In September and October 2014, we hosted a volunteer from Germany, Jens Hirschfeld. He was a very outgoing guy. Jens sang songs, learned local craft skills, dug in the garden, and played football with and generally mentored young people. He became a fixture in Lugazi town, learned quite a lot of Luganda, cooked food for… Read More Germany and Uganda United Again
This time last year, I had the pleasure of joining one of our volunteers at a school she worked at, during her short stay with The Real Uganda. It’s a small church funded primary school in Kabembe, Mukono District. The area is populated largely by peasant farmers and their families. Our partner, Balamu Community Organization, leads outreach… Read More Inspired by a little school in Uganda
Last week was all about saying good-bye to our awesome volunteers. This week had us welcoming all kinds of newbies. Monday, Zan from New Zealand, flew in. While her luggage remained in Abu Dhabi, she was all smiles. Zan was here 2 years ago so knew what to expect. Instead of my usual orientation we… Read More The Real Uganda: Another busy week in pictures
We’ve had an amazing week at The Real Uganda. I’ve been busy saying good-bye to our seven remaining June/July volunteers. So many great personalities, so little time. I’m glad I got the opportunity to hang out in Jinja with them over the weekend. I’m glad I could spend some time in the village this week… Read More The Real Uganda Week in Pictures
I’m often asked by prospective volunteers what our volunteers go on to do with their lives, after their experience with our programs. Is volunteering abroad a catalyst for better things? Is it a career enhancer? Or does volunteering abroad naturally attract movers and shakers? Which came first, the chicken or the egg? I tend to… Read More Life after volunteering with The Real Uganda
Hey folks! Today’s post is an update on our Christmas fundraiser, The Kijani Christmas Gift Drive, which I wrote about in November here. Please give it a read for background. I’m happy to announce the fundraiser netted 30 high quality re-usable diapers, donated to The Real Uganda, to be given out to women we work… Read More Dignity and diapers
This is Robert, on his morning commute, to his gardens near Najjembe in Uganda’s Mabira Rainforest. He’s got his briefcase, his snack, and he’s chatting on his phone. Greatest job in the world. Here’s what else you might see in the garden: A re-purposed jerrycan, used to spread chicken shit. Phil, spreading chicken shit. Me,… Read More In the garden #Uganda
So, we’re heading into the Christmas season once again. Anyone tired of the crowded malls? Sick of buying yet more stuff that no one actually needs? Worried about the message hyper-consumerism is having on your kids?… Read More All I Want for Christmas Is…
I’d like to take you through a story about community transformation through a volunteer abroad program. This story starts out with a family founded primary school, and ends with a village transforming education, conservation and farming program. A venture that may not have come to be without a number of individual short-term volunteers traveling to… Read More Community Transformation and Volunteer Abroad Programs
2015 has been pretty quiet for The Real Uganda. We’ve had just a few new volunteers each month. June should be the craziest time of year and here I am writing a blog post on a Monday afternoon. Admittedly, I’ve been stressed over it. Volunteers keep things going with their creativity, encouragement and love. Our… Read More #satisfyingsaturday
The Real Uganda 