What inspired you to go abroad?
My passion to work with children in childcare and my desire to travel whilst also volunteering
How did you find out about The Real Uganda?
Through thorough research to find the best and most trustworthy not for profit organisation
What was your favorite part about volunteering in Uganda?
Making small differences within the school. Although only small, any difference makes it all worth it. A child’s smile makes it all worth it.
Everyone who lives at Grace with me and Karen
What made your experience abroad unique?
All of it. I’d never visited Africa at all ever, and this experience was the best possible experience I could’ve ever imagined.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
I had full support from every single person involved.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
Wake up and have morning meal with my boarding students before class. Co-Teaching preschool class from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., morning meal break, class again from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Then preschool class ended and we would have lunch. I would then hang out with or play with the children throughout the rest of the day until dinner time. I helped with the laundry and the cooking and serving of dinner, and then we’d wash up after dinner. After dinner we’d head to bed for the most peaceful sleeps, because the area wa so quiet and amazing!
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
I didn’t have much free time, but if I did I would read. And on weekends, I would go away with the other volunteers from other projects to be tourists for the weekend.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
It was just a basic bed in a room in the school next to the other boarding rooms. It was very peaceful and secure.
Me and Karen, a fellow volunteer
What is one thing every participant should know before volunteering with The Real Uganda?
Don’t be a princess. Don’t expect anything to be perfect. Don’t rush anything, and most of all just jump in get involved and have fun with it because it’s amazing
Now that you're home, how has your time in Uganda impacted your life?
It has inspired me to further my experience with children and teaching, and to begin my career in childcare.
Would you recommend your The Real Uganda to other aspiring volunteers? Why?
Yes, because it will humble you beyond belief and be an absolutely life changing experience, and because I know you will love it.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
I wish I could have saved more money to take with me to contribute more in the community by shopping in the markets more.
