Volunteer opportunities in Uganda
Uganda, nicknamed “The Pearl of Africa”, is a place that once you go, you’ll never want to leave. For those looking to volunteer, it’s a country full of opportunities for meaningful interaction with local culture and nature. There are so many ways to travel here and give back at the same time through Kalagala Education Services
Teach English in Rural Schools
Join our Teach English in Rural Schools program and make a lasting impact in the lives of children in Kyotera District, Uganda. Volunteers help improve literacy, communication, and confidence among primary school pupils through fun, interactive lessons. You don’t need prior teaching experience — just a passion for education and cross-cultural exchange. By volunteering with Kalagala Education Initiative, you’ll empower rural learners with vital English skills, experience authentic Ugandan culture, and contribute to a brighter, connected future for our community. Apply here!
Volunteer opportunities in Uganda
Teach or Mentor in Local Schools
Support literacy and English lessons in rural classrooms. No prior teaching experience is required, we provide guidance and local support. Help students improve reading, writing, and communication skills while sharing your culture and learning from theirs.
Coach in the Football Academy
Use sport as a tool for mentorship and youth empowerment. Volunteers help train children, organize games, and teach teamwork, discipline, and leadership through football. Together, we promote teamwork, discipline, and leadership on and off the field.
Child Sponsorship Program
Connect with a Ugandan student through our pen-pal initiative, sharing letters and stories. This program fosters cross-cultural understanding and meaningful friendships. Volunteers can also contribute to educational sponsorship, helping children continue their studies.
Community Outreach & Creative Projects
Assist in organizing community events, workshops, and creative activities for children. Volunteers help children express themselves through art, crafts, and storytelling. These projects build skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging in the community.
What do we offer?
Induction and orientation
An introduction to KEI, our work and what to expect during your time with us. In-country orientation and information about the local area including meeting you at your accommodation on the first day.
Pre-departure Support
Advice and support prior to departure including flight options, what to pack, local accommodation options and arranging airport transfers if required.
Advice and information in Uganda
Information during your time in Uganda including things to do, places to visit and sightseeing/travelling. We also provide a 24 hour contact number of a KEI staff member when in country.
Certificate of Appreciation
As a token of our gratitude, we offer all volunteers a Certificate of Appreciation upon completing their service. This certificate recognizes your valuable contribution, and positive impact on the lives of children and the community.
Cost of Volunteer
KEI does not charge for the support and services it offers volunteers as we know you will be working with us to make a difference for the families and the communities where we work. All that we ask is that you cover the costs associated with volunteering with us (just as if you were volunteering somewhere in your home country).
Typical costs include:
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Airport transfer (of $50 to Kalisizo)
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Volunteer fee $300 per week to cater for accommodation, electricity, water and food and other basic stuff
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Daily transport (however UHfH is within walking distance from the accommodation options we recommend)
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Flights and Visas
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Travel insurance and other medical expenses including vaccinations and malaria prevention medication
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Any personal requirements/entertainment/travel in Kampala or further afield/safaris etc.
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Fundraising
Although not compulsory, we also encourage all of our volunteers to fundraise some money at home before they come. Bringing a donation from friends and family back home to Uganda is unique in that you will immediately and directly see where that money is going. Donating money is one thing but to raise your own funds, physically bring it to Kalisizo and see it being used first hand is a great way of leaving a lasting impact on the community.
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As a small, local organisation, our funds are limited. KEI sets a budget for our all core activities. However, if you would like to develop these projects further, or do new activities with the children etc. then the extra costs would have to be covered by any money fundraised by you. Since we began back in 2020, to support ourselves we have relied upon the donations of individual donors/sponsors – friends, family and visitors in Kalisizo – and small fundraisers held in different countries. Small funds brought by our volunteers go a long way in keeping our established programmes running and in starting up new ones.