Farm, Learn and Connect With a Rural Ugandan Community
The experience
Join us in rural Uganda and get hands-on experience in farming while connecting with our local community. Depending on the season and your interests, you may help with gardening, planting, weeding, caring for crops and other farm activities. You will work alongside local people, learn about everyday farming in Uganda, share your own ideas and enjoy the experience of rural community life.
What you offer
18 hours of help per week
Music:
Perform to entertain guests, children or local communities.
Gardening:
Help grow plants and cultivate gardens
Child Care:
Caring for, playing with, and spending time with children.
Social Work:
Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.
What you get
2 days off per week
Private Room:
You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.
Breakfast:
You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.
Lunch:
You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.
Discounts on Accommodation:
Get discounts for your stay in other hostels.
Free Laundry:
You can use our laundry room freely.
Pick Up:
We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.
Certificate:
Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.
Basic Internet Access:
Basic speed internet for you to work remotely
Requirements
Beginner English
Between 18 and 70 years old
Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers
What's not included
Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa
Program Details
My Shepherd Ministry Uganda is a Christian nonprofit based in Kagumba Subcounty, Kamuli District, Eastern Uganda. We work with children, young people, women and families through education, community development, farming and outreach.
One of our main projects is Joy of the Lord Primary School, which currently serves 172 learners, many from low-income families. Volunteers can support classroom activities, children's games and mentorship, sports and creative activities, community outreach, farming, health and hygiene activities, and administrative or project support.
We welcome volunteers who want to experience everyday life in a rural Ugandan community while sharing their skills and learning from the people they meet. Depending on your interests and our current needs, you may spend time at the school, on the farm, in the community or supporting other MSMU activities.
Our goal is simple: to serve together, learn from one another, build friendships and make a positive difference in the community.
Activities & Shift
## Volunteer Activities at Joy of the Lord Primary School & Kagumba Community
International volunteers at **Joy of the Lord Primary School** and within the Kagumba community can participate in a variety of meaningful and impactful activities, including:
### School Activities
* Teaching English, reading, mathematics, and basic computer skills
* Assisting teachers in classroom management and lesson preparation
* Organizing games, sports, music, dance, and drama activities
* Mentoring and encouraging pupils through life skills and leadership sessions
* Helping children with homework and reading practice
* Supporting school sanitation and hygiene programs
* Assisting in painting, cleaning, and improving school facilities
* Organizing library and learning materials
* Conducting art and creative learning activities
### Community Activities
* Participating in community outreach and home visits
* Supporting youth empowerment and mentorship programs
* Helping with health and hygiene awareness campaigns
* Assisting in community clean-up activities
* Taking part in evangelism, prayer meetings, and church programs
* Supporting women and family development activities
* Visiting vulnerable families and encouraging children
* Participating in tree planting and environmental conservation activities
* Assisting in organizing community events and children’s programs
### Cultural Exchange
* Learning about Ugandan culture and rural community life
* Sharing experiences, talents, and skills with local children and youth
* Building friendships and creating positive international connections
Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own ideas, talents, and creativity to help inspire and support the children and the wider community.
Rules
## Volunteer Rules and Guidelines
To ensure a safe, respectful, and positive experience for everyone, all volunteers at **Joy of the Lord Primary School** and within the Kagumba community are kindly requested to follow these guidelines:
1. Respect Ugandan culture, traditions, and local community values.
2. Treat all children, staff, and community members with kindness and respect.
3. Dress modestly and appropriately while at school and in the community.
4. Maintain good behavior and be a positive role model for the children.
5. Follow the schedule and responsibilities agreed upon with the ministry.
6. Ask for permission before taking photos or videos of children and community members.
7. Avoid any form of discrimination, harassment, or abusive language.
8. Alcohol, drugs, smoking, and inappropriate behavior are not allowed during volunteer activities.
9. Volunteers should help maintain cleanliness and care for ministry property and accommodation.
10. Respect the Christian values and spiritual environment of the ministry.
11. Inform coordinators in advance if unable to attend any planned activity.
12. Work together with local staff and fellow volunteers in a spirit of teamwork and humility.
13. Prioritize child safety and protection at all times.
14. Be open-minded, flexible, and willing to learn from the local community.
15. Enjoy the experience, build friendships, and serve with love and compassion.