Village Primary School Teaching in Uganda

The six weeks I spend teaching and helping out at the school were amazing! Before coming to Uganda, I had never been to an African country. I wanted to see another country but also to immerse into another culture whilst helping others. This is exactly what I got. I was able to stay in a very small village, to eat the local food, and to experience the local life. Not all days were easy, but it was a very beautiful and fun time. The people at the village were very welcoming and friendly, and I never felt alone for one moment! The Real Uganda gave me a very warm welcome and helped me with anything throughout my stay. I felt very safe with them (as a young white woman travelling solo). They also helped me with any tourist trips I wanted to take. It was an experience I will never forget!

I had never traveled in Africa before this. And I wanted to experience the real Africa not the tourist Africa. And it is what i got. It was very real. Living with a family in a small village, working in a local poor school is very eye opening and humbling. I got to eat local foods and experience their every day life. In school I saw and was part of their education. It was very modest but teachers were very welcomy and trying to education your minds to give them a better future with the little resources they had in use. The Real Uganda program was very well organized from applying, arriving, travelling during my volunteer stay and departure. I felt safe and well taken care of before, during and after. I was placed in Buikwe village which is very grass root small poor village middle of nowhere. I would say that only with The Real Uganda program is possible to experience something like this the authentic and real Africa. I was travelling a lot during my volunteer time so it was more than just work and I got to experience the country.

The real Uganda went above and beyond to make this the best experience of my life. I felt as though I was fairly prepared for the life of Uganda. I had been places before where I didn’t lay eyes on a single other white person in a whole day. I had used outdoor drop toilets and eaten street food with my hands. What I wasn’t prepared for was these aspects magnified like never before. I’d go an entire week without seeing a white person. I’d have every single conversation for a whole school week in broken English. I’d have everything washed in water that would give me typhoid if it wasn’t cooked or dried properly. I felt like I was literally walking a tightrope daily. One wrong move, one wet plate, one mozzie bite and I could be ass up or on the next flight home. I could never properly explain how thrilling and frustrating and all round fucking bananas this whole experience was. No one will ever understand, even if you come, you’ll have your experience not mine. But heck. If you can, if you want to; if it even tickles your travelling pickle to come to Uganda. Do it. Don’t think twice. This is a place I’ll be coming back to regularly and a place ill never stop talking about. It’s a place you feel instantly at home while simultaneously feeling like a freak in a zoo. It’s the best thing I have ever done. My only regret is not coming sooner. Keep being rad Uganda you wild and wonderful thing. Until next time.

Volunteering with The Real Uganda is an experience that I still think of often since returning home. I spent 12 weeks in a rural village teaching and helping out around the school and village. I had just gone through a difficult personal time in my life and I needed to shift my focus off of myself and on to others as a way to move forward, and this time in Uganda exceeded my wildest expectations. I could not have picked a better organization to go with for my first trip volunteering abroad. From the moment of first contacting The Real Uganda, they provided me with all of the information and assurance I needed to make the commitment. Once on the ground, I was met by Leslie ( The head of TRU) and myself and the other volunteers were taken around town and instructed on all the basics... ie: how to get cash out, how to use public transportation, cultural norms, best places to eat etc... Then it was off to the village! Spending 3 months living with the kids at the school was incredible. At first it is of course a culture shock, but the kids are SO incredibly happy and friendly and so welcoming that soon you just dive right into your duties. As an artist back home, I spent a good amount of time painting the dorm rooms and had the kids help me paint a large mural at the school, practicing our English along the way. The kids and everyone in Uganda are so friendly and welcoming. They really are such a beautiful community. The Real Uganda also offered detailed information on excursions to do while in Uganda, and were very helpful to set up side trips. While in Uganda I went Gorilla tracking and I went on a safari! I met amazing volunteers from all over the world that I still keep up with to this day. My best take away was to solidify what I already knew, that we are all the same the world over with the same needs and wants and goals. While it may look different to you while in a foreign country, you'll soon learn that you are no different than those you meet along the way. If you get a chance to go abroad with The Real Uganda, please do! It is am amazing country to visit, and TRU will make your stay as seamless as possible! Happy Journeys!

I just completed a 4-week placement with the Real Uganda in Buikwe District! During this time, I taught classes at the Hamilton Primary school, teaching 8 P2 students. I taught everything from Math to Reading, sometimes just in the mornings and sometimes for the whole school day! Because of COVID, schools had been closed for 2 years. In spite of the challenges that missing two years of formalized education can pose, these students were caring, driven, and eager to learn! They were welcoming to me as an outsider, offering to teach me some Luganda, show me around the town, and bring in local treats! The other Hamilton teachers provided a safe space for someone with little formal teaching experience to learn! I loved teaching the kids new songs and games and finding ways to make the lessons interactive. I am so grateful to the students for being their amazing selves, the teachers for supporting me, and to the Real Uganda for making this experience possible!

