Gap Year in Uganda

A Broader View makes Gap years in Uganda easier than ever. For Brits looking to take the next step and begin volunteering in this East African nation, we offer a variety of programs that you can take advantage of immediately to begin making a difference in the world. Our Uganda programs are flexible and diverse and give you the opportunity to help those in need in a variety of ways. As one of the leaders in international volunteering, we encourage you to keep reading to find out more about why you should volunteer in Uganda and why you should choose ABV.

Why Uganda?

Uganda is one of the most traveled countries in East Africa. Once called the “Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill, the nation is home to some of the friendliest people in the region. In addition to this, it boasts some of the most diverse fauna and wildlife on the continent. See such amazing sights as the endangered mountain gorilla and chimpanzee in their natural habitat. There’s a lot to see and explore in this East African nation, which is home to several safaris, parks, and nature reserves.

In addition to this, you’ll be able to interact with the local people and get to experience the cultures of the various tribes who call Uganda home. With so much to do and see, you can bet that Uganda is the perfect location for your next volunteer trip to Africa.

The Need

Uganda is home to 27 million people; of these citizens, nearly half are below the age of eighteen. Unfortunately, the nation lacks the resources and development to provide adequate education for these youth. For this reason, many go without schooling at all. Take, for instance, the districts of Wakiso and Mukono, where ABV operates. In these regions, 98% of the people depend on agriculture, meaning that even a majority of kids go without any type of real schooling.

At ABV, we seek to change that. We have a goal of providing every child in the region with fair and equal access to education so that Ugandan communities can begin to grow and flourish. In order to do so, we also seek to stamp out the HIV/AIDS epidemic throughout prevention, treatment, and awareness programs that will have you working with those infected (primarily children in two orphanages).

Through your help, the people of Uganda will begin to experience real and measurable change. For this reason, make sure to seriously consider ABV as your volunteer destination.

Why ABV?

As a 501c(3) nonprofit, ABV is completely dedicated to providing the people we seek to help with the ultimate in care, guidance, and direction. As part of this, we make sure that all of our volunteers are 100% satisfied at all times. We understand how important it is that you have safe, fun, and fulfilling environment. For this reason, we are always on standby to help you through your journey.

ABV has helped thousands of Brits fulfill their volunteer goals since our inception in 2007. For this reason, make sure to choose ABV as your volunteer organisation of choice!

Overview

  • Project Length: From 1 week to 12 weeks
  • Arrival Airport: Entebbe (Code: EBB)
  • Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8 hours per day
  • Requirements: Tourist Visa. Expect rural living conditions
  • Age Limits: Minimum 17yrs or older for solo travelers.
  • Minimum Age: 12 to 16 yrs if traveling with parents.
  • Airlines: KLM, Delta, Emirates, British Air, Qatar and United
  • Vaccinations: Yellow Fever, Malaria, Hep A, typhoid wwwnc.cdc.gov

Volunteer Projects in Uganda Bulenga

Community Development

Community Development

Join this grassroots community focused organization, based in the Wakiso district, aimed at improving the lives of locals through income generating activities, skill development, primary and secondary education for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), and providing HIV/AIDS/health support, educational outreach and sensitization information.

Volunteers contribute to the ongoing projects

Craft making program - started as a widow group initiative with the purpose of improving the livelihood of local widows. The craft project has the added benefit of protecting the environment, since the beads are handmade from recycled newspaper and magazines. The objectives 1) To raise household earnings of widows and orphaned families 2) To increase access to education services by disadvantaged children 3) To combat the magnitude of pollution in the environment

Energy saving program - geared at mitigating environmental degradation. The program focuses on briquette making and use of highly energy saving rocket stoves. The objectives 1) To conserve heating energy during cooking 2) To create gainful employment 3) To mitigate environmental degradation 4) To reduce on household expenditure.

Community Development

Home visits program - to homes of the vulnerable folks in the community. During these visits the following are discussed malaria prevention, hygiene and sanitation, food and nutrition. Provide relief items to beneficiaries. Relief items include rice, maize flour, beans, sugar, soya flour, soap, clothes, shoes.

Chicken program - a chicken rearing expansion project which has been expanded quickly to 1,710 layers with a goal of 4000 layers there is much work still to be done. To realize greater impact/contribution of this project towards program sustainability, a larger expansion is needed. At that rate the program would be able to produce 3800 eggs with a 95% chicken survival rate. Income from selling eggs and poultry will help other local startups with their production and further local expansion.

This program has volunteers involved in a variety of daily projects. Some days may be work in the field, others attending a workshop at a health center, visiting rural villages to deliver aid. Enthusiasm, a good sense of humor and helping spirit are a requirement. Volunteer opportunities are open to all people 17 years and older regardless of ability. Our most productive volunteers have been over 50 years old who have been able to contribute their experience with farming, construction, environmental solutions.

