East African Playgrounds has run highly successful volunteer projects since 2009 with many old volunteers eager to come back year after year. Our key to such successful projects is:
Low transparent costs
Volunteers are expected to fund raise a minimum of just £600 for the playground and pay £250 living expense for the month they are on project in Uganda. Volunteers are then responsible for the standard travel costs of flights, visa, vaccinations, insurance and spending money. We advise each volunteer on the best insurances, flights etc.
Personal Projects
The projects are run by Carla Powell, EAP co-founder, Ken Kajuba, Regional Manager’ and a Project Coordinator who is an experience EAP volunteer. You will be put into a group of 10 other volunteers and live together within the village where you are working. By working in this manner you become part of the EAP family and therefore are really making a difference.
Start to Finish
A playground takes one month to be built, and this is the month we need you for, thus allowing you to see all your hard work develop from an empty field to vibrant, active play space. Each volunteer group works on the sports, arts and reading programs, thus enabling the volunteers to see the progression of children, teachers and parents.
No experience necessary
We believe in giving everyone the chance to experience the beauty of East Africa, therefore we do not ask for any prior experience in working with children, building or development work. We work our volunteers up to their capabilities, carrying out building work in the morning and supporting the sports, arts and reading clubs in the afternoons. By providing such a diverse daily program it allows each volunteer to excel.
Community involvement
We believe that if you are to work in a community you must work in partnership, therefore we ask the community to volunteer alongside you to help build their playground. This creates a great sense of ownership and allows you to make long-lasting friendships and learn about local culture.
24 hour support prior and during project
We support our volunteers from the moment they are accepted on our project to the day they leave. We have a network of project coordinators and group leaders headed by Carla Powell, whose job is to answer any questions no matter how big or small regarding pre project and on project matters. In the UK, in December, we hold an ‘Intro day’, here you will meet your whole group, will be advised on ways of fundraising, the details of your project and buying your flights, insurance, visa and vaccinations.
Weekends away
At the weekends we arrange for you to go and see the best of the country, whether it be abseiling down Sipi Falls, relaxing on the beautiful beach in Ssese Islands, canoeing around Lake Bonyoni, white water rafting or going on Safari. We pick the best weekends close to your project and often get a great discount on the activities too!
So how do I apply?!
You can apply at any time of the year; however our main recruitment drive is from August until end of November and the majority of projects run from June – October.
Download the application form and info pack or email us at volunteer@eastafricanplaygrounds.org
