Apply Now

Volunteer for impact and connection

5.0
(3 reviews)3

The experience

Why Volunteer with MCFU?
Make an Immediate Impact: Your contribution will directly support the children and families in the communities we serve, bringing tangible improvements in education, health, and quality of life.
Cultural Exchange: Experience Uganda's rich culture, while learning from the resilience and creativity of local communities.
Personal Growth: Volunteering with MCFU provides an opportunity for personal development, building skills

What you offer

32 hours of help per week

Social Work: Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.

What you get

2 days off per week

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Team Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other people.

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.

Discounts on Accommodation: Get discounts for your stay in other hostels.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Free Hiking Tours: We’ll take you on excursions and hikes around town. For free!

Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.

Language lessons: Take free language classes at our place.

Certificate: Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.

Requirements

Beginner English or Beginner French

Between 18 and 50 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

Be from outside Uganda

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

At Marles Children’s Foundation Uganda (MCFU), we strive to provide comfortable, safe, and culturally respectful accommodation for our international volunteers. We understand that accommodation plays an important role in ensuring volunteers’ comfort and well-being while they engage in our programs.

Our volunteer accommodation is located within a convenient distance from MCFU’s operational centers, including MCF Junior Schools, the healthcare facilities, and the community development project sites. We ensure that the accommodations are accessible to volunteers while being well-integrated into the community to encourage immersion in local culture.

Accommodation Structure
Volunteers are provided with shared dormitory-style housing, offering a community living environment that allows volunteers to engage with one another, share experiences, and support each other throughout their volunteer journey. The dormitories are designed to accommodate multiple volunteers, ensuring a comfortable, communal atmosphere.

Separate Rooms Based on Sex:
The dormitory rooms are divided according to gender. Male and female volunteers are housed in different rooms to respect privacy, maintain comfort, and ensure safety. This separation is part of our commitment to providing a respectful living environment, which aligns with both cultural norms and international best practices. The dormitories are well-organized, offering enough space for volunteers to rest after a day of service.

Room Configuration:
Each dormitory room is typically shared by two to four volunteers, depending on availability. The rooms are designed to offer essential comfort, with each bed equipped with clean linens, mosquito nets, and storage space for personal belongings. Volunteers will have a personal locker.

Activities & Shift

At Marles Children’s Foundation Uganda (MCFU), volunteers play a crucial role in making a tangible impact on the lives of underprivileged children, families, and communities. The foundation provides a holistic approach to tackling illiteracy, disease, and poverty, and volunteers are essential to helping us achieve these goals. The activities and shifts are designed to ensure that each volunteer has a fulfilling, impactful experience while contributing to the foundation’s mission.

Volunteer Activities Overview
Volunteers at MCFU are involved in a wide range of activities, each aligned with the foundation’s core areas of focus: education, healthcare, social support, and community development. The tasks vary depending on the volunteer’s skill set, interests, and the specific program or project they are assigned to.

Here are some of the primary activities that volunteers might engage in:

1. Educational Support
Education is at the heart of MCFU’s mission, and MCF Junior Schools plays a vital role in providing access to education for children who would otherwise be unable to attend school. Volunteers working in education will engage in various tasks, including:

Teaching Assistance: Volunteers assist classroom teachers by providing additional support to students, particularly in subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, and local Ugandan languages. Volunteers help with lesson plans, activities, and one-on-one tutoring.

Extra-Curricular Activities: Volunteers support after-school programs, including sports, arts and crafts, music, and drama. These activities are designed to provide well-rounded education and life skills to students.

Reading and Literacy Programs: Volunteers may work with children to enhance their reading skills, providing one-on-one or small group s

Rules

1. Punctuality and Commitment
Volunteers are expected to be punctual for their shifts and commit to the agreed-upon schedule. Consistent attendance is essential to the smooth operation of the programs, as volunteers are often working in teams and with the local community. If there is a need to adjust or cancel shifts, volunteers must inform their team leader in advance.

Timeliness: Volunteers should arrive at least 10 minutes before their scheduled shift time.
Commitment: Volunteers must complete the full duration of their placement unless there are extenuating circumstances.
2. Respect for Local Culture
Volunteers should be respectful of the local culture, traditions, and customs. Uganda has its own unique social norms and values, and it is important that volunteers respect these when interacting with local people and communities.

Appropriate Behavior: Volunteers should avoid any behavior that may be considered offensive or disrespectful to local customs.
Dress Code: Volunteers should dress modestly at all times. This means covering shoulders, knees, and avoiding revealing clothing when engaging with local communities or in public settings.
3. Professionalism and Conduct
Volunteers represent Marles Children’s Foundation Uganda, and as such, they should maintain a professional demeanor both on and off duty. Volunteers should conduct themselves with respect, integrity, and courtesy when interacting with colleagues, community members, and children.

Respectful Communication: Volunteers should use polite and clear communication, avoiding any language that could be seen as offensive or inappropriate.
Teamwork: Volunteers should work collaboratively with local staff, other volunteers, and community members, promoting a positive, supportive atmosphere.