1. Teaching Impact

It is our firm belief that teaching is the most valuable way to volunteer abroad. With over 50% of Uganda's population under the age of 15, the education system, which provides the best path away from poverty, is put under enormous strain. Our volunteers provide invaluable support to understaffed schools, bring a new skill set to the area and as a result of their own experience and our LRTT (Limited Resources Teaching Training) course, are able to raise the standard of education in the area.

2. Longstanding Charitable Partnership

Unlike most volunteering organisations, Volunteer Uganda's programme was set up following the identification of a real need for well educated enthusiastic volunteers. Volunteer Uganda and our supporters already had a longstanding commitment to development. Working closely with CHIFCOD, our partner NGO we have already set up four primary schools, one secondary and one higher education college. On top of these effectively run institutions, VU has also facilitated a range of health, water and microfinance projects. It is apparent to our volunteers that we run the volunteering for Uganda, rather than for ourselves. Unfortunately this ethos is rare in the field of 'voluntourism'.

3. Health Education

A highlight for many volunteers and an aspect of the programme of which we are particularly proud, relates to our partnership with the NGO "Mend the Broken Hearts of Uganda". Volunteers work to educate young people in rural communities on how to avoid HIV and about the importance of family planning. Many volunteers find these talks the most rewarding experiences of their time in Uganda, as VU's work in this field has a visible impact on the community.

4. Wildlife

The VU lodge in Kanungu is ideally placed near to a number of the best wildlife viewing locations in the world. Our teams go on safari to see Uganda's Big Five (Lion, Elephant, Hippo, Buffalo, Leopard) in Queen Elizabeth National Park which has drawn international acclaim for its tree climbing lions. Volunteers are also given the unique opportunity to track chimpanzees in the breath taking Kyambura Gorge and to emulate Diane Fossey (Gorillas in the Mist), and David Attenborough in tracking some of the world's 600 remaining mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Our programme has proven to combine effective volunteering with unique opportunities to experience some truly phenomenal array of wildlife.

5. Adventure

For those with a sense of adventure, white water rafting on the White Nile (link to Adventure page) is about as exhilarating as it gets. With rapids ranging from Grade 1-5, the rafting not only provides unparalleled thrills, but also a fantastic means by which volunteers can bond together on their first full day Uganda. Real adrenaline junkies can also brave Uganda's only bungee jump. Volunteer Uganda thus offers a carefully thought out programme that combines both high-impact volunteering with invaluable experiences and unforgettable adventures that can't be found elsewhere.

6. The Local Community

Volunteer Uganda has an excellent relationship with the people of Kanungu. The local community recognises the effective work of volunteers in the region and the on-going transformational impact across the region through our wide range of projects. Thousands of children across the region have been taught by our volunteers. VU's good rapport with the people of Kanungu is strengthened by the fact that we are now the second largest employer in the district, providing jobs for increasing numbers of local people. Volunteers can expect a very warm reception from a generous, gracious and grateful community.

7. Profits Reinvested

Almost all of the money you pay to Volunteer Uganda is used to develop our projects in Uganda. Any surplus revenue is used to repay the interest-free loans that have made the development of Volunteer Uganda possible. Our volunteer programme has a growing staff team of 15 and our expanding fleet vehicles give us the necessary logistical capacity to be highly affective in country. All the above makes it very visible to volunteers where cost of their placement goes. Whilst VU provides paid employment for a growing number of Ugandans, our UK staff work unpaid.

8. LRTT Course, Mentoring and UK Staff

For most volunteers, it is their first experience of teaching. Our certificated LRTT training course equips volunteers to be highly effective in their teaching. Our team of group leaders and volunteer mentors includes teachers from both the UK and Uganda, which means volunteers have all the support they need to have a transformational impact on your students' futures.

9. Security

Uganda's crime rate is one of the lowest in Africa and the rural southwest is a safe place to be. Nonetheless we take security very seriously and our enclosed lodge has a 24 hour guard. Having our British staff living on site at the lodge and always having vehicles at hand means we are well equipped to any issue, be it acute illness or otherwise. It is important to understand that this security is not a necessity but a precaution.

10. Beautiful Country

Upon visiting in 1907, Winston Churchill described Uganda as "The Peal of Africa", a description widely upheld by those who travel to this beautiful country today. With lush green valleys, vast lakes and stunning mountains, Uganda's equatorial climate and landscape really is something to behold. It is the perfect location for relaxing in the evenings, with a beer and a barbecue on the go, alongside friends, after an inspiring day.