What was the most surprising thing you experienced in the program, at the accommodations and about Uganda?

1. The level of poverty – nothing like it in USA
2. Very little furniture to sit on.
3. How much the kids loved us!

What was the most difficult thing you experienced?

1. Too many kids to help and not enough money
2. Dark/lack of light in the morning (getting ready by flashlight was interesting!)
3. Just seeing how the government does not take care of its people.

   

Any tips for future volunteers (packing, clothing donations etc?)

1. Bring protein. The local diet consists of a lot of carbohydrates
2. Pack snacks, and instant packets of coffee or tea.
3. Lots of people smoke in Uganda.
4. Cleanliness is not the same as in the USA. Pack some wet wipes or handiwipes
5. Bring lots of CASH. Local shops do not take credit cards
6. Bring candy for the kids – they love it
7. You will fall in love with the children and leaving will break your heart.

Volunteer Uganda

How would you describe your accommodations, meals and security:

Bare minimum – no frills. Meals are tasty but all carbohydrates, no protein and limited vegetables. Pack your own snacks. We felt totally safe the whole time.

What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Teaching! Interacting with the kids on a daily basis. Also, went on a safari – saw so many animals and got close to two lions.

Personal Paragraph

I have absolutely loved my time in Uganda! The people are so nice and the countryside is beautiful. There is an incredible amount of need here. I wish we were staying longer. Thank you ABV!

How was the ABV support prior to traveling?

Sarah was great! Always prompt to answer questions and spent a great deal of time on the phone with me.

Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Absolutely!

How was the local ABV Director and the support provided in-country?

Volunteer Uganda:  The staff were very friendly and extremely helpful.

What was the most surprising thing you experienced in the program, at the accommodations and about Uganda?

1. How much the staff at the school appreciated us.
2. How well they spoke English
3. The friendliness of the people; both adults and the children

What was the most difficult thing you experienced?

1. Adjusting to the language barrier & teaching style in Uganda
2. Local food took some adjustment
3. Transportation issues in the city

Volunteer Uganda:

Any tips for future volunteers (packing, clothing donations etc?)

1. Bring outlet converters
2. Weather at night was comfortable with a small fan.
3. Bring snack foods
4. People will stare at you – you will adjust quickly
5. Feel free to stop and buy stuff from the local food stands

How would you describe your accommodations, meals and security:

We were offered very good privacy, meals and security were good.

What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Getting to visit with the teachers and the students and how much the children adore you.

Personal Paragraph

I enjoyed my time in Uganda. The people made this experience a good one. The school system were very good to us, and the solar light distribution program was very positive and eye opening to see so many struggling.

Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Yes

How was the local ABV Director and the support provided in-country?

Volunteer Uganda: Both coordinators are great, the local staff have been wonderful!

What was the most surprising thing you experienced in the program, at the accommodations and about Uganda?

1. Well behaved and very advanced children at the school
2. Very nice accommodations with running water and electricity
3. The locals were very friendly and welcoming people, almost everyone speaks English

What was the most difficult thing you experienced?

1. Finding my role to fit in and making a difference
2. Local food – I missed my American diet!
3. Witnessing the level of poverty and not having the ability to change it

Any tips for future volunteers (packing, clothing donations etc?)

1. Bring clothing depending on the season – we had perfect summer weather everyday.
2. School donations – #2 pencils, crayons, posters to hang on walls, clothing, shoes, and anything else since it would be appreciated by many.
3. Have an open mind. Know you will learn more than you will teach
4. Enjoy your time, and slower pace while you are here
5. The local coordinators and staff are incredible, and very helpful

Volunteer Reviews

How would you describe your accommodations, meals and security:

We always felt very secure and safe.

What was your favorite memory of this trip?

The kids in the village were always so eager to see us. My favorite memory is walking down the street and being constantly greeted by “see you mzungu” by overly excited children.

Personal Paragraph

Our experience was incredible. The people and culture of Uganda are beautiful. The A Broader View program coordinators in Bulenga were amazing. Our experience would not have been nearly as comfortable without them. Thank you!

The ABV USA staff were very efficient, helpful and quick to reply to our questions, and the online system was clear and easy to use.

Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Of course. I am willing to tell them how great of an experience it would be.