Drama Volunteer Programs in Africa

Volunteering with Anointed Vessels Christian School was a truly rewarding experience. As a journalist, I had the opportunity to mentor and train the school's media team on effective storytelling, photography, videography, interviewing, and content creation. It was encouraging to see their passion for sharing the inspiring stories of the children and the impact the school is making in the community. Beyond the media training, I was touched by the dedication of the staff and the joy of the students. The school provides quality education, care, and hope to orphaned and vulnerable children on Mfangano Island. I appreciated being able to contribute my professional skills to strengthen their communication efforts so that more people around the world can learn about their mission. I highly recommend Anointed Vessels Christian School to anyone looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity where their skills can make a lasting difference. The experience was inspiring, welcoming, and deeply fulfilling

Volunteering at Anointed Vessels Christian School was one of the most meaningful experiences have had. During my visit, our team had the privilege of washing the students' feet, mentoring them, donating school shoes, and sharing meal together. These moments allowed us to connect with the children on a personal level and demonstrate Christ's love through practical service. I was inspired by the dedication of the school' leadership who work tirelessly to provide quality education, nutritious meals, and hope to orphaned children on Mfangano Island. The children were joyful, respectful, eager to learn despite many challenges they face. This experience reminded me that even simple acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. I highly recommend Anointed Vessels Christian Schoolto anyone looking for a genuine volunteer opportunity where they can make a real difference while learning about the local community and culture.

I enjoyed some of the activites , but not others. The rivre walk and the walk to the koppies was 10/10. No intrenet was challenging , so 7/10. Jane , Precious , Patrick and Lucas were 10/10. I woul recommend this project to anyone who needs a detox from Social media.

New culture, new people, New Life. When we exchange our perspectives, ideas and plans to make a world better place for everyone. It's good to go different places it helps me view life in many directions

Hice 5 años en haiti, me se su idioma, se toda su cultura, me gustaría volver y apoyarlos en todas las dificultades que tienen, ya que ameritan mucha ayuda de todos nosotros, para ellos poder sobrevivir

I would really like to volunteer. I am passionate about charity and showing kindness to the world. Please, give me a chance. Kindly provide Certificate of sponsorship too since I'm not able to provide for myself at the moment. Kindly put my request into consideration.

I think one of the most memorable experiences in South Africa with GoEco was the Christmas party at Sunshine. The kids were so happy to receive their gifts and I loved taking part in setting it up for them.

This an increasingly popular way for individuals to make a meaningful impact in communities around the world. With numerous organizations offering volunteer programs, it's essential to review and research these opportunities to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. *Pros:* 1. *Cultural Immersion*: Living and working with local communities provides an immersive cultural experience. 2. *Skill Development*: Volunteers can develop new skills and gain experience in areas such as teaching, conservation, and community development. 3. *Networking Opportunities*: Volunteers can connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. 4. *Personal Growth*: Volunteering abroad can be a transformative experience, fostering personal growth and self-awareness. *Cons:* 1. *Cost*: Many volunteer programs come with a hefty price tag, which can be a barrier for some. 2. *Safety Concerns*: Volunteers may face safety risks, such as health concerns or political instability, depending on the destination. 3. *Cultural Differences*: Adapting to local customs and way of life can be challenging for some volunteers. 4. *Quality of Programs*: Some volunteer programs may lack structure, support, or meaningful work, leading to a disappointing experience. *Recommendations:* 1. *Research Thoroughly*: Investigate the organization, program, and destination to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. 2. *Read Reviews*: Look for reviews from past volunteers to gain insight into the program's quality and challenges. 3. *Choose a Reputable Organization*: Select an organization with a proven track record, transparent policies, and adequate support for volunteers. 4. *Prepare Yourself*: Culturally, emotionally, and physically prepare yourself for the experience to ensure a smooth transition. By being aware of the pros and cons, doing thorough research, and choosing a reputable organization, volunteers can have a safe, rewarding, and life-changing experience abroad.

As a Social worker i often meet with clients to assess their needs, provide counseling, and develop individualized plans to address their challenges. This could involve sessions with individuals, families, or groups.

being with the kids was definitely the best part of the experience. I will forever be grateful for every affectionate look, for every genuine smile, for every hug that made me feel at home, for every kind word, for all the generosity and love I have received in the last few weeks.

Incredible experience. Super challenging. Leslie was a fantastic support through the whole program. Felt like I received a genuine Ugandan experience. Leslie connected me with a fantastic local organisation that is really in it's early stages of development. Spending time in the villages and meeting true locals and hearing their stories has changed me. Uganda is a beautiful country so spending a month it wasn't difficult to fill my time. Go into an experience like this with an open mind and heart.

