Research Uganda Internship

Research Uganda Gives interns the chance to conduct the research which drives our projects, directs our work in development, and maximises our efficiency in tackling poverty in the region.

What is VU:RU?

This years Volunteer Uganda research internship promises to shape our ever evolving poverty alleviation strategy in the Bwindi Region of South Western Uganda where VU currently works. A limited number of applicants will gain invaluable experience interning with VU in Uganda, carrying out research fit for publish into poverty and making policy recommendations based on their findings.

By shaping our approaches the VU:RU (Volunteer Uganda: Research Uganda) has a tangible impact on the lives of thousands.

Who can apply?

The VU:RU programme is designed for and only offered to applicants interested in careers in the charity and international development, policy development and politics, education and research fields. Applicants are be considered from backgrounds in a range of degree programmes. Both currents students and graduates will be considered.

The two main aims of our Research Programme are:

• To assess the impact of VU, ensuring that its operations are as effective as possible.
• To identify further areas in which we can work with the community to alleviate poverty

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Alongside immersion in VU and the community we work with, VU:RU is an opportunity take on an unforgettable adventure including White Water Rafting on the Nile, Big Game Safaris and first had experience of a new culture.

Programme Overview

The programme is split into three components:

Training and Immersion into VU and the Bwindi Region

At VU we place significant emphasis on training our teams. Local induction and orientation coupled with the VU:RU training will equip you with skills enabling you to conduct detailed research. Local knowledge will equip you to contextualise yielded findings.

The first few days in country will be spent gaining an overview of the Bwindi region and a range of ongoing Volunteer Uganda projects. This will involve visiting schools, meeting NGO staff and socialising with locals. Interns take a lead in the strategizing of research implementation.

Conducting Research

This year VU:RU is using a survey designed to measure the multi-dimensional aspects of poverty to assess key both our impact and identify needs of the community. Our deep roots in the community and expert local facilitators mean the VU:RU team can conduct extensive qualitative research with all members of the community, from local authority personnel to the most vulnerable.

Analysing and Policy Creation

The program will conclude with Interns analysing data, identifying key findings and creating a report to be presented to the trustees of the Volunteer Uganda Trust. These recommendations will inform VU's diversification and inform approaches to maximise impact. The report will also be published.

What You Will Gain

Invaluable Experience

The Volunteer Uganda Research internship grants participants an opportunity to expand their skills and experience base and gain a unique insight into the development/charity sector. If you apply successfully, you will experience genuine Africa at its most inspiring and thought provoking. This is a chance for you to apply your leadership, teamwork and problem solving, skills and have a long-lasting tangible impact in one of the poorest parts of the world.

Unrivalled Fun & Travelling Experience

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.

Our enthusiastic team of staff run all sorts of social events, and there is a wide consensus among our volunteers that at 70p/beer, the VU Lodge Bar guarantees the best party in Africa!

How do I apply?

To apply, select menu options "Enquire & apply" -> "Apply to volunteer". For any questions or to find out more send us an enquiry or give us a call to speak to one of our dedicated and friendly team.

Join in! Stand out! Volunteer Uganda! Research Uganda!

Research Uganda gives participants the chance to conduct the research which drives our projects, directs our work in development, and maximises our efficiency in tackling poverty in the region.

Research Uganda 2012

This year’s Volunteer Uganda research internship promises to shape our ever evolving poverty alleviation strategy in the Bwindi Region of South Western Uganda. A limited number of applicants will gain invaluable experience interning with VU in Uganda, carrying out ground breaking research into poverty within the region, making policy recommendations based on their findings. By shaping our approaches, Research Uganda promises to have a tangible impact on the lives of thousands!

The two main aims of Research Uganda are:

• To assess the impact of Volunteer Uganda, ensuring that its operations are as effective as possible.
• To identify further areas in which Volunteer Uganda can work with the community to alleviate poverty.

Who can apply for Research Uganda?

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 current students and recent graduates. 

Programme Overview

Week 1: Training, Local induction and Project visits.

During the first week in-country, Research Uganda participants will receive extensive training in order 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. During this time, participants will also take a lead in strategizing research implementation for the weeks ahead.

Week 2-3: Conducting Research, Field work.

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.

Week 4  Research analysis, Focus groups and strategy proposal.

The programme will conclude 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 VU's diversification and inform approaches to maximise impact. 

Gaining Experience with Research Uganda

What You Will Gain?

The Research Uganda internship grants participants an opportunity to expand their research skills and experience base and gain a unique insight into the Development and Charity sectors. Volunteers will also experience genuine Africa at its most inspiring and provoking. The research placement is a real 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.

Will it be an Adventure to?

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. Our enthusiastic team of staff run all sorts of social events, and there is a wide consensus among our volunteers that at 70p/beer, the VU Lodge Bar guarantees the best party in Africa!

Join in! Stand out! Volunteer Uganda! Research Uganda!