Teaching volunteer in rural Uganda

Volunteering on this unique community teaching program will involve you working across a range of high-impact education projects aimed at building the capacity for more sustainable, prosperous and healthier livelihoods in a wonderful rural Ugandan community.

Project background: There are a couple of lovely schools, including one community-run one, located in a very rural community on the southern edge of Bwindi. The local people here are readjusting to life after being evicted from Bwindi rainforest a few years back and volunteers are needed to help improve the standard of education amongst adults and kids.

Within this program, and depending on your specific interests and when you're looking to join, you could be working across a range of projects covering enterprise, nature, health, the environment and culture. It's not about standing up in front of a classroom full of kids, and you certainly won't be replacing local jobs. It's about being creative making learning dynamic and enjoyable. You don't have to be a qualified teacher to be accepted onto this program because your tasks will be matched up to your capabilities and level of experience.

We're looking for motivated individuals eager to get involved with various aspects of education - from organising out of school arts and crafts clubs, to teaching women about nutrition in the community farm, or perhaps facilitating research around family trees and instilling pride around their unique cultural heritage.

All our volunteer programs are bespoke and will be designed around your background, abilities, interests and the needs of the project.

You can also get involved in other projects (such as in schools, enterprise projects, conservation work) whilst you're there if you're keen which gives you the chance for a really varied volunteer experience.

We have places available from 2 weeks up to 12 months. Ideally we would like volunteers to join for at least 3 months if they can. There's loads to do and we need volunteers to join us throughout the year all year-round. There are two monthly intake dates and a limited number of paces each month - so make sure you're quick to grab your's!

Where will I live?

We want to make your trip as comfortable as possible and make sure you have a good home whilst you're sharing your time to help Africa. You'll live in a Big Beyond house with the rest of the volunteer team, it's not 5 star (!) but very comfy, clean, and has incredible views of Bwindi forest from the garden. Our legendary cooks prepare you three lovely meals a day and true to the ethos of Big Beyond you'll be living right in the heart of the community making many new friends and learning from another culture every day.

Who can join the team?

We're looking for a diverse range of applicants so whether you're employed in the teaching world, have reached a career cross roads, are enrolled in a relevant degree or have retired from your profession you could be a really good fit. We need people with motivation and a willingness to adapt to a different way of life, enthusiasm to contribute to the project goals and commitment to respect the community and environment they're based. The only thing we ask is that you're over 18 and have the right attitude to volunteering and living in rural Africa. This opportunity is perfect for adventurous annual leave, career breaks and gap years.

Is there a cost?

The fee to participate in Big Beyond programs is a hassle free package inclusive of all accommodation, 3 meals a day, bespoke placement design, pre-trip and on-site project management, orientation programme, airport transfers, local project transport and a few more bits. This ensures a seamless experience and also big outcomes for the projects on the ground. When you're out there, you won't need much spending money except for optional travel on weekends and social drinks. It's approximately US $4,000 for 3 months and US $5,500 for 6 months (we're headed quartered in the UK so depending on exchange rates from GBP).

Email answers@bigbeyond.org for more info today or to secure your place on the team!