Small Business Development Volunteering in Uganda

Coming from the busy city of London, this was a fantastic experience to open my mind, get to know a festinating culture while being able to reach out to people in need and support this honest, small charity led by Ivan. I have been able to learn a lot about the food, the way of living and about the people in Uganda thanks to BID. I was able to learn how to make bricks for the organization, plant vegetables for food supply and visit villages where vulnerable people are helped and women are empowered thanks to BID Uganda.

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.

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.

As a nurse in the US, I had always wanted to get some volunteering experience in a foreign country so when my friend mentioned that she was looking at a program in Uganda (The Real Uganda), I asked her if she wanted some company and the planning started…. We were placed at St. Charles Lwanga Buikwe Hospital and stayed with Tony and his family from Hopeline in Lugazi. Tony took the time to show us around Lugazi when we arrived and gave us a tour of all the sites that we’d be visiting. We accompanied the doctor on their morning rounds and I learned so much from them. I learned how they treat for malaria, typhoid, sickle cell crisis, malnutrition to name a few, and how they monitor HIV. I was able to see firsthand the challenges that both the healthcare staff and patient populations face due to the lack of equipment and/or funds yet how positive, humble, and optimistic everyone that I encountered was. In the afternoons, we would visit the ladies in either the Bulyantete and Mayindo groups. If you are a bit introverted like me, don’t worry – you’ll still do fine! You’re going to dance, there’s just no way around it. I had a great time with the women’s groups – everyone was so welcoming and kind. We sang, danced, played net ball, and they taught me how to make kabalagala and how to prepare and fry cassava. Again, the positivity and friendliness was astounding. Leslie totally welcomed us and prepared us for everything, she is easy to communicate with and responds quickly. I think this organization and what she is doing is pretty awesome. If there is anything that you need or want to do, she is your go to person! Definitely take time to do the things like rafting and exploring while you are here – Uganda is beautiful and fun. I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to have had this experience and to have met all of the people that I did on this trip. The only thing that I would change is to spend more time here.

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

For this entire program, I give 10/10 ⭐ stars because the benefits to both the community and the organization are huge. Especially the knowledge and experience exchanged during volunteering period is priceless and this greatly elevates the once poor communities to well independent villages.

The Real Uganda responded to this reviewNovember 23, 2022

Robert - this feels so good to hear. We can't wait to move into 2023 with you.

Our programs are so much in benefiting both grassroot individuals most especially the unprevillaged women and children and our volunteers so that to regain hope thus dreaming again, the people we work with are much more happy to receive volunteers who always show them good behavioral habits and they always try to exchange their cultural, educational, emotional values which is what we do want our volunteers and people to obtain in their stay, it's not about being well off to be able to work with us but the love and happiness is more precious to people you will always meet on ground, Our dear friend's we do request you to work together to grow our communities we live in and to make changes in people's lives Best regards Tony

The Real Uganda responded to this reviewNovember 23, 2022

Thank you, Tony, for giving future volunteers these insights into what our partners find important in an international volunteer.

Hello, It's my pleasure to able to share my experience with my first volunteer from the Real Uganda. At first she was a little nervous which is truly fine here and days after that through out her 30days of stay. She was completely a fully blended in person. In my experience, the following elements helped with her quick bonding. Quick interuction with the two programs staff members. This helped my volunteer get different views from different staff with different positions on programs. The routine work outs at the foot ball pitch in my local community. This exposed my volunteer to the wider part of my village which was calm and very welcoming for her stay. The weekend trips to the capital of Uganda and other parts of my district Mukono helped alot in assuring my volunteer about safety both in and out of my home where she stayed with my family for a month. Whenever we could head out to help establish small vegetable gardens for these mothers, my volunteer gets a typical and more authentic rural Ugandan experience hence adding more esteem in her. Yes, there is a Luganda old saying that goes "good things always come to an end while still hot" I couldn't afford looking at my volunteer's eyes plus my daughter's eyes all dropping tears down due to the bonding the family had created with the volunteer on her last day with us. The community we serve got transformed in a sence that if a strange person comes down to help create income generating ventures in rural Uganda then we can do more for our selves. Many more rural homesteads established own small veges gardens to serve the purpose of nutrition uplift and small income growth. Ishmail Programs director, Mercys Nest Foundation.

The Real Uganda responded to this reviewNovember 23, 2022

Thank you, Ismail, for sharing the work you do with our volunteers. We look forward to seeing our partnership deepen in 2023.

