VOLUNTEER WITH REFUGEE COMMUNITY IN UGANDA

International Volunteer Opportunities

Hope of Children and Women Victims of Violence (HOCW)

Kampala – Ndejje, Uganda

Hope of Children and Women Victims of Violence (HOCW) offers meaningful short-term and long-term international volunteer opportunities for individuals who wish to contribute their skills, time, and experience to community-led programs supporting women, children, youth, and refugee families affected by violence, displacement, and poverty.

HOCW works primarily with refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Somalia, as well as vulnerable Ugandan host community members. Volunteers are placed within existing community programs, ensuring ethical engagement, mutual learning, and long-term impact.

Volunteers are based in Ndejje (Entebbe Road) and work directly with the community under HOCW supervision.

Our Volunteer Philosophy

HOCW believes in partnership, dignity, and mutual learning. Volunteers do not replace local staff or systems but strengthen capacity, skills, and service quality.

HOCW itself was founded through lived refugee experience, and volunteerism is deeply embedded in its identity—the Founder and Executive Director also serves as a volunteer.

Volunteer Placement Areas

1. Education Programs

Adult Language Education

Many refugees arrive in Uganda facing language barriers, particularly those from Francophone countries such as DR Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi. Volunteers support:

• • Adult English language classes
  • Language learning for social integration, employment, and daily life
  • Conversational English and practical communication skills

Primary Education Support

Volunteers interested in teaching children are placed at ABESTHER Primary School, which serves many vulnerable and urban refugee children.

• • Volunteers agree on subjects and schedules before or upon arrival
  • Classes often include children of mixed ages and language abilities
  • Local teachers and staff provide ongoing suppo

1. Health & Wellbeing

HOCW welcomes Medical Doctors, Nurses, and Health Professionals who wish to volunteer their expertise.

• • Volunteers are placed at Zanta Health Centre, a government clinic where many refugees access free treatment
  • Support maternal, child, and general health services
  • Health education and preventive care

Counseling & Psychosocial Support

Many refugee women and families have experienced sexual violence, trauma, and displacement.

• • Volunteers with counseling or psychosocial backgrounds support:
  • Trauma awareness and recovery
  • Voluntary HIV testing education
  • Living positively with or without chronic illness
  • Interpreters are provided when necessary

1. Social & Economic Development

Economic resilience is central to HOCW’s mission. Volunteers with relevant skills may support:

• • Income-generating activities
  • Women’s crafts and small businesses
  • Skills transfer in business, marketing, or production
  • Strengthening sustainability and self-reliance

HOCW supports women-led initiatives where handcrafted products are produced and sold, contributing to household income and dignity.

1. Youth, Culture & Sports

Many refugee and host community youth face risks linked to idleness and exclusion. Cultural and sports activities provide positive alternatives.

Volunteers may support:

• • Sports coaching (e.g., football, netball)
  • Drama, dance, music, or creative arts
  • Youth engagement and leadership activities

This is typically a part-time volunteer role integrated with HOCW’s Youth Program.

Accommodation & Living Arrangements

Volunteers are accommodated in HOCW’s Volunteer House in Ndejje Central Zone.

What is provided:

• • Shared, self-contained accommodation
  • Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, supper)
  • Airport pickup from Entebbe International Airport
  • Program orientation and registration

Volunteer responsibilities:

• • Bottled drinking water
  • Personal expenses

A modest weekly personal budget of approximately USD 20 is recommended

Program Fees

Volunteer program fees contribute directly to HOCW’s community programs and sustainability.

Fees:

• • USD 150 – one week
  • USD 600 – one month

Program fee covers:

• • Accommodation
  • Three meals per day
  • Airport pickup
  • Registration and orientation
  • Contribution to HOCW programs

Our Volunteer Community

HOCW has hosted volunteers from:

• • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Burundi
  • Canada
  • United States
  • United Kingdom

Volunteers become part of a diverse, community-rooted environment focused on protection, learning, and resilience.