Outreach support

Many rural villages in Uganda are affected by poverty, disease, drought, famine and the associated problems. There is often a dramatic inequality in the distribution of wealth, with rural communities living in extreme poverty.  The aim of community outreach volunteer projects is to address some of these issues, assisting in the provision of basic human rights, such as food, shelter, education and health care.

The nature of our community outreach projects means that you will often be located in rural areas in Uganda, where standards and conditions may be very different to those you are used to. You are likely to have experiences that will be emotionally challenging to deal with. However, the work that you will be involved with can be especially rewarding and we will help to make sure you are as prepared as possible for your volunteer project before you depart. Many practical or business skills can be applied to bring value to these projects, so please do enquire if you have a particular expertise, or interest.

The number of women and child-headed households has increased dramatically, due to HIV/AIDS, leaving children orphaned and without anyone to take care of them or their siblings; not uncommonly up to eight brothers and sisters. Many of these children are also ostracized and excluded from the local community, due to the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS. As a result, the children’s living conditions seriously deteriorate, as does their health, leaving behind malnourished and neglected children with no support or chance of a future.

Your help, as a volunteer on the Saint Ann Foundation Community Outreach project, is vital for these children and other marginalised groups of individuals, such as widows and street children to build a better life and support themselves.

We work Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:30pm although sometimes it depends on what needs to be accomplished. Typical working days start with staff meeting to review the tasks at hand including following up on the unfinished ones and planning for the next. Then everyone will get to work on their assigned tasks including those going to the field or attend external meetings. We have team breakfast at 10:30 am and lunch at 1:00 pm at office 

However flexibility is very important at this level

In your free time there is many options for activities! A lot of our volunteers like to take extended weekends to do safari, gorilla trekking or adventure water sports. All of these are at the volunteers own cost, but are organized through our local partners to ensure the best price and experience. Our close proximity to Kampala means there is plenty of opportunity to explore the craft markets, eat local food and go to local events including soccer games. We encourage volunteers to travel on their weekends and will help arrange trips or activities.