Medical / Community Health

Medical / Community Health

Volunteering in Uganda needed in support of two health centers in the Bulenga community. These health facilities offer maternity services and diagnosis, treatment of malaria, typhoid, diarrhea, as well as provide contraceptive services, immunization for infants, antenatal care, ultrasound scan services, and HIV/AIDS counseling and testing.  Volunteer will also be able to participate in health education focused on providing expectant and nursing teen mothers who visit these health centers.  Main topics include family planning and reproductive health, dietary nutrition for babies, and prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS. Weekly immunization services are provided at the health center, as well as some outreach into remote village areas.

Due to the high number of patients, many are referred to larger hospitals in the city. The two health centers rely on temporary health workers, and volunteers are very much needed to support the staff at both facilities.

Volunteer with medical training/expertise and knowledge in the medical, nursing, midwifery or public health fields (students welcome) can help by providing curative and preventive health services. This is a challenging medical placement due to lack of facilities. Volunteers need to bring their own medical scrubs, gloves, mask for personal use.

Children’s Education

Children’s Education

In a village school which has limited means and supplies. Teaching experience is not required. Children attend school without a separation of ages, so you can expect 5-6 year olds with 12 year olds in the same class. You can begin working with some children, teaching English and basic math. Native English speakers are in high demand and volunteers are anxiously welcome at the school.

School terms vary from year to year but semesters dates are approximately:

  • February 1 to April 30
  • May 20 to August 30
  • September 15 to November 15

Volunteers can assist with the physical upkeep of the school; painting, decorating, mending desks etc. Most important volunteers should try to develop activities  that can be sustained in the future.

Maternity / Mid-Wifery

Maternity / Mid-Wifery

Uganda needed in support of two health centers in the Bulenga community. These health facilities offer maternity services and diagnosis, treatment of malaria, typhoid, diarrhea, as well as provide contraceptive services, immunization for infants, antenatal care, ultrasound scan services, and HIV/AIDS counseling and testing.  Volunteer will also be able to participate in health education focused on providing expectant and nursing teen mothers who visit these health centers.  Main topics include family planning and reproductive health, dietary nutrition for babies, and prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS. Weekly immunization services are provided at the health center, as well as some outreach into remote village areas.

Due to the high number of patients, many are referred to larger hospitals in the city.  The two health centers rely on temporary health workers, and volunteers are very much needed to support the staff at both facilities.

Volunteer with medical training/expertise and knowledge in the medical, nursing, midwifery or public health fields (students welcome) can help by providing curative and preventive health services.  This is a challenging medical placement due to lack of facilities. Volunteers need to bring their own medical scrubs, gloves, mask for personal use.

Orphanage / Child Care

Orphanage / Child Care

Volunteer Uganda in one of two local orphanages in the Wakiso district, located outside of the city of Kampala. The village orphanage and school not only provide a home and safe haven this is where the children have classes.

Most of these children have lost parents to HIV/Aids. Some have been abandoned, and they know abuse, hunger and fear. The orphanage strives to provide a better future for some of the most vulnerable children in Uganda. As a volunteer, you will primarily assist with the daily care of the kids;  getting them ready for school, brushing teeth, reading to them.  Afterschool activates  you can play games, arrange activities, create arts & crafts projects and share your time and caring with these wonderful children.

Prior experience not necessary, volunteers should have a lot of patience, an open mind and a sense of compassion. The children range in age from 3yrs-13yrs old.

Conservation / Solar

Conservation / Solar

Join this grassroot environmental project aimed to raise awareness about solar health initiatives which can benefit vulnerable communities and individuals living in extreme energy poverty. The program is focused on helping existing social service organizations to improve their health, wellness, educational, economic, and environmental outcomes (schools, health centers, rural communities) by using solar lanterns.

Why light? Because light powers our lives. The gift of a portable solar light to a family living in poverty and darkness means a brighter tomorrow. Solar light outreach and education programs are focused on vulnerable communities including at-risk mothers, orphans, children and adults with disabilities, community elders, and students.

The project’s objectives are:

  • To promote solar lantern usage among communities in the very remote areas where conventional hydro-electric power supply is inaccessible
  • To support HIV/AIDS widows to set up and sustainably operate income generating businesses using the large solar lanterns which have cell phone charging capacity
  • To generate sustainable income for the organization through procurement and sale of solar lanterns to needy customers at subsidized prices

In Uganda, especially in villages, the primary lighting input in these off-grid communities is kerosene, which is expensive and responsible for high rates of childhood burns, poisonings, respiratory infections, and headaches. Worse, kerosene lighting is a contributor to house fires and global climate change.

