Project Orientation
On your arrival in Entebbe Airport in Kampala you will be met by our project staff. Depending on the time of day that you arrive, you will either spend one night in Kampala, or be transferred straight down to Kyotera to begin your orientation for 2 days. The orientation will include:
- Registration at the British Council
- An introduction to the area, organisation and staff that you will be working with
- An orientation of Kyotera town, visiting the local police station, RACT offices and internet cafes etc
- An introduction to Ugandan culture and values
- A basic local language lesson, given by Annette at your house
- A visit to the school and also our Outreach and Vocational Skills projects
- Time to relax, acclimatise and get to know your fellow volunteers
Accommodation and Meals
You will stay in a comfortable, but basic shared volunteer house with up to three other volunteers in each room. By western standards, you will find the house very rudimentary at first, but will also find it a luxury, in comparison to those you will be visiting on the project. The house does have flush toilets and showers, but there are often water shortages in this part of Uganda, so your water may have to be collected in buckets and used to wash. Power cuts are also not uncommon, so be prepared for this; it is Africa!
You will stay in a comfortable, but basic shared volunteer house with up to three other volunteers in each room. By western standards, you will find the house very rudimentary at first, but will also find it a luxury, in comparison to those you will be visiting on the project. The house does have flush toilets and showers, but there are often water shortages in this part of Uganda, so your water may have to be collected in buckets and used to wash. Power cuts are also not uncommon, so be prepared for this; it is Africa!
The house is situated in a safe area on the edge of the town, close to a small children’s group and not far from the project offices. The property is fenced and gated and has a large garden with a covered outside dining area. There are staff at the house who act as housekeepers and cooks, though volunteers are also expected to do their bit to keep the house clean and tidy. You will also have a night watchman for your security. You will be taking local taxis, accompanied by your fellow volunteers and a member of staff, to rural locations. These will be an estimated 10 – 25 minute drive away from your accommodation.
Three meals per day are provided. Breakfast is usually on a self-service basis, consisting of fruit and breads etc. Lunch is usually a large hearty meal taken at the house, though packed lunches can be provided, while dinner will be a hot meal, prepared for you by the cook.
You will also be given the option to move into another rural location approximately 2 hours away from Kyotera. Here you will be housed with local host families, who are directly connected to the project staff and carry out the outreach work to vulnerable families in this area. Please speak to the Africa Team if you would like to work in this region, which is a more challenging and independent project option.
Free Time
The Murchiston Falls National Park, Lake Victoria and the source of the Nile in Jinja are just a few of the local attractions that you may like to visit in your free time at weekends, or at the conclusion of your project. The project staff will be happy to help you to organise excursions while you are there, so please discuss these options with them or buy a good guidebook in advance.
Being in Uganda means that you are close to the stunning African Gorillas, among other highlights, so why not combine your work placement with a tour, such as the 5-day Gorilla Trek and Lake Safari? We have a number of different tours to choose from. Please contact us to enquire about these options and we will be happy to send you further details and help you explore Africa in a safe and adventurous way.
Project Support
Throughout your stay in Uganda you will have the support and guidance of the Ugandan project director, James, and his team of project co-ordinators based in Kyotera. They will provide you with competent assistance and help you with any questions or advice you may need during your stay. The house staff will also be on hand throughout the day to ensure your comfort and safety.
In addition, we will provide you with a 24 hour emergency contact number before you depart, so that you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
Project Age Limit
Minimum 18 years (with a parental letter of consent), maximum decided on potential participants’ health.