I participated in The Real Uganda's Public Health Improvement program. While in Uganda I spent most days at a local health center, where I volunteered in the antenatal clinic or the antiretroviral therapy clinic. Since I had not yet begun my medical training, I often sorted medications or documented appointments and patient information. However, volunteers with medical experience and adequate qualifications can be more hands-on in the clinic. I am excited to return to the program after beginning medical school and apply my new knowledge at the clinic. During my time at the clinic, I formed meaningful relationships with the people who worked there. I am so grateful to call some of them friends. Some days, I also helped to build mud stoves during the day, and most evenings were spent bonding with my host family. Although I traveled to Uganda as a volunteer, I gained more from my experiences with the locals than I could have ever imagined. I formed such strong bonds with the people at my volunteer site and my host family -- we keep in contact to this day. While in Uganda, I lived in a village with the sweetest and most caring family. There was so much love and happiness within their house, and we now consider each other family. Side note: Although I thought it would be difficult to get used to having no running water (which meant using outdoor pit latrines and taking cold bucket showers), I adapted to it pretty quickly and it was just fine! Please don't let this deter you. This program allowed me to be fully immersed in Ugandan culture and I LOVED that. The Real Uganda is the absolute opposite of "voluntourism", and exactly what I was looking for. Ugandan culture emphasizes joy, gratefulness, community, and kindness to all. While living in Uganda, I learned and began to embody the country’s values. It was typical to remain leisurely and take the time to fully experience the surrounding people and environments. So if you decide to participate in this program, please allow yourself to enjoy this way of life. Leslie (the program founder) was amazing and extremely helpful, from start to finish. As soon as I confirmed my program dates, Leslie began helping me prepare. In the months leading up to my arrival, she continued to walk me through each step of my international travel journey. While in Uganda, Leslie became my second mom. I always went to her with questions, funny stories, and any concerns, and she was always empathetic, honest, and transparent. I also think it's important to note that she conducts this program out of the kindness of her heart. Although she experiences small financial gain from it, Leslie understands the value of the experience she is able to provide to travelers/volunteers at an affordable price. Volunteering through The Real Uganda is 100% worth it, and I would do it a million more times if I could. At the end of my fourth and final week in Uganda, I called my mother and told her I wanted to live in Uganda -- The Real Uganda fostered the love for this beautiful country that grew within me. Ugandan holds a big piece of my heart, and I plan to return within the next year and travel through The Real Uganda once again.

It is impossible to pick just one! But I was able to attend a traditional African church service on Heritage weekend; the opportunity came from the principal at the township school I worked with. Several volunteers went and it was an incredible experience!

I have volunteered with TRU for 2 months and I must say it has been one of the most immersive experiences I have ever had. I have previously volunteered in conservation projects but was looking for some more cultural experience that would help me to understand the relationship between the people and the environment. Leslie, the director of TRU, has been very welcoming, answered all my questions, was available when needed and somehow always full of energy! I was placed with a local family, that took good care of me, in Lugazi and my main focus was working with the women's group as it was what I was really interested in. The Mayiando and Buyentete ladies were very welcoming from the first day, always full of joy and cheerful. And I was always excited to go to see and work with them. Together we managed to built fuel efficient clay stoves which they didn't have before and it was apparent that it was something that was needed in the community. These stoves are faster to cook with and use less firewood and produce less smoke so it has multiple benefits. We also started to make some charcoal briquettes but as it was towards the end of my stay I didn't have much time to pursue it. The women were always happy to work but made sure that we also had a good time and we danced, sang and cooked. Sharing a meal with them was always very special. I must say that the ladies truly touched my heart and I will keep them in my memory forever. During my time I had also chance to do some crafts with the Kobba ladies, visited a local clinic and did some reusable pads workshop at the local school with Doreen and Olivia (the family I lived with). I also wanted to see Uganda a bit so in a spare time I travelled to Jinja, Murchison falls, did gorilla trekking and also some cycling! Overall, it has been a beautiful experience with some challenges (as expected) and I think it made me more aware of who I want to be in this world; that we can all have an impact, big or small and that at the end of the day it is our actions that count.

This program could not have been a better program for my first volunteer experience abroad. First off, Leslie the director is amazing and will think of everything you could possibly need to know before you start your adventure here. She immediately made me feel welcome and helped me get comfortable in the foreign culture. It was great to be fully immersed in the day-to-day lives of a Ugandan family. I was placed with Moses and his family and they were very welcoming and fantastic hosts. The living conditions were just the right amount of immersion. I volunteered at a local clinic where I took a taxi to and from. I also helped build stoves in the surrounding community. The volunteering coordination was overall pretty good I never felt awkward or pushed into something unexpected. However, you have to find your voice and let people know what you like to do and where you want to spend most of your volunteer time. I did have quite a lot of free time during most weekdays which wasn't ideal but I made the best out of it, mostly I liked hanging out with my host family in my free time. I would play with the kids and help with cooking and chores which I really liked. I felt so safe! If safety is something that is holding you back, don't let it because I felt safer than I do walking the streets in my own city. There is way more to this experience than volunteering, I also went on little trips almost every weekend and it was amazing exploring this beautiful country. Everyone and everything here taught me so much. This experience changed me as a person and I will carry this knowledge with me wherever I go.