Volunteers will be part of the distribution of solar lamps as well as:

  • Solar outreach and education - The goal is to promote great opportunities for those in need. With access to the right resources, people can become empowered by their own abilities and gain the confidence to fulfill their potential. Visits to local schools, orphanages, to promote solar light usage and distribution of lanterns.
  • Solar lights for off-grid families - Combating energy poverty is something taken seriously, and the local team works each and every day to make a positive impact.
  • Solar health centers - donating solar systems to rural off-grid health centers.

Volunteering Programs in Uganda Mukono

Children’s Education

Children’s Education

This village school has children ranging from 4yrs to 12 years.  You would be teaching English, math, and other subjects.  After school activities like sports, and games can be shared with the kids also. Teaching experience is not required. You can begin as a teaching assistant and then work in small groups with children in need of extra attention.

School terms vary from year to year but semesters dates are approximately:

  • February 1 to April 30
  • May 20 to August 30
  • September 15 to November 15

Volunteers can assist with the physical upkeep of the school; painting, decorating, mending desks etc. Most important volunteers should try to develop activities  that can be sustained in the future.

Community Development

As a volunteer in this project you will have the opportunity to try different roles and projects, dependent on your interests and skills. These volunteer opportunities do not require specialized skills (although these would be an advantage), and we accept volunteers for both short and long-term placements, all the year round. Volunteers certainly gain an amazing life experience from their participation in our placement program. On first arrival, most volunteers sample all the projects before selecting the tasks that suit them best.

The first few days of your placement will be orientation and adjusting to Ugandan life. After this initial period, your placement work will begin. The type of work you are involved with will be dependent on your interests, abilities, level of experience as well as your comfort levels. Teaching youth sports is in high demand and volunteers with coaching skills, or those simply athletic are welcome!

Country Info

Uganda Introduction

Are you ready to help people in need, immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and culture of a new country and have the experience of a lifetime? With poverty, disease and a lack of skilled providers putting a strain on important services such as health and childcare in developing countries across the globe, there are many corners of the world which rely on the help of volunteer travelers like yourself.

Volunteer in Uganda with A Broader View Volunteers a top rated non-profit charity organization, which works tirelessly to support our wonderful volunteers and serve the local communities where our volunteer programs are located. Placements in Uganda are based in the  city of Bulenga.  Program placements are tailored to the volunteers different interests and skill sets, but still allow volunteers time to explore the African local culture and activities during their free time.

The type of programs in Uganda vary widely, offering everything from education to health care. Volunteers can choose between 8 program opportunities in the orphanage. International volunteer help is not only appreciated by the local community, it is severely needed by the millions of Ugandans living below the poverty line.  With thousands of children living and working on the streets, as is so often the case in developing countries like Uganda, our volunteer programs are designed to support the needs of local teens and children in desperate need of assistance.

Many of our volunteer abroad programs cater to underprivileged women and children’s care, education and health requirements. Our extensive range of social programs near Bulenga, Uganda programs include: Orphanage Care, teaching, Medical, Community development, midwifery, Conservation/solar and many more.

Volunteering in Uganda is an incredibly rewarding experience. We welcome volunteers of all ages and from all backgrounds to join us. Whether you’re seeking volunteer abroad programs for college students or voluntary work for over 60s, as a trusted non-profit organization which prioritizes the safety of our volunteers, we are the go-to for volunteers across the globe. We also offer customized programs with flexible arrival dates to best suit the needs of the remarkable volunteers we depend on to help us make the world a better place.

If you’d like to volunteer, Uganda is just one of the countries we’ve taken under our wing, supplying a steady flow of volunteers and providing year-round financial support to local projects in near Uganda. Wherever you decide to volunteer, A Broader View give you the opportunity to participate in meaningful community service work, learn a foreign language, make lifelong friends and discover that one person really can make a difference. Your search for the best volunteer abroad programs ends here – volunteer in Uganda with us and gain A Broader View of the world.

Coordinator

Derrick Coordinator UgandaPeter Coordinator Uganda

Welcome to Uganda 🇺🇬. Our Names are Derrick and Peter and we are your ABV coordinators while you are staying in Kampala. Our country has one big city, Kampala. But you will be working in Kampala. We will be ready for support 24/7 in case you need to contact us urgently. We will introduce you to your volunteer location and staff. You are most welcome to seek our assistance and don’t hesitate to ask us questions while in country.

You are most welcome to seek our assistance and don’t hesitate to ask us questions while in country.

Weather

What's the best time to go to Kampala in Uganda? Here are some annual weather facts we collected from our historical climate data:

  • On average, the temperatures are always high.
  • Most rainfall (rainy season) is seen in January, March, April, May, October, November and December.
  • On average, the warmest month is January.
  • On average, the coolest month is July.
  • April is the wettest month. This month should be avoided if you don't like too much rain.
  • July is the driest month.

