They developed a local school for orphans & other children from poor families, and started community based projects that will equip the villagers with the skills and knowledge to face a safer and brighter future.
The project itself is well integrated into the community and those undertaking volunteering work are always given a warm welcome, especially by the local children who love spending time with volunteers from all ages and backgrounds.
Volunteering at Uganda Lodge is suitable for families, gap year teenagers, seniors etc.
For medical students we can facilitate your official medical elective placement with no additional fees charged. Staying at Uganda Lodge could also count for the residential section of the Gold DofE Award and Queens Scout/Cuide Awards.
Anyone can offer help simply by sharing their experiences of life and general knowledge with the villagers. You need to speak English. Even if you are not a Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) teacher (although useful!), you can go into the classrooms and make a meaningful difference. Experienced teachers can take over a whole class if they wish, after consulting with the teacher on content.
We now have over 500 students in the Ruhanga Development School next to the Lodge. English conversation is needed for the older children in particular, also showing picture books etc. or simply talking to babies helps nurture their stimulation and growth. Children at our Nursery School and in the classes from P1 to P6 at the primary schools do love help from our volonteers to learn new rhymes and songs, talk about pictures in books or get inspirations with craftwork and painting.
If you have a specific interest, for example singing & music, or sports. or arts & crafts, or you have medical experience, or computer knowledge, or have a trade such as a builder or a welder, then if you wish, we can utilise these skills and match them with work and training that can be done around Uganda Lodge.
When you volunteer with us, you will be spending time at Ruhanga Development School. You will help to advance its facilities and work directly with local children, you can also volunteer at the medical facility or doing community development work.
To volunteer at Uganda Lodge is ideal, both for short and long term. We are set amongst the rolling hills of South West Uganda, 40kms past Mbarara and very close the main road.
Contact us for further information.