I previously participated in a trip abroad to represent my country abroad in the field of art and music, and we got third place in singing. I am a girl who loves to travel and help others, especially since I am a doctor. I am used to caring about the health of others. I strive to volunteer in many fields

My time spent with Carpe Diem Education was one of the most impactful periods of my life. My group semester was spent in East Africa, exploring Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda. We learned about vast amounts of history and culture, spent time working with multiple orphanages and schools, learned to scuba dive, dug deep on self-reflection, went on a safari, completed a yoga and meditation retreat, stayed with incredible homestays and built relationships that have lasted the five years since the end of our semester. The relationships I built during Carpe Diem are some of my most treasured. My latitudes semester was spent at a school for children with special needs in rural Uganda, and it was empowering and impactful in ways that I continue to learn about and realize today. I finished my attitudes semester in the spring of 2018 after spending 3 months working every day with the most incredible group of students. In January 2022, I started a Master's Degree in Special Education. My time with Carpe shaped who I am in a dramatic way, and I can't give enough thanks to the incredibly purposeful design of my program. My group semester gave me the confidence and traveling know-how to travel to Egypt solo after my latitudes semester. In May of 2023, I am going to the wedding of a friend I met on group semester. If you are thinking about a gap year program, Carpe Diem Education will help you learn more about yourself and the world around you than you could in any other setting. Anytime I have the opportunity to tell people about Carpe is a privilege. Their programs are designed to push you to learn, grow and step out of your comfort zone.

Extremely well structured and established. With evident care and detail in the planning of the trip. Experience the real day-to-day life of Ugandans and get uncensored access to their culture. Truly an eye-opening experience, that I have not taken for granted.

I spent a month in Uganda volunteering with The Real Uganda. Prior to traveling, I researched a lot of volunteer programs. Most were too costly and didn't offer a community outreach or public health program. The Real Uganda had just what I was looking for, and to top that off, the founder, Leslie is based in Uganda, which made me feel more secure. I got the chance to volunteer at two places. I worked with an organization that works with children with disabilities including cerebral palsy and epilepsy. The work I did with the organization was so inspiring and amazing. I helped the director with various tasks including handing out porridge to the families, creating and maintaining a garden for the families, collecting and distributing money for the women empowerment fund, and helping the children with physical therapy. I also volunteered at a health clinic, where I got the chance to shadow clinicians and take vital signs. My experience working with the clinic and organization was so immersive and nothing short of amazing. Outside of volunteering, my host family was so amazing and welcoming. I loved playing with my host siblings and talking to my host mom and host dad (who happened to work at the clinic and be the director of the organization). And if that is not enough to convince anyone to volunteer, Uganda is such a beautiful country. The landscape is breathtaking. Also, there is a lot to do in the country, from ziplining through the forest, gorilla trekking, and riding a boat up and down the Nile River. This was not my first time abroad, but I can say this was one of my most memorable experiences abroad. I would go back in a heartbeat. Great organization and great program!

My trip to Uganda with Ssamba Foundation was incredible. I went for six weeks, and enjoyed every moment of it!! The activities were explorative, the wildlife was mind-boggling, the scenery was awe-inspiring and the staff were utterly fantastic. This is not my first time volunteering but it is my first time volunteering anywhere abroad. At first, I didn’t know what to expect so I was a little apprehensive but pleasantly surprised when I got there. As an Aussie I can confirm this is the best free volunteer program in Uganda and in the world. The teaching out there is challenging and rewarding, especially when you get to talk to the locals and begin to understand how much difference you can make to improve lives. I can honestly say that “I really did not want to leave!”. I hope that, when you consider doing this project, you understand that yes it is an adventure and yes it is a once in a life time experience; but also you get as much as you put in. The whole experience was brilliant for me. Simply living in the rural jungle and going back to basics, cooking lunch and dinner for each other every day and enjoying a truly communal atmosphere was totally unique and wonderful. I learnt so much from the endless knowledge of the staff members, more especially Hon. Isaac Ssamba, the Founder and George my daily contact, and learnt even more about myself from simply going out there on my own and seeing how I coped. I took some excellent photos, I grew as a person and I made some now beloved friends in the process. I would highly recommend this project for anybody who is outgoing, adventurous and enjoys having simply an amazing time.