Volunteer Uganda:Research Uganda

What is VU:RU?

This years Volunteer Uganda research internship promises to shape our ever evolving poverty alleviation strategy in the Bwindi Region of South Western Uganda where VU currently works. A limited number of applicants will gain invaluable experience interning with VU in Uganda, carrying out research fit for publish into poverty and making policy recommendations based on their findings.

By shaping our approaches the VU:RU (Volunteer Uganda: Research Uganda) has a tangible impact on the lives of thousands.

Who can apply for VU:RU?

The VU:RU programme is designed for and only offered to applicants interested in careers in the charity and international development, policy development and politics, education and research fields. Applicants are be considered from backgrounds in a range of degree programmes. Both currents students and graduates will be considered.

The two main aims of our Research Programme are:

• To assess the impact of VU, ensuring that its operations are as effective as possible.
• To identify further areas in which we can work with the community to alleviate poverty

.

Alongside immersion in VU and the community we work with, VU:RU is an opportunity take on an unforgettable adventure including White Water Rafting on the Nile, Big Game Safaris and first had experience of a new culture.

Programme Overview

The programme is split into three components:

Training and Immersion into VU and the Bwindi Region

At VU we place significant emphasis on training our teams. Local induction and orientation coupled with the VU:RU training will equip you with skills enabling you to conduct detailed research. Local knowledge will equip you to contextualise yielded findings.

The first few days in country will be spent gaining an overview of the Bwindi region and a range of ongoing Volunteer Uganda projects. This will involve visiting schools, meeting NGO staff and socialising with locals. Interns take a lead in the strategizing of research implementation.

Conducting Research

This year VU:RU is using a survey designed to measure the multi-dimensional aspects of poverty to assess key both our impact and identify needs of the community. Our deep roots in the community and expert local facilitators mean the VU:RU team can conduct extensive qualitative research with all members of the community, from local authority personnel to the most vulnerable.

Analysing and Policy Creation

The program will conclude with Interns analysing data, identifying key findings and creating a report to be presented to the trustees of the Volunteer Uganda Trust. These recommendations will inform VU's diversification and inform approaches to maximise impact. The report will also be published.

What You Will Gain

Invaluable Experience

The Volunteer Uganda Research internship grants participants an opportunity to expand their skills and experience base and gain a unique insight into the development/charity sector. If you apply successfully, you will experience genuine Africa at its most inspiring and thought provoking. This is a chance for you to apply your leadership, teamwork and problem solving, skills and have a long-lasting tangible impact in one of the poorest parts of the world.

Unrivalled Fun & Travelling Experience

Volunteer Uganda combines high-impact volunteering with invaluable and unforgettable experiences that can't be found elsewhere. To strike the balance between impact time and wider adventure there are opportunities to go on Safari, White Water Rafting, Chimpanzee and Gorilla Tracking as well as a guaranteed fantastic social life.

Our enthusiastic team of staff run all sorts of social events, and there is a wide consensus among our volunteers that at 70p/beer, the VU Lodge Bar guarantees the best party in Africa!

How do I apply?

To apply, select menu options "Enquire & apply" -> "Apply to volunteer". For any questions or to find out more send us an enquiry or give us a call to speak to one of our dedicated and friendly team.

Join in! Stand out! Volunteer Uganda! Research Uganda!