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Community Development & Volunteering in Uganda logo

Community Development & Volunteering in Uganda

by: The Real Uganda

9.75 (8)Verified

Ever thought of traveling to Uganda? It’s a peaceful, vibrant country known for its breathtaking landscapes and warm, welcoming people. Ugandans are famous for their hospitality and love collaborating with international volunteers. Our volunteers are resourceful and community-driven self-starters aged 18-65 working year-round in integrated community development programs, supporting schools, organi...

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Program Highlights

Engage in a variety of activities that help real people improve their lives.

Learn about the successes and challenges of life in a developing country.

Build life long relationships with local people and volunteers from all over the world.

Spend your time with empowered Ugandans, totally immersed in local culture and way of life.

Enjoy weekends exploring Uganda. Choose from zip-lining in a rain forest, white water rafting the Nile, wildlife safari, and primate tracking.

Quick Details

Locations
  • Rural Areas, Uganda
Availability
Year(s) OfferedYear RoundDuration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 5-8 Weeks
Cost Per Week$100-300
Age Requirement:Varies
Types & Subjects:
  • AIDS
  • Arts
  • Childcare & Children
  • Community Development
  • Culture
  • See more
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.75

Total Reviews

8

The simple things in life

December 14, 2023by: Kathy Lynch - AustraliaProgram: Community Development & Volunteering in Uganda
10

My volunteering time with The Real Uganda was an eye opening experience and a reminder that a simple life can be so rewarding to others and myself. Learning from the locals and using my skills and knowledge with them was incredible. My experience was so life changing and memorable that nineteen years on, I am still in contact with the Real Uganda.

The Real Uganda logo
The Real Uganda responded to this reviewDecember 15, 2023

Aw, Kathy! Thanks so much for the kind words and tonnes of love over the years, Leslie

Amazing unforgettable experience

October 27, 2022by: Deborah Pardon - United KingdomProgram: Community Development & Volunteering in Uganda
10

From the moment we landed to the time we were collected for our return flight we were offered every opportunity to immerse ourselves in the Ugandan way of life. Amazing tour guides and travel partners.

Zip lining in the jungle

From volunteer to association founder

October 26, 2022by: Jens Hirschfeld - GermanyProgram: Community Development & Volunteering in Uganda
8

That's my (short) story from volunteering in Uganda in 2014 to founding my own NGO in Germany in November 2019. My time with The Real Uganda began in September 2014, on a rainy day in the middle of the night at the airport in Entebbe. Leslie from The Real Uganda picked me up and I spent the first 48h at her volunteer base in Mukono, enjoying a first orientation. I was then drawn to my chosen projects in Lugazi, an hour away from Mukono, on the third day. My current friend and project partner, Tony Wanyoike, picked me up. We did not know each other or exchanged any information beforehand and my excitement was quite high despite my 34 years of age and various travel experiences. I only remember the first trip together vaguely. But it was a quiet getting to know each other. The silence, uncertainty, some doubts and a kind of cultural shock were gone quickly. Tony Wanyoike is a wonderful person and the support from Leslie and The Real Uganda was important, intensive and helpful, especially in the first days. Over time, I got to know and appreciate not only Tony. I lived together with Tony's family and immersed myself deeply in their everyday life. At the same time, I always kept in touch with Leslie and visited her from time to time in Mukono. I worked particularly intensively with the women's groups in Bulyantete and Mayindo. I also gained an insight into the rural located Kasubi Health Centre and helped to organise lessons at various schools. Every day there was so much traditional singing and dancing during my volunteer time in Uganda. One day I decided to teach "my ladies" a own kind of choreography (watch video below). It was great fun! Those women are amazing in many ways! Uganda is a great country with very hospitable people. My daily work had a great impact on me. I saw myself as a very little daily tealight of hope. Besides the hospitality of the people, I was impressed by the fact that despite great poverty, hunger, disadvantages, educational barriers and some illnesses, they mostly go about their daily lives with admirable humility and confidence. Since those days, the projects in the central Ugandan hinterland have become my microcosm of aid. Since 2019 I am project partner of Tony and Leslie with Hopeline Germany. I hope this partnership will last for a long time. I am always happy to answer detailed questions about my time and life on site. I am looking forward to my next visit in February 2023.

Me & Ladies of Bulyantete after a game of NetballKids all around Eating sugarcane
Jens Hirschfeld video

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Rural Areas, Uganda

Types and Subjects

  • Adventure Types
  • Cooking
  • Dancing
  • Eco Tours

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 5-8 Weeks
Gap Year Timing:

    Age Requirement

    Age Requirement Varies

    Guidelines

    • All Nationalities
    • This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

    Cost per week

    $100-300

    Program Cost Includes

    • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
    • Some Program Activity Costs
    • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
    • Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Accommodation Options

    • Guest House
    • Home-stays

    Qualifications & Experience

        Accepted Education Levels

      • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

      Application Procedures

      • Online Application
      The Real Uganda

      The Real Uganda

      9.75Verified

      Ready to Learn More?

      Ever thought of traveling to Uganda? It’s a peaceful, vibrant country known for its breathtaking landscapes and warm, welcoming people. Ugandans are famous for their hospitality and love collaborating with international volunteers. Our volunteers are resourceful and community-driven self-starters aged 18-65 working year-round in integrated community development programs, supporting schools, organic farms, health centers, and women's groups. All placements begin on the 1st and 15th of every month, lasting 2 to 12 weeks. Volunteers bring encouragement, creativity, and compassion to our communities through various impactful activities: -Organizing arts, crafts, and sports in primary schools -Supporting meal preparations, daily chores, and child care at boarding schools -Mentoring and trainin...

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