Teaching English in Uganda

Explore Uganda, immerse yourself in local culture, and help provide students with better education and brighter futures.

While English is Uganda’s national language, many Ugandans do not speak it as their first language. Most learn English through their schools, where the quality of education is crucial for effective learning. Unfortunately, children from poor families often attend under-resourced schools with inadequate teaching materials and poor learning environments. This limits their ability to improve their English skills, significantly affecting their future career prospects.

By joining RCDP’s Teaching English volunteering opportunity in Uganda, you can make a difference. Volunteer at a local school to help these children improve their English and enhance their chances of success.

Get involved now and contribute to giving young Ugandans a better future. You’ll find the experience rewarding, enjoyable, and transformative.

Below are the dates during which schools are closed in Uganda. Volunteers in Uganda at these times can participate in orphanage or other programs.

• End of April to the middle of May
• End of August to the beginning of September
• December to the start of February

Skill/Qualification

No specific qualifications are needed. However, we do expect our volunteers to be fluent in English (native speakers not required). Volunteers should also be flexible and patient. Previous teaching experience is not required.

Volunteer's Responsibilities

You will be teaching English to children aged 6 to 16. While you will follow the official curriculum, you’re encouraged to use creative methods to make classes engaging and enjoyable. For example, you might organize debates and discussions to help students practice and improve their English skills while promoting active participation.

You can begin by teaching independently or by assisting local teachers. Volunteers also have the opportunity to organize or join extra-curricular activities, such as games and performances. Additionally, you may help with school administration tasks and contribute to fundraising efforts to enhance the school’s infrastructure.

As a volunteer English teacher in Uganda, you will significantly impact their language skills and future opportunities. You’ll enhance learning through interactive methods, support local teachers, and contribute to extra-curricular activities and school fundraising. Your work will improve both the students' educational experience and the school’s resources.

Accommodation/Meal and Supervision

RCDP will provide accommodation and meals during your teaching English volunteer program in Uganda. You will either stay with a host family or in a secure, clean volunteer house close to the project and city. Host families are carefully selected, offering a safe environment and cultural immersion. You’ll receive three local meals daily from Monday to Friday, featuring Ugandan cuisine with influences from English, Arab, and Asian flavors. The local coordinator will regularly check on your progress and be available 24/7 by phone to ensure your satisfaction.

Project Location

Our teaching English volunteer program in Uganda is located in Mpigi, a peaceful and relaxed suburb about 1 hour southwest of Kampala, the capital city. While you're in Mpigi, you can explore several attractions, including:

• Mpaga Forest, near Lwanga and Arise and Shine Junior School
• The craft market on Buganda Road in the heart of Kampala
• The Equator at Kayabwe, 72 kilometers southwest of Kampala
• Buwama Crocodile Farm
• The Nile River in Jinja, eastern Uganda, known as the longest river in the world

If you wish to volunteer in other African countries, we have teaching volunteer program in Kenya, orphanage program in South Africa, healthcare program in Tanzania and teaching English volunteer opportunity in Zimbabwe.