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Founded in 2006, Shammah Junior School in Mbarara, Uganda, provides inclusive primary education for 300+ day and boarding children, including orphans, refugee learners, and children with disabilities. We welcome volunteers to support teaching, computer skills, sports, creative arts, mentorship, and administrative tasks while experiencing authentic Ugandan culture and making a meaningful impact.
30 hours of help per week
Music: Perform to entertain guests, children or local communities.
Child Care: Caring for, playing with, and spending time with children.
Social Work: Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.
Teaching Sports: Teaching or assisting the host, guests, or local communities in practicing sports or physical activities.
Amount: US$ 5 Per day
Description: Volunteers contribute 5$ per day to cover expenses of food.
2 days off per week
Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.
Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.
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.
Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.
Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.
Get free drinks or beverages.: Drink up! Get free and tasty drinks for yourself.
Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.
Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.
Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely
Beginner English
Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers
Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa
We look for volunteers who bring enthusiasm, empathy, and reliability to our school community. You do not need formal teaching certification—just a positive attitude, patience, and a genuine heart for working with children. Weekly Commitment: Approximately 4 to 5 hours per day, Monday through Friday (around 20–25 hours per week). Weekends are completely free for rest and exploration. Core Responsibilities: Assisting local teachers in primary and nursery classrooms, leading extracurricular activities (sports, arts, music), teaching basic computer literacy, or helping with administrative/media support. Safety & Conduct: Because we work with vulnerable, orphaned, and refugee children, all volunteers are required to provide a valid criminal background check prior to arrival. We also ask volunteers to dress modestly during school hours and respect local community culture.
What You Can Expect From Us
We treat our volunteers as part of the Shammah Junior School family and aim to provide a safe, enriching, and comfortable experience: Accommodation: A clean, safe, and secure private or shared room (separated by gender) on or near campus with proper beds and mosquito nets. Meals Provided: Three fresh, home-cooked Ugandan meals every day (such as matooke, rice, beans, posho, and fresh local fruits). We easily cater to vegetarian and vegan diets. Orientation & Support: Full support from our co-founders, teachers, and staff to help you settle in, understand the curriculum, and navigate life in Mbarara. Free Time & Travel: Convenient access to explore Mbarara Town, local cultural sites, and nearby attractions like Lake Mburo National Park during your weekends.
