The Childcare Program
This program’s mission is to care for the at-risk and impoverished children of Uganda. Volunteers will be placed at one of three different Child Centers in Jinja, Mukono or Pallisa. The Childcare centers include a primary school, secondary school, special needs unit, vocational school and clinic all in one. The centers cater for students aged from 4 weeks to 16 years. The schools cater to the children and also the local communities. The children’s centers are run under religious beliefs and although the facility does not require volunteers to hold the same religious values, they do require volunteers to be courteous of their beliefs. Volunteers play a major role in these facilities, helping to care for the children across all aspects and assisting with the running of the organizations.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide essential care to the vulnerable children of Uganda
- Improve the future prospects of at-risk children in Uganda
- Give impoverished children quality care, compassion and a sense of hope
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both locals and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
Volunteers play an essential role in helping disadvantaged children through this program. Participants will spend their time taking care of children and assisting the local team as needed. Volunteers on this program will assist with a variety of tasks dedicated to the well being of children and can rest assured that their help is making a huge impact on these wonderful children. The work usually undertaken by volunteers in Uganda entails organizing play, assisting with arts and crafts, and helping with meals, hygiene and HIV/AIDS education. At the children’s center, volunteers will be working on schedules alongside local staff. As this program involves working closely with at risk children, a two week minimum commitment is required to participate.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways on this program and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Help to care for the children
- Help the children with homework
- Attend to and interact with the children
- Create activities and entertain the children with games
- Assist with administration and running the facility
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to assist in the ongoing support and development of marginalized and at-risk children of Uganda. This highly interactive and varied project does not require participants to have a background in the field of childcare, as there are many ways you can assist. However, volunteers with suitable education, qualifications or experience are highly sought after. Regardless, a volunteer’s individual role can often be tailored to suit their particular skills and interests. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
Project Location
All childcare volunteer placements in Uganda are based in Mukono, Jinja or Pallisa. Mukono is located 25 km from Kampala, Jinga is 80km from Kampala and Palissa is 140km from Kampala.
Kampala is the capital city of Uganda and is also popularly known as ‘the city on many hills’ because it is spread over 10 hills. With a population of approximately one million, it’s on the small side for a capital city and retains a small-town charm. People passing each other in the street often know each other and still stop for a chat!
The city centre is vibrant with shops, roadside traders, markets, and the mind-boggling matatu (minibus taxi) stands providing local colour and atmosphere. The Nakasero fresh food market just off the city’s main drag is one of the most colourful places in East Africa with piles of bananas, pineapples, tomatoes, mangoes and every fruit and vegetable you can think of - and some you can’t - ugly jackfruit or matoke (cooking banana). Kampala is the gateway city for visitors to Uganda and is one of East Africa’s most laid-back and friendly cities and you will undoubtedly pass through it en route to a safari in one of Uganda’s national parks.
Places to see include but not limited to The Kasubi tombs - where the remains of the Kings of Buganda were buried Uganda, Uganda Museum, Nommo art gallery, National Theatre, Cathedrals - Rubaga and Namirembe, Parliament of Uganda (and Independence monument). There’s also a lot to do during your free time - Jet-Boating on the Nile up and down some of the smaller rapids, Excursion to Mburo National Park, Gorilla safaris, Bungee jumping and much more! Nice!
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon your arrival in Kampala (Entebbe Airport), you will be collected at the airport by a representative of the local project team and delivered to your host family accommodation. Here you will receive an orientation to help you settle in, find out about your volunteering placement, the local surroundings and meet your fellow volunteers. A representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have. Nice!
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Entebbe International Airport, Entebbe, Uganda (CODE: EBB)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers joining our team in Uganda are accommodated with one of our carefully selected local host families - which are perfectly located in safe and convenient suburbs close to their project locations. In most cases host families provide the volunteer with a private room, but during busy periods you many need to share with other volunteers. There are no hot showers available, however there are showering systems in all of the host families. Linen and mosquito nets are provided.
There is generally no internet available in the host families, however you can purchase a SIM card and purchase a data plan on your phone (you will need to ensure you have had your phone unlocked before you leave home).
There is also an internet cafe approx 20 km from your accommodation.
Staying with a local Ugandan family is a great way to be truly immersed in the local culture. All families have been fully vetted by our local team and have plenty of experience in hosting international volunteers. The families are experienced in hosting international volunteers and will take very good care of you.
Volunteers on this project are provided two meals (breakfast and dinner) on a daily basis while at their home stay house. Lunch is not included but can be bought cheaply at a local market, street stall or cafe.
Depending on a volunteers project assignment location, Kampala has restaurants serving every kind of European and International dish, as well as the fast food chains found everywhere. Easy!
Fees
That’s just USD 29 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.