for
the internee.
Responding to the heavy work-load, as it was my first experience in the work environment, it
took the internee time to settle in the work setting. The internee learning new work especially in
the beginning while at the same time responding to the seniors who assigned the internee the
tasks to be completed in a short time was a great challenge for the internee. Even under such
stress and strain maintaining a positive attitude towards everyone was a line challenge for the
internee.
Dealing with difficult situations, situations such as wrong delivery, wrong documentation and
unmatching descriptions among others. In situations like these, the internee advised the supplier
according to the LPO and where matters went out of hand, the superiors were involved.
Relating what was studied in class with the field practice, the biggest challenge the internee
faced was relating what was studied in class with actually what is in the field practice, some
concepts are applicable while others are quite difficult to apply.
Shortage of finances, the whole internship exercise was limited by finances because it involved
spending on transport. And other facilitations such as breakfast and lunch were never taken care
of by the organization.
shortage of equipment, for example, computers, printers, scanners, chairs and tables were few
yet the number of internees was greater since they were coming from several institutions like
Kampala University Uganda Management Institute, Makerere University, Makerere Business
School, Uganda Christian University and Kyambogo University among others
2.3 SOLUTIONS

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Communication with colleagues; We used to ensure that there is effective communication with
our supervisor to address any issues or concerns promptly.
Adaptability; This helped me to be flexible and willing to adapt to new tasks, environments, and
challenges which made me embrace change as an opportunity for growth.
Time management; This technique helped me to stay organized and meet deadlines effectively
which made me set realistic goals.
Career planning; this helped me to reflect on my internship experience to clarify my career
goals and identify steps to achieve them.

2.4 CONCLUSION
During my time as a trainee at TASO Jinja under the psychosocial department, I participated in
many activities but I only included those that actively I participated in and those with objectives.

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 CHAPTER THREE

This chapter is the conclusion and recommendations made to both the

departments and facility where I conducted my industrial training.
.
3.8.1 Recommendation to the Agency
They should be cooperative with the internees and avail them of the necessary tools in their time
as internees.
The organization should consider giving internees allowances for the services they render to the
organization for the majority lack money for transport as well as other necessities.
Group work should be encouraged among the internees to manage the over working and also
check on the tiresomeness.
Internees should always be provided with mask to avoid contracting during interaction with
clients in the TB tent on clinic days.

3.8.2 Recommendation to the University

The university should write to different organizations for internship placement for its students.
The University should consider funding the students for the internship placement for its majority
do not have money for transport and other necessities to take them to their places of internship
placement and back to the University or at home and yet they pay a lot of money to cater for the
fieldwork.
The university should try to follow up with the students at their internship placements more than
once to monitor their progress and the challenges they are facing.
The university should start projects aimed at recruiting students for internship programs as it is
difficult for outside organizations to easily recruit unqualified and inexperienced students in their
organizations.

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3.9 Conclusion.
In summary, the report covers some of the challenges that TASO has to address to better its
services. However, it includes the challenges that the student encountered as well as the solutions
that the internee improvised to overcome these challenges

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 REFERENCES

Peter, K. S. (2011). Know your organization.

TASO. (n.d.). Retrieved from www.tasouganda.org

TASO. (2005). TASO Information Booklet.

TASO. (2013). TASO Profile.

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