Leslie at the Real Uganda is doing something really special and incredible. She has taught me so much about the Real Uganda and about traveling ethically. She does a very good job of getting volunteers settled. There were many times that something happened in the village that Leslie had already predicted/given me advice on! When I had stomach problems, Leslie responded right away and made me feel very safe and protected. She even planned our weekend excursions and gave us lots of information on how we could make the most of our time. I found myself planning my departure of Uganda around when I could properly say goodbye to Leslie. I wanted to make sure that I had ample time to debrief my experience because she had become so important to my experience!! Because she is from Canada, I felt like she knew what I needed to know before staying in village. The Public Health program that I was placed at really prioritized my learning. As soon as I arrived, I was sat down and explained all of their HIV protocols. I was encouraged to ask any questions that I had, and all of the clinicians were eager to help me learn. I spent most of my time pricking fingers in the lab for testing and recording patient information in the records. While the work was not always riveting, I knew that I was spending my time in a way that was helping the clinic. There were days that I did 60-70 malaria tests! That is 60-70 people that did not have to wait around as long and could receive care much quicker. I really enjoyed getting to know the clinicians. They made a point to learn my name and say hi to me around the facility. In fact, once I saw a clinician out in town, and she accompanied me to get all the things I needed to buy! Another aspect of the public health program involved building plate drying racks. This allowed plates to dry above the ground and not collect dirt/bacteria while drying. We built three different drying racks for three different families during my month. We learned from community members what we needed to cut and measure and just followed their lead! I have never been as impressed as I was when I saw a 70-year-old women machete through a branch in 4 swings. For context, it took me about 20 to get all the way through. I was humbled, to say the least. This was an awesome project! I loved learning from the experts and seeing community members come together. The first two racks we made were all women groups, and that was super empowering to see. Excuse my language, but these women were certified badasses!! Overall, my month in Uganda was characterized with lot of learning. I learned so many traveling tips, and I have a lot more confidence in traveling alone. I learned about HIV and how a clinic operates. I learned how to use natural resources to make a drying rack. I learned about what Uganda is really like! Most of all, I learned more about the person I want to be and the way I want to exist in the world. A lot of this is thanks to The Real Uganda.

I volunteered with The Real Uganda for 3 month in two different projects. The first 6 weeks I spent in a public health project. We built clay stoves, made hand crafts, gave nutrition advices and worked in a aids clinic and at a school. I had different kind of options to do in this project and I could choose at the beginning, in which area I wanted to spent most of the time. In my second project I changed the family and the place to work in the agriculture. We have been in different areas with different groups of women. It was very interesting and all these women were absolutly lovely. The families, where I lived, were very friendly and gave me a second home. I always felt very welcome and I could talk to the parents about every topic I was interested or whats on my mind. The organization around my stay was very good! Leslie is doing here a great job. The pick up at the airport, the first night, the places where I lived ect. everything was organized very well! It's also very nice, that I could always contact Leslie and she was always there for me. Also when things are difficult, or I felt homesick or whatever. Finally, I had great 3 month in Uganda and I can really recommend The Real Uganda.

The Real Uganda responded to this reviewMay 04, 2022

Thank you, Joana, for adding our first review since Uganda's COVID-19 lockdown ended. The Real Uganda is happy to be out in the community doing the work our partners wish to do. Our volunteers are met with enthusiasm and hospitality.

I probably had one of the best experiences of my life in Natuwa for a month, feeding the many animals that live there, taking care of them, discovering a different way of life than mine, more minimalist and peaceful. Rodolfo is an extremely understanding man who cares about the well-being of his voluntarios. We had the chance to do several extra activities outside the centre, such as snorkeling near to Isla Tortuga, or swimming at night with bioluminescent planktons, which were dazzling. The workteam is really friendly and allows you to feel integrated quickly and easily. However, you have to expect to work hard sometimes, for example planting trees, doing work to maintain the infrastructure, but this is only a part of the day. outside the centre

I spent four weeks with Volunteer the Real Uganda, working in a community outreach/public health program. 'Accidentally' coming across Leslie's organization and getting in touch with her was the best thing that could've possibly happened. She came back to every single E-Mail in less than 24 hours, sending me a ton of information beforehand. She puts a lot of effort into preparing volunteers to work in Uganda, I have really never seen anything like it. Within 24 hours of arrival I got a crash course in all relevant matters, like how to use public transport, what to expect at the project, what to do in case of sickness, etc.. During my stay Leslie was contactable 24/7, and very helpful! Work at the project site was good, the living conditions simple but sufficient. The people living in the project with me were lovely and doing a great job at teaching Luganda and making me try all the foods. We drove out to different villages (for either day trips or a few days in a row) and gave talks on HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, nutrition, sanitation,... It is intense and sometimes hard work, but super rewarding. Because of the short stay I decided to work weekends, but could've also used them to see some more of Uganda. It's a stunning country! I can absolutely recommend Leslie and the Real Uganda, if you feel like volunteering in a very real, down to earth project. She does an amazing job.

I had a time of my life i just want live the real life, compartir my time in this moment with real people. See other culture, expand my mind, compartir saberes, be a friend and connect with people a través the universal awareness.

