Provide vital volunteer support to refugees who are seeking refuge from adverse living conditions in their home countries. The fear of political violence, or a lack of economic opportunities is a real concern, forcing them to flee and seek assistance in neighboring countries. As of March 2023, over 1.4 million refugees had settled in Uganda with at least 860,000 of them being children. The number continues to rise due to the instability in Democratic Republic of Congo as well as South Sudan.
As a volunteer working with refugees in Uganda, you can:
- Help refugees apply for asylum and other identification documents
- Serve meals and hand-out essentials like clothing and toiletries
- Assist with basic medical work like the cleaning and bandaging of cuts and scrapes
- Teach English lessons in refugee shelters
By working with the refugees, you’ll help make their transition into a new country smoother despite all the obstacles put in their path. It’ll give you a deeper understanding of the challenges they face on their way to a better future. You might even find yourself pursuing a career in human rights after seeing their struggles firsthand.
Is volunteering at a refugee settlement right for me?
If you have a great level of compassion and you feel strongly about helping people, then a refugee support project might be for you.
Our goal is to make the transition of refugees, from their home country to Uganda, as smooth as possible. You’ll provide them with the necessary tools to improve their journey and the skills that will better prepare them for the future.
Our refugee support projects are open to volunteers of all ages and skill levels. You’ll be provided with all the training you need once you arrive at the refugee camp. This includes information on your daily tasks and how to communicate with the refugees who have a limited English level.
Interested in learning more about human rights? We have plenty of Law & Human Rights internships in Uganda that you may be interested in.
What will you gain as a refugee support volunteer in Uganda?
As a volunteer working with refugees, you’ll get to assist with the transition process between their home country and final destination.
Your assistance will prove a great help to the refugee camps but it’ll also add valuable work experience to your CV. This experience will be looked upon favorably by future university recruiters and employers. During your time on the project, you’ll:
- Work with a diverse group of people and get to know their backgrounds and cultures
- Learn about the challenges refugees face and the ongoing issues in countries around the world
- Develop your skills in communication, organization and leadership
- Improve your confidence
- Get to know and make friends with volunteers from around the world
Why does supporting refugees as a volunteer matter?
We all have the right to freedom, safety, and opportunities but this is not always the case in poor or war-torn countries. Many refugees face adverse living conditions in their home countries. The fear of persecution, war and violence, or a lack of opportunities, forces them to flee in order to find a safe place to live. As a refugee support volunteer in Uganda, you’ll help make their journey a more comfortable one.
How are our refugee volunteer support projects different?
At Avella Sights, our first aim is to benefit the communities we work in. You can be assured that your project is ethical, well supported, and part of a better future. Here are just a few elements of our work that set it apart from other volunteer projects:
Be fully supported by staff
On these projects, you’ll work alongside professionals who’ll provide you with all the necessary training. You’ll be given a variety of tasks that all play a vital role in the support of refugees. You can use this opportunity to ask our staff questions and develop your skills and understanding from their knowledge.
Projects that have an impact
All our projects are well researched, targeted and sustainable. We aim to make a difference in the local community for the long term.
A tailored approach
We are often able to tailor your volunteer role to your interests. If there is a particular sector or industry you’d like to work in, let our team know.
Keeping Children Safe
We take the safety of the children and young people we work with very seriously. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive Child Protection Policy.