KwaYa Traveller Conduct Agreement

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Travelling Together

A KwaYa journey is a wonderful shared adventure. We travel together, experience new cultures, meet remarkable people and often find ourselves well outside our normal routines and comfort zones.

Part of what makes these journeys so special is the way we look after one another.

Our Team Leaders and African partners have considerable experience travelling and working in the places we visit. From time to time, they may ask the group to do — or not do — certain things. These guidelines are not intended to take the fun or spontaneity out of the journey. They are there to keep everyone safe, respect our hosts and local communities, and help the journey run smoothly for the whole group

1. REPRESENTING KWAYA - While travelling with KwaYa, I understand that I am also a guest of Music for Life/African Children's Choir and the communities and organisations that welcome us. I will conduct myself with kindness, respect and cultural sensitivity and remember that the impression we leave behind can help open doors for future KwaYa travellers.

2. FOLLOWING THE GUIDANCE OF TEAM LEADERS - I I agree to follow the directions, instructions and safety requirements of the KwaYa Team Leaders and, where appropriate, Music for Life staff and our authorised local partners. I understand that our leaders sometimes have information, local knowledge or experience that I may not have. Decisions may be made for safety, security, cultural considerations, logistics, or circumstances behind the scenes. Where a Team Leader advises that something must or must not be done for safety, security, health or operational reasons, I understand that this is a requirement of travelling with the group rather than an optional recommendation. Of course, questions are always welcome. If I don't understand the reason for a decision, I am encouraged to ask.

3. KEEPING EVERYONE SAFE - Adventure is part of the experience, but we don't take unnecessary risks. I will not participate in an activity or use a form of transport that KwaYa or our local partners have specifically advised the group not to use. This includes boda bodas (motorcycle taxis), which are not permitted for KwaYa travellers, regardless of whether they are readily available or commonly used locally. If I'm unsure about something, I'll check with a Team Leader first.

4. LOOKING AFTER THE WHOLE GROUP - We recognise that we are travelling as a team.A decision made by one traveller can sometimes affect everyone — particularly if it results in an accident, illness, delay, additional expense or a Team Leader having to leave the group to manage a situation.I agree to consider not only my own preferences and safety, but also how my choices may affect my fellow travellers and the smooth running of the journey.

5. RESPECTING THE CULTURE WE ARE VISITING - One of the great privileges of a KwaYa journey is experiencing another culture from the inside rather than simply visiting as a tourist.I will respect local customs and protocols, be open to unfamiliar food and experiences, dress appropriately where required and avoid negative or judgmental comments about local people, customs, living conditions or environments.I understand that things may sometimes be done differently from the way I would do them at home — and that's part of the adventure.

6. ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR - I will respect the standards and expectations of KwaYa, Music for Life and the communities hosting us. I will not use illegal drugs and will comply with any requirements regarding alcohol and smoking. I will also be mindful of culturally appropriate dress, behaviour and public displays of affection.

7. BEING PART OF THE TEAM - Every person brings something different to a KwaYa journey. I will do my best to be cooperative, flexible and considerate of my fellow travellers. I understand that group travel sometimes means compromising on individual preferences and going with the flow when plans change.I will treat the opinions and concerns of other travellers with respect and contribute positively to the spirit of the group.

8. BEING THERE AND BEING ON TIME - There's usually plenty happening on a KwaYa journey! I will make every effort to be on time for departures, activities and team meetings so that the rest of the group isn't kept waiting. If I'm unwell or genuinely unable to attend something, I'll let a Team Leader know as soon as possible.

9. RESPECTFUL CONDUCT AND BOUNDARIES - Music for Life expects all team members to maintain respectful and appropriate behaviour at all times. Romantic or sexual advances—verbal, physical, or via messages—are not acceptable within the team environment, even between consenting adults. In Uganda, people are naturally warm and affectionate—friendly hugs are common and culturally appropriate. However, receiving a hug or demonstrating warmth does not invite further interaction. No physical contact beyond a friendly hug is acceptable. Please respect personal space and cultural differences. Any behaviour that makes others feel uncomfortable or unsafe may result in removal from the program. If you experience or witness inappropriate conduct, speak to a team leader. All reports will be taken seriously and handled with care.

10. GOING WITH THE FLOW - Travel in Africa can occasionally bring the unexpected — and some of those unexpected moments become our best stories. Plans, transport, activities or timings may sometimes need to change at short notice. I agree to be flexible and to follow the guidance of our Team Leaders and African partners when this happens.

11. TALKING THINGS THROUGH - Living and travelling closely together means there may occasionally be misunderstandings or frustrations.If I have a concern involving another traveller, Team Leader, staff member or volunteer, I will try to address it respectfully and constructively. If I need some help, I can always speak privately with a Team Leader. Open, respectful communication helps us maintain a happy and supportive travelling group.

12. CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE PEOPLE - Our interaction with children and communities is a very special part of the journey, and their wellbeing always comes first.I will follow the guidance of African staff and KwaYa Team Leaders when interacting with children. I will not discipline a child and will not deliberately place myself alone with a child in a private situation. If anything concerns me about the safety or wellbeing of a child or vulnerable person, I will speak with a Team Leader rather than attempting to manage the situation myself.

13. GIFTS, MONEY AND OFFERS OF ASSISTANCE - It's completely natural to want to help people we meet along the way. However, individual gifts, money or promises can sometimes have consequences that aren't immediately obvious to us. For that reason, I will speak with a KwaYa Team Leader before giving significant gifts or money or making promises of sponsorship or future assistance. Our African partners are best placed to help us ensure that generosity is appropriate, fair and genuinely helpful.

14. PERSONAL INFORMATION - I will be sensible about sharing personal, contact and financial information with people I meet during the journey. If I receive an unusual request for money, assistance or personal information, I will talk with a Team Leader. There is never any embarrassment in asking — our leaders are there to help.

15. HEALTH, SAFETY AND EMERGENCIES - If an unexpected health, safety or security situation arises, I agree to follow the reasonable instructions of our Team Leaders, Music for Life staff and authorised local personnel. Sometimes decisions need to be made quickly. I understand that our leaders' priority will be the wellbeing of the individual concerned and the wider group.

16. IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG - We don't expect perfection. Travel can be tiring, misunderstandings happen, and occasionally somebody simply gets something wrong. Most issues can be sorted out with a conversation. However, deliberately disregarding an important safety instruction or repeatedly refusing to follow reasonable Team Leader directions can place both the individual and the wider group at risk. In the unlikely event of a serious or repeated breach of this agreement, KwaYa may need to restrict a traveller's participation in an activity or, in exceptional circumstances, end their participation in the journey. Where participation has to be ended because of a serious or deliberate breach, the traveller may be responsible for reasonable additional costs associated with changing their travel arrangements.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By submitting this form, I confirm that I have read and understood the expectations outlined above. I agree to uphold these standards of behaviour throughout my time with Music for Life. I understand that failure to follow this code of conduct may result in my removal from the program.

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