Volunteering Projects in Uganda

Volunteer Feedback from Uganda

Caitlin

Everything is great in Uganda, we're absolutely loving it. Of course things are super unorganized, chaotic, but exciting and really lovely as well. The people in the villages where we've been working are absolutely incredible, so generous and welcoming. We're sleeping in grass huts with mice, eating with our fingers, cooking over charcoal, and playing with naked kids; it's amazing! Doing lots of things I thought I'd find really challenging, but turning out to be a lot easier than I imagined, and totally makes you appreciate all we have back home!

Linda

"The townspeople are very welcoming. They are getting used to Muzungu folk at this stage and are usually eager to say hello. And the children-be it in your school or on the street-you just want to bring them all their Christmases at once. They are eager, adorable and genuinely unspoilt in their nature and they can dance like no one you know.

As soon as we applied, the correspondence and guidance kept coming and even when nothing was actually required anyway and it was just the countdown to take off, there was still communication in the way of 'how are you getting on' which is very reassuring to have. GVN is a serious business and although they get the job done, it’s not without the personal touch -- a great combination."

Jillian

I am doing very well in Uganda...absolutely loving it.  So far, another volunteer and I have taught English classes, some origami crafts, house visits in rural villages, some construction work, weeding in the garden, and lots of playing with the kids at House of Hope.  Today we went with another volunteer with his family to go swimming in a pool and it was so much fun!  None of the Ugandans could swim!!  We gave swimming lessons and got them all lunch.  I think the highlights for my trip so far have been the friendships/relationships that I've developed with the other volunteers and Ugandans.  I never thought that that would be such a huge part of my trip, but the relationships I've made are what's really mattered and impacted, I think.  I am so excited to wake up each morning and begin a new day in this beautiful country.  Tomorrow, we leave for White Water Rafting in the Nile River!!

Gillian

Uganda is a beautiful country in all aspects – the people, the landscape, and the rich culture all made our month there the most amazing experience.  There are many diverse volunteer projects scattered across the country, all of which are committed to making positive, sustainable change for Ugandans and their environment.

We chose to do the Organic Farming project. We learned that the gardens we were digging and maintaining were not only feeding kids at the primary school nearby, but were also acting as demonstration gardens for members of the local community to learn how to create their own home gardens in order to lower the costs of feeding themselves and their families.  It was wonderful to know that all of our hard work was really paying off, as we were able to see the positive effects it had on the community.

The support on the ground is fantastic, and any question we had was answered with knowledge and enthusiasm. If you are looking for a place to volunteer in any area from HIV/AIDS support to education, Uganda is an unbeatable country.  The work is challenging and satisfying on so many levels, and the people and cultural vitality is unparalleled.

Mary

My volunteering experience in Mukono, Uganda was exceptional!  The opportunity to get to know and work with the others on the team was a pleasure.  Trips to villages, a school for orphans, secondary schools, etc. provided a variety of interactions.  I was more than satisfied with all aspects of my time there.  I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and that goal was definitely met!