Support teaching and community life in rural Uganda

Kayenje Church of Uganda Primary School is a community church-founded school started in 1903 by the Christians of Kayenje, in Gombe Parish, Butambala District, Uganda. It was originally founded to instill religion in the area but now offers free Universal Primary Education for all children regardless of religion. The school’s motto is “Teach Today’s Child for Tomorrow’s World.” The school currently has 758 enrolled children and 23 teaching and non-teaching staff.

Location

Kayenje Church of Uganda Primary School is located in  Kayenje Village, Gombe Parish, Butambala District, Uganda.📍

Volunteer activities

We welcome help with:

• Assisting teachers in the classroom, especially with reading, writing and basic numeracy
• Working with small groups of pupils who need extra support
• Supporting sports, games and coaching
• Fundraising for the school infrastructure
• Support for orphans and vulnerable children
• Working with the local community on development activities
• Helping with school events and community activities
• Sharing skills or subjects you are confident in, such as English conversation or computer basics

Volunteers work alongside our teachers rather than replacing them.

About the volunteer program

Volunteers are integrated into daily school life and work alongside our staff under the supervision of the Head Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher and class teachers. Volunteers can expect a friendly, rural school environment, a warm welcome from staff, pupils and the local community, and the chance to experience Ugandan community life first-hand. We ask volunteers to be flexible, respectful of local customs and patient, as school routines and resources may differ from what you are used to.

Every volunteer is assigned a dedicated staff supervisor, usually the class teacher or a senior teacher, who works alongside them throughout the placement. Volunteers never run a class unsupervised; the teacher remains responsible for the class at all times. The Head Teacher and Deputy Head Teacher provide overall oversight and hold regular check-ins with volunteers. A clear supervision structure and daily timetable are shared with every volunteer on arrival.

Volunteers are never alone with children. All activities take place in the presence of school staff, in open and visible classrooms and school grounds, including during lessons, break times and games. Our policy prohibits one-to-one situations between a volunteer and a child.

Our school has a written Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy that staff and volunteers must read and sign before starting. It covers acceptable behaviour and reporting procedures and names the Head Teacher as the designated safeguarding lead. Every volunteer receives a safeguarding induction on their first day, and any concern is reported immediately and handled confidentially. Our policy is aligned with Uganda’s Children Act and national child protection guidelines.

Number of volunteers

We can normally host 2 to 4 volunteers at the same time. Groups of 5 to 10 people should notify us in advance.

Availability

Volunteers are needed throughout the school year, but the most useful times are during school terms, especially February to April, May to August and September to November. We are also happy to host volunteers during school holidays for community and preparation activities.

Length of stay

We do not set a minimum length of stay.

Working hours

Approximately 4 to 6 hours per day, Monday to Friday, with breaks. Weekends are free.

Schedule and practical expectations

School starts early in the morning, so volunteers should be ready to start by 8:00 a.m. East Africa Time. Volunteers are expected to dress modestly and appropriately for a school setting, follow school rules, treat all pupils and staff with respect, and never be alone with children. Please let us know in advance if you will be absent.

Before placement, we ask volunteers to complete a self-declaration form confirming their suitability to work with children, sign our Child Protection Policy and complete a simple health and suitability declaration. We do not ask volunteers for police clearance or criminal record certificates.

Food and accommodation

We provide accommodation free of charge in a house made available by the board members and set aside for visitors, about 500 metres’ walk from the school. The house offers privacy.

We provide breakfast, tea and lunch, usually with local Ugandan food. Volunteers arrange their own supper, and cooking utensils are available.

Food / dietary information

Meals are typically local Ugandan food. Please tell us about any allergies or dietary needs before you arrive.

Fees and costs

There is no participation fee or accommodation cost. Breakfast, tea and lunch are provided by the school at no cost. Volunteers cover their own travel, visa and personal expenses, and arrange their own supper. Cooking utensils are provided.

Visa support

We are ready to provide general information about visas and a letter of invitation for volunteers who have been accepted by the school. Volunteers are responsible for obtaining the correct visa.

What volunteers receive

Cultural exchange with the local community, the opportunity to take part in community and church activities, a certificate of appreciation, and the rewarding experience of supporting pupils’ education.

Languages spoken

Lessons are taught in English, and staff speak English with volunteers.

To reach the school

Volunteers usually fly into Entebbe International Airport. We can pick them up at the airport and take them to Kayenje. We ask volunteers to tell us their expected arrival and departure dates in advance.

Internet access

Mobile data is available through local SIM cards.