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewMarch 24, 2019

Hi Rebeca,<br/>Thank-you so much for this enthusiastic review of our programs. We completely agree that volunteering is a fantastic way to connect with people and travel around the world doing humanitarian work.<br/>Thanks again for being a part of what we do here at Love Volunteers.<br/>The Team @ Love Volunteers

Tirana is a safe, interesting city with lots of places to visit and eat. The people are very respectful and friendly and transportation in the city is excellent. Albania is country full of history, with a variety of museums to visit, from history to art. There are a variety of restaurants, cafés and bars where you can eat and relax. The people are very relaxed and polite. Altin was very friendly and kindly provided airport pickup and departure. He also recommended places to visit. Maria is a lovely lady who cares deeply for animals and there is some really crucial work being done at the shelter such as sterilisation, rehabilitation and adoptions. There are too many animals at the shelter and not enough people to ensure all the dogs for example have enough environmental enrichment and exercise but of course I understand this is difficult and differs from country to country and hopefully will begin to change as the attitude improves toward animal welfare in Albania. TIPS: Make sure you go out into the city and sample traditional Albanian food, visit the attractions such as the museums. As for the project don't be afraid to suggest doing certain things, such as taking the dogs in the clinic outside for exercise as well as interacting and spending time with as many of the dogs as you can. Maria is very open and will listen to suggestions. Cleaning the shelter takes up a lot of time, however there are staff employed at the shelter which gives volunteers time for this crucial interaction.

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewMarch 28, 2019

Dear Rhys,<br/>Thank-you for this amazing review of our Animal Welfare program in Tirana, Albania. Your care for animals is so apparent in this account and your contribution on the program was highly valued by the local team.<br/>Reading reviews such as yours provides future volunteers an invaluable insight into volunteering and the crucial role that they can play in areas where help is so desperately needed.<br/>How amazing to be involved in such a rewarding project whilst staying in a city as historical and beautiful as Tirana! Great tips btw!<br/>Thanks again for your contribution to the program for being an amazing Love Volunteer!<br/>From all of us at The Team @ Love Volunteers

The time I spent in Dubai, Oman and Abdul Dhabi, I have a wonderful and experiential Joy with the people and I was able to showcased my skills and the people explore my knowledge to their satisfaction Little details of my experience Dubai Falcon Ballroom Hotel which was so great. Even more perfect was the fact that they had thought of everything in advance, I didn’t need to remind them I needed a fresh bed shread in the room (which I did have to do twice at the local hotel I stayed in my country, more on this later) as they had already taken care of that prior to our arrival. The bed, oh the bed! It was dreamy in every way, the most comfortable place I’ve ever laid in, and the most restful sleep I had had in years, and sometimes teary nighttime awakenings. some things can’t be helped…oh, the joys of travelling with flight Emirate is spectacular. A night between those bed-sheets really restores and rebalances you. I had excellent views directly facing the Mall of the Emirate and part of the pool below (if you stretched your neck). Everything in the room was spotlessly clean and looked brand new. The desk was comfortable for planning my daily routes on our my map.

It was a rewarding experience to work in Bamenda. It is not easy but worth it. Having worked in a few other charitable places, I found it much harder to work here. But the people still benefit from your help. Cameroon is a poor country when seen from a volunteer's point of view. I have traveled in many parts of the world, including Africa, Latin America and Asia but I was very sad to see the state of Cameroon in the 21st century. People are extremely lovely, especially the ones in English speaking part of Cameroon! It might have something to do with the fact that I don't speak French! Although there was a conflict going on in Bamenda at the time, it does not affect you as far as you stay away from the no-go regions. Be prepared for a little corruption (I had to pay a small bribe at the airport for bringing in my own local anaesthetic cartridges). There are no fast food chains or anything similar in Bamenda. I found one local restaurant in Douala which had similar standards as a standard western outlet. Otherwise most other eateries are not the cleanest. Home cooked food at my homestay was good. The project I worked on was well managed and organised. I had some help from the Cameroonian counterparts, but not a lot till I arrived there. Once I arrived and people realized how serious I was about helping and then things went smoothly. My host cooked some lovely meals for me every day. The meals are simple but delicious. don't expect sweets/ puddings everyday. Usually you will eat only twice a day. The homestay is very safe. The toilet and bathroom is basic but acceptable. Your host will have a means of transport (motor bike) and he will take you around anywhere you need to go. My host was extremely helpful and went out of his way to help me in achieving my goals. TIPS: 1) Don't be put off by the news. Your in-country organisers will take good care of you and make sure you are safe. 2) Be prepared for serious poverty, especially when it comes to resources, such as medical consumables, stationary etc. If possible, bring your own supplies. 3) The town of Bamenda has very few roads and thus it gets very dusty. Take wet wipes with you! 4) some of the standards of cross infection in the hospitals might not be up to scratch. Put your foot down and demand better standards (you might have to carry a few consumables yourself, such as gloves, masks and hand sprays).

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewJanuary 30, 2019

Dear Sagar,<br/><br/>We can't thank-you enough for your contribution as a qualified dentist on the medical program in Cameroon. As you yourself know well it's a challenge getting things done in Africa and it's a testament to your commitment that you were able to achieve so much during your time in Bamenda.<br/><br/>This review is hugely valuable in letting potential volunteers know about the difficulties and the rewards of volunteering in Cameroon and we appreciate the time you have taken to share your experiences and your continued support of upcoming volunteers.<br/><br/>Thanks again and we wish you all the very best for your dental career and hope to have you join us again in the future if you are able.<br/>The Team @ Love Volunteers