Go Volunteer Africa offers exciting short-term and long-term affordable volunteer opportunities in Uganda. The volunteer opportunities in Uganda are open to people of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of nationality or qualifications.
As a volunteer, you will experience traditional Uganda life and participate in daily activities, such as cooking over an open fire, collecting firewood, playing with children, teaching children, assisting in the vegetable garden as well as construction projects.
The type of work you are involved with will be dependent on your interests, abilities, level of experience as well as your comfort levels. One of the advantages of Go Volunteer Africa’s Uganda volunteer program is that you are not limited to one job role and will have the opportunity to ‘sample’ other roles during your placement.
UGANDA VOLUNTEER WORK SCHEDULE
Working hours are normally 4-8 hours a day from Monday to Friday. Weekends are free for traveling to other parts of Uganda or across the East Africa. Upon arrival, there is an orientation session for new volunteers to become acquainted with the local culture, language and project work. Further training and supervision may be provided to new volunteers who are interested in tasks for which they lack adequate experience.
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
Volunteers sleep in comfortable shared dormitory and private rooms arranged at our volunteer house or with a local host family. Although we provide sheets, blankets and mosquito nets, volunteers are encouraged to bring their own sheets or sleeping bags
All meals are provided by at the projects as part of the program fee. The main staples of the diet are rice, beans, posho (corn meal), potatoes, cabbage and bread, chapati. Fresh fruit and vegetables are readily available and are inexpensive to purchase.
VISAS
We recommend volunteers join our volunteer opportunities in Uganda to get tourist visas to come to the volunteer program in Uganda. This normally is a 3 months renewable VISA, and can easily be applied for in advance online. click here HERE.
CLOTHING
With regards to clothing, keep in mind that the Uganda is very dusty and is often hot and dry, even in rainy season. Volunteers should anticipate that clothes and footwear will become dirty quickly so we suggest durable outdoors clothes that will last your stay. Of course there are facilities to wash clothes and shoes as regularly as you wish.
Some suggested hints for clothes are:
- Uganda is generally a conservative community, all volunteers should bring at least one pair of long pants or skirt as well as a shirt that covers your shoulders otherwise acceptable clothing includes singlet and knee-length skirts/shorts. Volunteers should understand that very short skirts and skimpy clothing will attract attention and we particularly advise that women volunteers limit the wear of bikini tops, halter necks, midriff tops and short skirts. However, we also advice that male volunteers wear a shirt/singlet (i.e. not topless) and wear knee length shorts.
- At least two pair of shoes, including one pair of comfortable covered shoes or trainers and one pair of sandals or flip-flops.
- Sunhat to prevent sunburn (particularly for volunteers unused to strong sunlight).
- During rainy season, the nights and mornings can get cool. We suggest that volunteers bring light jumpers or pullovers to layer clothing (rather than thick jumpers etc).
AIRPORT TRANSFERS AND ORIENTATION
Upon arrival at the Entebbe International Airport (airport code: EBB) in Entebbe, you will proceed through immigration and customs officials. One of our representatives will be waiting for you outside the arrivals hall. Look for a sign with your name on it.
Our representative will accompany you to the volunteer house the same day. We offer 24/7 airport transfers. If you are arriving via other transportation (such as Bus) please contact us so we can make the necessary arrangements to meet with you.
Upon arrival at the project the next day, we offer orientation which include meeting local staff, a tour of the local area, discussion of the volunteer role, recent changes and current plans/developments at the orphanage etc.
WHAT VOLUNTEERS CAN EXPECT
Prior to your Arrival
Prior to departing your home country, Coordinators of Go Volunteer Africa will be available on email and via phone (if you prefer) to discuss your volunteer placement in Uganda. Once you have successfully applied to join Go Volunteer Africa program, you are sent an official acceptance letter, which gives you a go-ahead to book the flight that brings you to the Pearl of Africa!
Health, Insurance and Vaccination
It is recommended you have travelers’ health insurance when you leave your country. We suggest purchasing on-line here. It is advisable that volunteers bring their own first aid kit, and any prescribed medication. Basic medication such as paracetamol and for upset stomachs is available, as are basics such as band aids, cotton buds and wipes.
Yellow Fever is absolutely required to enter Uganda and you may be required to show prove at the airport. Also, the following are recommended vaccinations;
- Diphtheria
- Polio
- Tetanus
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis
Volunteers will also require anti-malaria pills.
WHAT TO BRING
Below is a list of recommended supplies to have with you during your experience with Go Volunteer Africa, as suggested by past volunteers. Of course, this is not a comprehensive list but rather should give you an idea of some of the essentials as well as items that will make your stay more comfortable. Also note that most of these items can be purchased with ease in the local town.
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Camera batteries (rechargeable)
- Flashlight/torch (rechargeable)
- Bed-sheets & mosquito net
- International adaptor
- Umbrella /poncho / raincoat (dependent on when you are visiting)
- Durable Water Bottle (such as a Nalgene bottle)
DURING YOUR STAY
There are staff members at the host community to support and assist you. They assist administration and managing the day to day activities. They are available to answer questions, act as a local guide and ensure that you settle into the community.
Volunteers can also expect regular visits from a representative of Go Volunteer Africa. This representative will be able to bring any supplies you require, provide information, support and assistant if you require. Also to resolve any issues that may occur. This representative will be available via phone and email at any time during your stay.
ATTITUDE
It is important for volunteers participating in our volunteer opportunities in Uganda to understand that the culture in Uganda may be quite different to what they may be accustomed to. Volunteers should bring with them an easy-going, open-minded and relaxed attitude. Ugandan people are very friendly and social people. While we will endeavor to maintain a daily routine, volunteers should understand that things move slowly in Africa. Relax and enjoy the slow pace. Remember that life here is not as organized and predictable as life in developed world. Although work can be very busy and active, at other times work is determined by number of factors including weather, availability of resources, whether a relevant contact has turned up, cultural activities etc.
AFTER YOUR STAY
Go Volunteer Africa would like to remain in contact with all past volunteers and we expect you to spread news about us to your community. We often send updates from the field to past volunteers. Often, we receive volunteers recommended by our former volunteers with some even making return visits.
HOW TO APPLY
If you are planning to start the program in less than 3 months from now (start within 12 weeks from date of application), Fill Volunteer application form. If you are planning to start program more than 3 months from now (start within 13 weeks and above – up to 24 months) or if you are not very certain of the exact start dates- just reserve your placement by filling volunteer reservation form. or Simply Make an inquiry here
Volunteer Application Form Placement Reservation Form Contact Us