Weather in Uganda Kampala

Reviews & Multimedia

Reviews

I have absolutely loved my time in Uganda! The people are so nice and the countryside is beautiful. There is an incredible amount of need here. I wish we were staying longer. Thank you ABV!

Review Tammie/Ethan Ruzic Orphanage program


Review Tammie/Ethan Ruzic Orphanage program

Nationality: USA

This trip was incredible and I don’t regret coming for a second. Our trip was a month long and I think that is a perfect amount of time for first time travelers. Changing sheets, cleaning the bed frames, and washing patients will most likely take up all your time.

Volunteer Uganda Bulenga Review Derrick Seiler Orphanage School


Derrick S.

Nationality: USA

Age: 34

Our experience was incredible. The people and culture of Uganda are beautiful. The A Broader View program coordinators in Bulenga were amazing. Our experience would not have been nearly as comfortable without them. Thank you!

Courtney Seiler Orphanage & School Program


Courtney S.

Nationality: USA

Age: 29

Photos Gallery

Prices for Uganda

Program Fees

Since A Broader View Volunteers is a 501c(3) charitable organization, You can fundraise (optional) for the expenses of the trip after you get confirmed in our programs. Prices are per person and in US dollars (US$).

Length of programProgram Fee $USD
1 week $820
2 weeks $995
3 weeks $1290
4 weeks $1290
5 weeks $1490
6 weeks $1490
7 weeks $1690
8 weeks $1690
9 weeks $1840
10 weeks $1990
11 weeks $2140
12 weeks $2290

Inclusions

  • Accommodation: Share Volunteer House
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
  • Arrival: Airport meet and greet by ABV Staff
  • Orientation: Project Overview and Orientation
  • Support: Pre-trip written guide, In-country ABV staff available 24/7t
  • Departure: ABV Staff Escorted Airport Transfer

Extra costs: Flights. Entry Visa. Departure taxes. Vaccinations. Local Transportation. Travel & Health Insurance. Laundry and Internet

General Information

Meals & Food

Volunteers are usually provided breakfast, lunch and dinner at their accommodation during the week and weekends (read the website for detail description of the meals or ask our staff online). Breakfast typically consists of toast, fruit, eggs, cereal accompanied with milk, tea or coffee. Dinner usually includes: meat (cow, chicken), potato, rice, vegetables, spaghetti and a variety of western food. Volunteers can be away from their accommodation mid-day so they take a lunch bag or they go back home. We recommend budgeting between US$5 and US$10 per day to purchase lunch if you don't return to the host family, let the host family know if you change the lunch plans. If you have specific dietary requirements, our local teams and home-stays can customize to you but be flexible as well.

Start Dates

Most of our programs run year round, you can start any volunteer/internship program on any day. When you apply you will lets know your start and end dates. Our programs run year round and have volunteers arriving almost every day from many different countries.

Since our programs sometimes depend on the local holiday calendar, there are brief occasions when normal programs work is suspended. For example, schools/daycares often close for long winter/summer vacations. During these times, we arrange for alternative work programs that are similar in substance to our ongoing programs, but address the short-term, direct needs of the local communities.

If you would like to arrange your start and end dates around the local holidays, please call us at 1.866.423.3258 or email us at [email protected].

Giving Matters

A Broader View Volunteers work tirelessly year round to support our volunteers, and also to serve the local communities where ABV projects are based. As a tax-exempt 501 c(3) organization A Broader View receive 100% of our funding from volunteer contributions. Through your program fee contribution our non-profit charity organization can operate beneficial humanitarian aid programs which are successful and continuous supported year round.

Local, professional full-time coordinators, placement logistics, airport pick up and departure transportation, arrival orientation, food & local accommodations, are a major part of providing a safe, meaningful volunteer experience. When you join A Broader View, you will receive pre-trip visa and vaccination support, assistance with flights, fundraising planning, through our interactive online volunteer portal. Our local partners not only benefit from volunteers valuable contributions at the project, they benefit financially with year-round monetary support from A Broader View. In the last decade A Broader View has donated over 4.5 million dollars in international aid.

By joining A Broader View you are not only helping to make a difference during your own trip, your impact will last even after you go home.

How may we help you?!

How may we help you?!

Our staff has extensive travel and volunteer abroad experience. We have the answers to all your questions about volunteering with ABV. We can customize any of our programs to your needs and dates.

Call/chat with our team members:

(1) 215 780 1845 [email protected]

Language Immersion:
No

0
* Price in US dollars
Toll Free: US/CA (1) 866-423-3258