It was a great time I spent in Uganda, in Kabembe school in Mukono district. The coordinator of the program, the director of the school, teachers and students - everyone was very welcome and made me feel like home. The work was good, thanks to all the teaching materials I had brought with me, I could show the local teachers what other methods they could use when working with the students. Although the teachers didn't seem to be very eager to learn a lot and change a bit their approach (I also have a full understanding of the difficulties thay have to face everyday and the salaries they get), I have a feeling that the approach to work and students that I showed them, might have had a tiny influence on this school community. The students were amazing, full of joy and so eager to learn. It was such a pleasure to teach them :) I think I have learned them something (best to my skills and abilities) but I also have learned something from them. About the place, the school and all the people I met there, I will always have warm thoughts. It was indeed an experience of a lifetime. The living conditions were ok, the help and support of the coordinator of the program was very good (including the trips for the weekend). It was a piece of real Uganda :) that I have experienced.

My goal for coming to Uganda was a strong desire to teach in a country very different to my own. I wanted to experience a new culture and see more of the world. I definitely achieved this, along with so much more. I was based at a local school in Mukono district for 10 weeks. I lived on-site with the beautiful head mistress and the 20 children who called the school 'home'. This meant that I lived and breathed the 'real Uganda'. My weekdays would consist of teaching a P1 class for most of the day, coming home from school and playing with the children, then doing it all again tomorrow. It was a huge change from a New Zealand classroom, I was teaching 'grass roots' style and having so much fun. Although the children lacked many things we at home take for granted, they were so happy. It was seeing their big smiles each day that made me so thankful for this opportunity. The weekends were spent doing activities all around Uganda. Including safaris, whitewater rafting, gorilla trekking as well as just relaxing at the Mukono Guesthouse with the director Leslie Weighill. She always made us feel at home. It's hard to summarise two months in a few paragraphs- but I would say it was the best decision I have ever made. I'll be honest it wasn't smooth sailing the whole time (culture shock is a thing), but the experience, the people and the culture made it unforgettable. The organisation was exceptional, and they chose a fantastic school to place me at, which I will always consider my 'Ugandan Home.' I made lifelong friends and learned so much more about myself. I can't wait to go back! So to those considering an international volunteer teaching placement- look no further.

I couldn’t recommend this program more. This experienced changed my life forever. I was living inside the school and also teaching in the pre-school aged class. It was more than being part of a school, I was part of a family. I truely couldn’t explain how amazing this was. I count down the days until I can return!!

I volunteered with the real Uganda in October of 2017. I was there for a little less than 2 weeks and I volunteered with the Hope line Organization. I have always wanted to volunteer in Africa, and I wanted to find an organization that truly helped out the local community and knew precisely what the locals need/want. Initially contacting Leslie, she answered all my questions and put to bed any hesitations I had about volunteering for an NGO that doesn't have their foot on the ground and understands the local populace. Even though Leslie is what they would call a "mzungu," she has lived in Uganda for over a decade, thoroughly vets all orgs she puts her volunteers in, and really really genuinely cares. Upon arrival, Leslie helped settle me in and introduced me to Uganda. She set my expectations and explained what was going to happen throughout my two weeks in Uganda. Additionally, prior to my trip, I found The Real Uganda website to be incredibly helpful!!! I packed according to tips on the website, and read as much as I can about the culture and people of Uganda. On my second day, I was introduced to my host and director of Hopeline, Tony. Tony, his wife Doreen, and his family were amazing hosts, and treated me as if I were family. During my stay with Tony, I went to the school, helped out at the medical clinic, and hung out with the women's group. All and all, I wish I could have spent more time there. I felt that I barely scratched the surface with my interactions with everyone I met, Tony and his family included. To add on to that, I had to leave a bit early from my experience due to work. Overall, I would say I had one of the most amazing experiences of my life. It was truly great to see and live with local Ugandans whom have such a different culture from what I grew up in. To potential future volunteers, I give one word of advice: go in with an open mind and an open heart. Try everything at least once. If you go in with this mentality, everything will be amazing.

At the boarding school, I helped in the daily affairs: kitchen, washing dishes and clothes, helping the kids with their homework at night. We would also fetch water for showers, as well as for cooking. Sometimes I would go to the nearby town to bring some treats for the kids living there. I spent a lot of time playing and getting to know the kids. I taught English and helped the teachers provide homework for the children. I spent a number of days helping the local community filling out government forms for their children to get an ID, since many parents don’t speak English.

I volunteered through The Real Uganda in 2009. Sometimes, I can't believe it's been that long. The memories have stuck with me in large part because the program was/is so well run. In a way, this efficiency optimized my volunteer experience and made it even more wonderful. I have volunteered abroad through other programs and this one is at the top of my list. Leslie, who runs the program, is wonderful! I highly recommend The Real Uganda!

