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THIS Is What Volunteering in Uganda Looks Like

Leslie
January 7, 2017
3 Comments

Volunteering in Uganda provides a safe and eye-opening cultural exchange experience for people of all ages and nationalities. There’s a lot going on out here. But there’s not much photographic evidence of it floating around the internet. Instead, we have the typical selfie – young volunteer posing with poorly dressed, dusty little kids. I don’t want to see idle people. I’m sick to death of poverty porn. Enough with the exaggerated stories of danger and civil unrest. I’m here to show you the full picture.

This is what life looks like for our volunteers in Uganda:

THE FOOD

Fresh chapatti prepared in Uganda

Jackfruit is widely available in Uganda and a great source of local nutrition. Its a super food!

fresh roasted pork in Uganda

volunteer in Uganda and cook fresh greens from the garden

With a 365 day growing season, there’s more than enough food to go around. It’s fresh from the garden, largely organic, and so delicious.

RELATED: Booking flights to Entebbe, Uganda.

THE CLASSROOMS

Classrooms in Uganda are basic but we do what we can. Volunteer in Uganda and learn the reality of education in Uganda
Volunteer in Uganda and teach in rural classrooms
Teach abroad in Uganda and help develop creativity in students
A classroom in rural Uganda
We don’t always have a solid roof over our head, but with the help of volunteers, the kids are getting the encouragement, creativity, and love they need.

THE WORK

Volunteer in Uganda and help community sanitation efforts

Ugandan kids need art classes too!

Volunteers help serving porridge at boarding schools and children's homes

Volunteer in Uganda and fetch water with the kids. You'll be immersed in local life and culture.

Some day’s you’ll sweat, some days you’ll smile. Every day is guaranteed to be randomly different.

RELATED: Travel Insurance for volunteers and travellers to Uganda.

THE VIBRANCY OF MUKONO TOWN LIFE

Ugandan motorcycle taxis are called bodabodas

Small fruit and vegetables stands are everywhere in Uganda

Need a new phone. Uganda has many small phone shops to serve you.

Uganda has daily markets selling household goods, clothes and everything else you could ever want.

Mukono town is open for business. We’ve got what you need day or night!

THE BEAUTY AND PEACE OF VILLAGE LIFE

bicycle in rural Uganda
Cooking on an open fire in rural Uganda
dug out canoes in western Uganda
a goat in rural Uganda
The Ugandan village offers no pollution, no noise, just peace. Are you ready for it?

THE GARDEN

Planting soy beans in the maize garden
volunteer on an organic farm in Uganda. plant seeds, clear weeds, and watch everything grow!
planting mango trees in Uganda
volunteer in Uganda and plant carrots in community gardens

There’s always work to be done on the farm. Our volunteers not only plant seeds and clear weeds, they chase away monkeys stealing our crops.

RELATED: What to pack when volunteering or travelling in East Africa.

AND THE LITTLE DUDES

school kids in rural Uganda
small ugandan children carrying food
Ugandan kids playing in the village
volunteer in Uganda and teach art

Ugandan childhood is something to be cherished and shared with the world.

I love cultural exchange. I love travel. I love photos. I love Uganda. Please share your photos of volunteering around the world with us. We’ve got to stop the stereotypes and prove the reality. Volunteering in a developing country isn’t about saving, it’s about sharing. You’ll find local communities peaceful, safe, and so welcoming. Email us at [email protected] with your photographic proof! Of course, if you are interested in volunteering with The Real Uganda and really experiencing our life here, spend a little time on this website. If you like what you read, fill in our online application form. Otherwise – share this and spread the word!

 

Volunteering in Uganda is a lot more than taking selfies with cute, dusty little kids. There's so much going on: the food, the classrooms, town and village life. Experiencing Ugandan childhood and its freedoms will blow you away. Time for some reality about life and volunteering in Uganda.
Want to know what volunteering in Uganda actually looks like? Check out these photos of real people giving their time at The Real Uganda. Cultural exchange is the best way to really see Africa.
Want to volunteer in Uganda?
The Real Uganda matches your skill and interest with a Ugandan-led community based organization seeking help

3 thoughts on “THIS Is What Volunteering in Uganda Looks Like”

  1. Pingback: Read This Before You Volunteer Abroad | The Real Uganda

  2. Katie @ The Katie Show Blog

    Wow I love all these pics and I am glad you shared them to show another perspective of volunteering there. It’s true many of the pictures I see don’t tend to really showcase what life is like or the culture so I really liked seeing this post. Makes me want to volunteer!

  3. Pingback: Ugandan Women are Winning It! | The Real Uganda

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