Research Uganda gives participants the chance to conduct ground breaking research to direct Volunteer Uganda's strategy in poverty alleviation and development.
Unique Opportunity
The internship offers participants a unique opportunity to take part in fist hand research on the ground which has a tangible impact on thousands of peoples lives.
Aims of the Programme
Volunteer Uganda's Research Internship aims to shape our ever-evolving poverty alleviation strategy in the Bwindi Region of South Western Uganda.
Ground-Breaking Research
A limited number of applicants will gain invaluable experience interning with VU in Uganda, carrying out ground-breaking research into poverty within the region.
How can we do more?
As well as assessing the impact of Volunteer Uganda's operations, the research identifies further areas in which we can work with the community to alleviate poverty.
What's included?
As an organisation, Volunteer Uganda combines high-impact volunteering with invaluable and unforgettable experiences that can't be found elsewhere. To strike the balance between impact time and wider adventure there are opportunities to go on Safari, White Water Rafting, Chimpanzee and Gorilla Tracking as well as a guaranteed fantastic social life! The cost of the trip includes:
All transport in Uganda
All accommodation in Uganda
All food whilst at the lodge
Introductory training
Continued mentoring and support
Programme running costs
What will you gain?
The Internship grants participants an opportunity to expand their research skills & experience to gain a unique insight into the Development and Charity sectors. Volunteers will also experience Africa at its most inspiring and provoking. It's a chance for volunteers to apply their leadership, teamwork and problem solving skills whilst having a long-lasting, tangible impact in one of the poorest parts of the world.
Expand research skills
Insight into development & charity
Experience REAL Africa
Enhance your existing skills
Have a tangible impact
Go on 6 amazing excursions
Who can apply?
The Research Uganda programme is only offered to applicants interested in certain fields. We welcome applications from those wanting to go into the Charity and Development sectors, as well as those looking to work either in policy development, politics, education or research. Applicants will be considered from backgrounds in a range of degree programmes, both students & graduates.
Graduates or Under-graduates with:
An interest in Charity sector,
An interest in Development sector,
An interest in Policy Development,
An interest in Politics and Education,
An interest in conducting research
Week 1: Training, Local induction and Project visits.
Overview
During the first week, participants receive extensive training to equip them with the relevant skills required to conduct the research specific to the Bwindi region. The first few days will be spent gaining an overview of the Bwindi region and a range of on-going Volunteer Uganda projects. This will involve visiting schools, meeting NGO staff and talking to community leaders. Participants will also take a lead in strategizing research implementation for the weeks ahead.
Highlights
During week one, volunteers will have the chance to experience Uganda's vibrant capital city, Kampala. Whilst in the capital, the team visit Makarere University, one of the most prestigious University in Africa. The group also make a trip to Jinja, to the source of the River Nile. Here, volunteers have the opportunity to go on a full day WHite Water Rafting exoerience down the River Nile and Bungee Jump into the River Nile!
Week 2-3: Conducting Research, Field work.
Overview
In the second and third weeks of the programme, volunteers will focus on actually conducting their research. This year Research Uganda is using a survey designed to measure the multi-dimensional aspects of poverty, to assess our impact and identify needs of the community. Our deep roots in the community will allow the Research Uganda team to conduct extensive qualitative research with all members of the community, from local authority personnel to the most vulnerable.
Highlights
During weeks two and three, volunteers will have the chance to go shopping at the local market in Kanungu. At the end of the second week, the interns have a chance to let off some steam by spending the weekend at the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi. Here, the group have a chance to swim and canoe in the lake, enjoy the sun and relax in one of Uganda's most popular tourist destinations. Participants can also choose to go Mountain Gorilla tracking, an unforgettable experience.
Week 4: Research analysis, Focus groups and strategy proposal.
Overview
The programme concludes with the team analysing data, identifying key findings and creating a report to be presented to the trustees of the Volunteer Uganda Trust. These recommendations, which will be published, will inform Volunteer Uganda's diversification and inform approaches to maximise impact. The final week will also involve saying farewell to the people in the local community who you have met and formed relationships with
Highlights
The trip ends on a bang with the group heading off for a 3-day big game safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Uganda's BIG-5 includes elephants, hippos, buffalo, leopards and tree-climbing lions. Whilst on safari, participants can choose to go chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge. This ultimate ape adventure is not to be missed. On the final night of the Safari trip the group have dinner at a 5-star hotel in Mweya which serves as a great way to toast a memorable four weeks.
Sponsoring a child is a direct and personal way to make a difference to their life. Without the help of their sponsor, the children would not be able to attend the school.
Everything we do at Volunteer Uganda has two aims - to make a difference today and to take one more step towards sustainable transformation of a community. And education is at the heart of what is needed to allow the people of rural Uganda to attain their potential.
Your sponsorship will help a specific child and you will be given their name and progress reports - even letters from the child from time to time. Please don't expect an instant response because things take a little longer than they would here.
The sponsorship money will go towards the child's school fees and to ensure they get three meals per day. The child's family still has to make a contribution towards the fees because we believe this is important.
Our regular visitors to Uganda comment on the difference in the whole community between villages with sponsored schools and villages that have to rely on the local resources.
The sponsorship options are:
£75 per year to sponsor a child (living close enough to have lunch at home)
£150 per year to sponsor a child (including lunch at school)
Please click here to print off a sponsorship form with standing order. Thanks.
Making a donation is the simplest thing you can do to help. There is no long-term commitment (but you can always visit the site another time and make another gift!)
How much of my donation will be spent on projects in Uganda?
Unlike giant charities we spend 100% of donations in Uganda.
What will our donation be spent on?
When you donate, we will tell you what is needed next and a few months later you will see how your gift has changed lives more step to transforming a community.
What is the current focus?
The current project building classrooms to cater for the next year cohort at the new High School. Here is how you can help:
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