Volunteer
UAOWF welcomes all willing volunteers from all over the world. When working with the organisation, you will be offered a range of activities to choose from. These include teaching, Evangelism, fundraising, awareness raising campaigns in various fields of interest, community projects, child mentoring and care, counselling, and many others.
Why Choose Uganda and UOAWF?
What To Prepare?
What To Bring?
For How Long Can I Volunteer?
What Will the Working Conditions Be Like?
Where Will I Be Living In?
How Much Are The Daily Expenses And Other Costs?
Any Other Questions?
WHY CHOOSE UGANDA AND UAOWF?
If you are looking for an alternative way to make a contribution to the global wellbeing, volunteering is an interesting option. Even today, income differences and the amount of underprivileged individuals continue to rise in the developing world. Volunteering in Africa can be a life changing experience as you get to discover the reality of daily challenges that the poor communities face in their life. By contributing your time and effort, you can make a difference. In a one-to-one Uganda orientation we'll discuss your skills, previous experience and individual preferences that ensure that you are assigned to the right project.
WHAT TO PREPARE?
Depending on your personal background and living circumstances, there are different preparations to be made. Before joining the UAOWF crew, you need to consider your own areas of interest and have a rough idea of the different projects you might wish to get involved with. Planning also the pragmatics of your trip well-ahead of your departure is important, as you might need to get vaccinations, medication, or you might require a pre-organised VISA for the length of your stay.
Because you come to volunteer in Uganda with UAOWF we would highly appreciate it if you would like to do some fund raising in your neighbourhood on our behalf. Of course, this is not mandatory. The purpose of the funds can be up to you or can be thought of together with the organization.
WHAT TO BRING?
Clothes for one week
Long-sleeved jacket
Three t-shirts
One skirt/knee-length shorts
One pair of long jeans
7 pairs of socks and underwear
Swimming suit (although it is not advised to go swimming in the lakes of Uganda, we do have swimming pools)
Towel
Medication (Anti-malaria, Immodium, antibacterial disinfectant, painkillers, etc…)
Mosquito net
Sheets for the bed
Pyjamas
Toiletries
Slippers
Sneakers
Mobile phone
Camera
Laptop
Notebooks
Reading books
FOR HOW LONG CAN I VOLUNTEER?
The duration of your stay in Uganda is completely up to you. Your stay can vary from one week up to one year or more.
WHAT WILL THE WORKING CONDITIONS BE LIKE?
The working hours for volunteers are from 9am until 5pm but the hours flexible and may vary on occasion. The weekends are free and you may tour the country at your leisure. We would in any case appreciate it if you would plan all of the longer trips you may wish to make after your volunteering with UAOWF has ended.
In the first week a programme will be made that fits your wishes and the possibilities within the organisation. After that week you can follow that programme, visiting several projects a week. Because we either walk or go by bicycle, most of our projects are within the district of Iganga. The projects are already existing ones, so you will be working alongside local people. Next to that it is possible that you work together with another international volunteer.
Our NGO values any kind of contribution and thus no particular qualifications are required beyond the commitment and will to help. However, professional skills are an added advantage.
WHERE WILL I BE LIVING IN?
When you are sure you want to be involved with the organization UAOWF the accommodation will be discussed. The organization will help you find an appropriate accommodation and will ensure that you have a place to stay when you arrive in Iganga. The place where you will be living is most likely to be an apartment. Depending on your own choice you can live with or without running water and electricity. Basic things, like chairs, bed with matrass, table, will be arranged by the organization, the rest, like pillows, gas cooker, kettle will have to be arranged when you arrive here. You will have to provide your own food and either you can decide to get somebody to do the laundry or you can clean your own.
HOW MUCH ARE THE DAILY EXPENSES AND OTHER COSTS?
Volunteering with UAOWF will involve no extra costs towards the organization. In any case, unfortunately the organization cannot offer you free of charge accommodation and food. The rent for the apartment will be between $50 and $100 USD, depending on your wishes. Expect to pay $1 USD for a meal in a local restaurant and $3-5 USD if you want to enjoy a more Western meal.
We can also pick you up from the airport, but there is a fee of $80-125 USD, depending on the time of arrival and nature of transport. If your flight is scheduled at night the extra cost shall cover accommodation, since you need to spend a night in the capital Kampala or Entebbe. Kampala is around 60 km from the airport and Iganga is around 100 km from Kampala.
Next to this initial costs and daily living expenses, you should also budget for the air-ticket, visa, insurance, and health. It is also advised to bring some extra dollars to enable the travelling. Uganda has a lot to offer for visitors, like Nile rafting, bungee jumping, quad riding, mountain climbing, and various national parks. Keep in mind that although you can pay with US dollars when you visit these sites, the local currency is Ugandan Shilling.
ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?
If you are left with any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to contact us. Simply send an email to uaowf.uganda@gmail.com.
Any other contact details can be found on the left hand side of the website.
If you think you know enough and can't wait to come over to Uganda, please download the file below and send it to us.
