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Volunteer Uganda in your Year Out, Student Holiday or Beyond

Programme Overview

Volunteer Uganda is a unique organisation that gives enthusiastic, young people the opportunity to teach in our partner schools for between six and twelve weeks. Volunteers make a real difference and our program generates funds for the work of our partner charities which built and run four primary schools, a secondary school and a college. These institutions provide education for approximately two thousand people in Uganda and are transforming the lives of local people.


 
 

Volunteer roles

Volunteers teach one class in one school throughout their time. We place three or four volunteers in each school.

  • An induction at the start introduces you to the area.
  • Our "Limited Resource Teacher Training" (LRTT) equips you with the skills to be both an effective and inspiring teacher.
  • Volunteers teach English, Maths, Science, Physical Education and IT.
  • Volunteers also play an invaluable role in our HIV awareness outreach projects which teach young people about HIV/AIDS and facilitate testing.
  • Placements are flexible to encourage volunteers to work to their own strenghts; no subjects are compulsory.

More on volunteering...

Suzanna Young with the kids from Kirima Primary

Volunteer Suzanna with children from Kirima Primary

Lion on Volunteer Uganda Safari

Lion on Volunteer Uganda Safari

Excursions

At weekends, volunteers have the opportunity to
try out a variety of activities, such as:

  • White Water Rafting
  • Safari
  • Mountain Gorilla Tracking
  • Chimp Tracking
  • Bungee Jumping

More on excursions...

The Volunteer Uganda Lodge

The Volunteer Uganda Lodge

The VU Lodge

Our Lodge is a beautiful place to stay while volunteering in Uganda, with fantastic views over the unspoilt Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (a world heritage site).

  • Groups of around 20-40 volunteers
  • We live together in out hostel-style Lodge
  • Large central living and dining area
  • Local style "banda" dormitories

More on accommodation & location...

Induction and Support

June 2010 volunteers

June 2010 Volunteers

Throughout the trip you will be supported and guided in what to teach by your group leader and the head of volunteering. The first week is an induction week where:

  • You take part in structured discussions on teaching methods.
  • Each volunteer plans and gives a mini lesson.
  • A series of talks introduce key aspects such as local culture.

More on induction and support...

The team in Uganda

The team in Uganda

What makes Volunteer Uganda unique?

Unlike some volunteer companies with dozens of placements round the world, Volunteer Uganda is committed to making a real difference to people in an area we have worked in for ten years.

  • Volunteer Uganda has deep roots in Uganda.
  • We know the local people and have a well-designed programme to help transform their lives.
  • We work closely with the charity CHIFCOD.
  • Volunteer Uganda Ltd is a social enterprise.

More on Volunteer Uganda...

Who Can Volunteer?

When can I go?

We have a wide variety of volunteers from the UK and around the world

  • Volunteers need to have completed education to A-Level equivalent or beyond
  • Above all, volunteers must be enthusiastic and motivated to make a real difference
  • No teaching experience is required

When can I go?

We run programmes throughout the year, mainly timed to fit in with Uganda school terms. Look at the list below to see what fits in with your skills, education and interest.

  • To view web pages describing the program, click the Info link
  • If you have questions or want to chat to us, click the Enquire link
  • When you are ready to send us your application form, click the Apply link

The 2012 programme is:

  • March: Volunteer teaching, 6 weeks

    Join a group teaching in primary schools in rural Africa in your student break or gap year

  • Fri 09 Mar 12 to Fri 20 Apr 12

  • Package cost £1250 less £50 discount

  • Info
    Enquire
    Apply
  • June: Volunteer teaching, 6 weeks

    Join a group teaching primary schools in rural Africa in your Uni vacation or gap year

  • Mon 11 Jun 12 to Sun 22 Jul 12

  • Inclusive package cost £1250

  • Info
    Enquire
    Apply
  • June: Volunteer teaching, 12 weeks with summer school

    Join a group teaching primary schools in rural Africa in your Uni vacation or gap year

  • Mon 11 Jun 12 to Thu 30 Aug 12

  • Cost including summer school £2300

  • Info
    Enquire
    Apply
  • NQT Inspire Programme

    An unforgettable summer of teaching experience and real impact. (Post PGCE)

  • Sun 01 Jul 12 to Mon 30 Jul 12

  • Inclusive package cost £950

  • Info
    Enquire
    Apply
  • July: Volunteer teaching, 6 weeks with summer school

    Join a group teaching in primary schools and summer school in your Uni vacation

  • Thu 19 Jul 12 to Thu 30 Aug 12

  • Cost including summer school £1350

  • Info
    Enquire
    Apply
  • Teach First Internship

    Internship for Teach First participants and ambassadors, leading teacher training in Bwindi.

  • Mon 30 Jul 12 to Sun 26 Aug 12

  • £800 (£1050 with Safari)

  • Info
    Enquire
    Apply
  • Research Uganda Internship

    Volunteer Uganda Research Internship. Build your experience while driving our work.

  • Sun 26 Aug 12 to Sat 22 Sep 12

  • Inclusive package cost £950

  • Info
    Enquire
    Apply
  • Enterprise Uganda (Birmingham Team)

    Internship for socially conscious business minded students with an appetite for adventure.

  • Sun 26 Aug 12 to Sat 22 Sep 12

  • Inclusive package cost £950

  • Info
    Enquire
    Apply
  • September: Volunteer teaching, 6 weeks

    Join a group teaching in primary schools in rural Africa in your student break or gap year

  • Fri 07 Sep 12 to Wed 17 Oct 12

  • Cost £1250 less £100 early booking discount

  • Info
    Enquire
    Apply
  • September: Volunteer teaching 12 weeks

    Join a group teaching in primary schools in rural Africa in your student break or gap year

  • Fri 07 Sep 12 to Wed 28 Nov 12

  • Cost £2,200 less £100 early booking discount

  • Info
    Enquire
    Apply
  • Educational Leadership Research for TF Ambassadors

    Carry out your masters research in an exciting setting in collaboration with of TF ambassadors.

  • Fri 07 Sep 12 to Wed 17 Oct 12

  • Cost £1250 less £100 early booking discount

  • Info
    Enquire
    Apply
  • October: Volunteer teaching 6 weeks

    Join a group teaching in primary schools in rural Africa in your student break or gap year

  • Fri 19 Oct 12 to Wed 17 Oct 12

  • Cost £1250 less £100 early booking discount

  • Info
    Enquire
    Apply
 

The (not so) small print:

  • These prices are a full package which includes food, transport and accommodation in Uganda
  • You should also budget for your flight, insurance and medical preparations
  • A discount of £50 per person applies for groups of two or more who apply together
  • You pay a £200 deposit when you apply so we can hold your place (we refund it if you cancel for good reason)
  • We suggest you choose optional excursions & safaris which are fantastic value
  • For full details, see What does it cost?