Now in its 9th year, the Uganda project continues to be a unique life-changing experience for every volunteer and continues to be a life-changing experience for the local communities too. Working with a British registered Ugandan charity, Soft Power Education, the project aims to improve the structures and facilities for primary school children in rural Uganda.
The project is the perfect combination of work hard, play hard – during the week you’ll live with the locals, doing anything from making bricks, foundations or walls, to painting classrooms, teaching, and playing with the kids. Then on the weekend you can take a well earned rest in one of the local clubs (now there’s a sight!), go chimp trekking, visit one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls, or just hang loose with a cold African beer.
Knowing that all the hard work your group has accomplished has not only secured the future of the families you’ve met, but also the next generations, makes it all the sweeter! The funding that volunteers raise for the project enables Soft Power Education to build and renovate these classrooms so that children from rural communities have the opportunity to be educated in a safe and welcoming environment.
As well as making a substantial addition to these communities, the duration of the project of course also provides both the Ugandan communities and the Leeds students the opportunities to learn and explore different cultures.
Originally working in Jinja in the south of the country, the project now also works in the Buliisa district close to Murchison Falls National Park in the West of the country. In 2011, the project took just under 80 volunteers to Uganda over two months and raised over £50,000.
“The Uganda project gives you the chance to explore a beautiful country, meet amazing people and really make a difference. It’s the most fun you’ll ever have and at the same time you’re giving something back to a country so rich in culture. I have never met happier or more generous people who taught us so much in return.
I came away with friends for life, the fondest memories and a huge sense of satisfaction that a school now stands where we once laid bricks. I loved every second of it and I cannot wait to return one day.” Kasia Joniec – 2011 volunteer 2012 leader.
Where? Uganda, East Africa
When? Mid July- Mid August 2013 (exact dates tbc)
Fundraising Target? £600
Charity: Softpower Education
For more information contact: leedsrag.uganda@gmail.com
Registration Fee: £45
Registration Open: 28/09/12, 09:00 - 05/11/12, 17:00
You must be a Leeds University Student to take part in this event.
You must be a Leeds University student to take part in this event. You must be a RAG member to sign up to this event. Membership is £12 and can be purchased on theLUU RAG Page. Fundraising amount must be raised by the fundraising deadline (tbc) in order for participants to take part. By purchasing this product you agree to abide by RAG’s rules and regulations and understand the terms and conditions of your registration. Please see attached form for further details: projectguidelines2013
NB. By registering for this project, you are not guaranteed a place. There are 36 places available on the Uganda Project month 2. If the number of registrations exceeds the number of places, interviews will be conducted. Following the interview, if you are not offered a place your registration fee will be reimbursed.