My Favorite Memory: Reuniting with the kids at Hope. This was my second trip to Uganda with ABV and it was awesome to continue to foster the relationships with the orphans and other people in the community. In Africa, it’s all about relationships!
I was surprised that….Bulenga is such an urban area now. While it’s still considered rural compared to Kampala, it is a bustling town as people have moved out of the city in the outlying areas. The poverty is overwhelming.
The most difficult thing I experienced was….seeing how great the needs are at Hope – from building supplies to finish off the rooms for the orphanage, to funds, to how much the kids crave love and attention.
My best received lesson…Learning to be flexible with the power outages, water situation, and daily work. Roll with life! Africans aren’t governed by time as Americans tend to be, so the sooner a volunteer accepts that, the easier the transition will be.
Tip for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc) Bring as many donations as you can for the kids (books, games, shoes, clothes, etc.), be flexible for power outages/no running water (bring water purification tabs), get to know the beautiful people of Bulenga in your free time, and give hugs freely to the kids at Good Hope!!
Personal Paragraph (ABV Testimonial): Volunteering in Uganda was an amazing experience. It’s helpful to have games, activities, etc. planned before you arrive so you can make the most of your time at the orphanage. Take as many donated items as you can…and don’t be afraid of asking the airline to waive the excess baggage fees for those donated items. Some airlines (like BA) will sometimes do that! Also take time to get to know the people in Uganda and what their needs are…helping with sustainable living or teaching a skill that will improve things long after you leave is the most valuable thing you could give!
How would you rate your experience working with the ABV staff, both in the USA, and in-country? 10 out of 10! They are fantastic to work with.
How would you describe your accommodation (ie: host family, on-site, shared housing etc). I lived in an enclosed compound in Bulenga. It is set up like small apartments, with a bed in the room and private bath area. (If there is no water, be prepared to use the pit latrine out back like the Ugandans use and have a small bucket for your shower/bath.) There isn’t much in the rooms, but you don’t need much while there. The Ugandans that worked at the compound are very friendly, helpful, and fun – they are like family to me now! The coordinator in country was also helpful in arranging local transportation, etc. to go into town. Learn some Luganda basics if you can before going – while English is spoken, Ugandans will appreciate you knowing greetings, etc. in Luganda. Bring conservative clothes if you are a female, and bring items you can leave behind. Take water purification tablets, good walking shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, water bottle, a sense of humor and adventuresome spirit. It will be a life changing trip!
Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers? Absolutely!
"Please click our +1 on our feedbacks, this will help our programs, thank you for your support"