The Real Uganda is a wonderful organization! Very well organized and set-up to create a positive experience! The founder is knowledgeable, helpful, and available to assist volunteers. She is thoughtful about how to provide support in a meaningful and sustainable way. The organization, The Real Uganda partners with are also doing high-quality work. I taught in a rural school and had a positive and memorable experience! The kids and staff were wonderful! The level of support I received was tailored to meet my needs. I stayed with a host family and felt fully immersed in Ugandan culture. The Real Uganda founder also helped facilitate interactions with fellow volunteers working with different host organizations which was helpful to meet other people in a similar situation. Overall, I would absolutely, without a doubt, recommend this organization!! And will volunteer again myself if I make it back to Uganda :).

Through The Real Uganda, I worked with an organization called Hope Line. It had been a dream to volunteer in Africa for many years, and The Real Uganda not only made this possible, but also ensured that I had the most amazing experience. The support they provided throughout my experience was invaluable, and provided the groundwork for my volunteer experience to have the greatest positive impact on both the people I worked with, and myself.

My two volunteer teaching experiences with The Real Uganda, Fall 2007 and Summer 2010, had a pivotal role in my career path which has led me to pursue my Master of Arts in Sustainable Development from the School for International Training Graduate Institute. Director Leslie Weighill does an amazing job of placing volunteers in quality local NGOs and school placements, while providing support for volunteers while they are in country. My four months within Uganda opened my eyes to a different worldview outside of the U.S. context. I cannot imagine a better volunteer opportunity, particularly to gain an initial insight into Ugandan culture.

I couldn't have more fabulous things to say about Uganda or The Real Uganda. Organizational support was just what was needed, while I got to have the experience I was looking for--at least, to the extent that I knew what I was looking for. Uganda's a hard country to not fall in love with, and I've been coming back ever since I volunteered years ago.

About a year ago, I had a strong desire to go to Uganda. The only problem? I didn't know where to start. Thus, I did quite a bit of research. In my search for a quality organization to volunteer with, I found "The Real Uganda." The Real Uganda proved to be just that- and so much more. From Day 1, TRU (The Real Uganda) supported me in every way that I needed. As soon as I arrived in Uganda, everything that TRU had arranged for me went precisely as planned. I felt safe the entire time, and EXTREMELY welcome! The staff was much awaiting my arrival, and I soon became fast friends with them. In addition, they were superb at forming a community with all of the volunteers. TRU gave us great information on the best Safaris, Nile Rafting guides, and all other enter forms of entertainment. On the weekends, us volunteers would gather together from our separate volunteer location sites to take advantage of these African adventures. Since then, I STILL keep in contact with some of the staff and volunteers. In fact, just 5 days ago I traveled to see a volunteer that I got to know in Uganda! In addition, two Ugandan staff members came and stayed with my family and I when they traveled to the US for the first time, and my family and theirs are now good family friends. In fact, my dad and I are traveling back to Uganda in for 4 weeks to see them, and volunteer! I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!! I have missed it SO deeply since I left. I was located in a remote village outside of Mukono, where I taught/lived in an Orphanage and School. Never have I EVER been so humbled. Hilariously enough, I went to serve. However, what I didn't realize is that I would be the one who would be completely changed! Many organizations don't always properly distribute volunteer funds to the people who need it. However, with TRU this is NOT the case. TRU places volunteers at sites that TRULY need attention and funds. While I was there, the orphanage I worked at was able to have uniforms made for some students due to my volunteer funds. Unlike many western schools, it is pretty vital that students have uniforms at schools. Can you imagine learning in a raggedy t-shirt without pants on? No. Thus, I was so thankful that TRU knew exactly how volunteer funds need to be given. The Real Uganda TRULY gave me the best experience of my life thus far. I could NOT have chosen a more perfect organization to go to Uganda with, and I will definitely be keeping the friendships and memories that I made with me for the rest of my life.

I am belgian and found the organisation online, I had little English knowledge when I arrived in Uganda, I had booked to volunteer in a remote setting for 6 months and this was in 2006. I was picked up by the director at the airport and her vibes, love for uganda an the projects and the way she talked about it just made me sooo excited. Then I was picked up by the program director of the project i was going to be living in Lugazi with Valence and Doreen, and what an experience, I helped building a school fro mthe first stone, we did the first registrations for the kids, made the uniforms, and you should see it now. they are building extra classes, the have bording school, primary and even secondary classes now, the kids get great grades and this is a fantastic school with amazing teachers. THE REAL UGANDA gives you this real experience, your money is spend on the project and it helps building lives, education and so much more. I reccommend it to everyone! I keep going back to uganda and I keep visiting my ugandan family. I love them very much and they are forever in my heart.

The Real Uganda (TRU) is a small ugandan NGO with a very passionful impulse to change people's lives sustainable. Based in the small town of Mukono in Central Uganda Lesley & her partners support local projects with strong efforts, respect & humbleness. For me personal this is a perfect example for a meaningful and profound development cooperation. I hope and I am convinced that this will be the case today, tomorrow and in future. Those guys are diamonds in the sky for every single child, woman & man in this part of the world. Go on doing this!