Most Affordable & Trusted Volunteer Programs in Uganda from $150

I had a wonderful stay in Kahangi Village working with ASTCF, and would absolutely recommend the experience to anyone looking for a meaningful, positive, community focused volunteering trip. The women I worked with were so friendly and welcoming, and I really enjoyed teaching English classes with them, which they were very keen for; they were extremely receptive and encouraging to me. James, Joyce and Isa were brilliant hosts, and such lovely people - they definitely have made, and continue to make, a lot of difference to the village community, and I was honoured to be able to work with them as well as the women of Kahangi. Overall, my time in Uganda was an amazing experience and I have such lovely memories. However, the trip wouldn't be suited to someone looking to be part of a big team of volunteers, or someone who is not confident to be independent and self-sufficient in their work - while ASTCF offer many options and opportunities for volunteers to get involved with their community and environmental projects, there is no set programme or itinerary. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as it allows volunteers to tailor their activities to their own skills and interests, which hopefully then has a bigger, more positive impact on the community - I certainly found this with the English lessons, and was so glad I could make my contribution in this way, it just requires you to have a bit more self-sufficiency than other organisations may do. You would have the option to live in the town, about 30km away, if you wanted to be based in a more social environment, however, I felt that living in the volunteer house in the village worked much better for what I was doing, as I was in Kahangi and could spend more time with the community in this way. The project was very affordable, accommodation was good (no running water but this was really not an issue!) and I thought the food was lovely. Try and go for a decent amount of time too, as I spent a month with ASTCF and it wasn't long enough! Kahangi is a beautiful place and I would love to go back one day.

I can only join company with the former reviewers and absolutely recommend this program! Your experience will be unique for the following reasons:

1.) You will make an impact: you will work in whatever field you chose (in my case Micro-Finance) at a small village close to Fort Portal. You will immediately realize that you can structure your project in the way you want and that you are granted huge responsibility in working with the locals. This is great as it is YOU who people will listen to! At the same time, you can always talk to ASTCF representatives if there are any questions (they have a lot of very helpful experience)
2.) People actually want to learn from you: This should not be taken for granted. Especially at the beginning, people were very sceptical of anyone coming into the village. By promoting the living conditions of people, ASTCF has made sure that people will welcome you with open arms, listen to you and try to learn as much as possible. They will ask critical questions, but that only shows that they really listen to you!
3.) Extremely structured program and great people: ASTCF representatives are extremely well structured, on time and always happy to help you with whatever issue there may be. Apart from that, you can have great conversations about any topic (culture, religion, beliefs, etc.) with them! You will laugh a lot with them!!! In general, it is extremely pleasant to stay with them (they give you time to relax, but talk to you any time you want) and they are incredibly hospitable. I believe that this is a huge advantage of this program as you really don't have to worry about anything at any time!
4.) You can use the weekends to explore Uganda and its sights: There is a lot of nature to see! You can take the time to visit any place - this may not be very cheap, but definitely worth it.

By now, it should be obvious that I really enjoyed my time in Uganda. I strongly believe that I really got to know the country and made an impact at Kahangi Village - thanks to ASTCF!

Of course, it is still important to keep some things in the back of your mind.
1.) Accommodation is (for European standards) obviously simple, but you will have water and electricity MOST of the time! The rooms are extremely clean and you will not have to worry about insects, dangerous animals or whatsoever.
2.) People in the village may seem to disrespect you initially since they are not on time, very slow and may seem not to focus at times. This is something, which was - at the beginning - very frustrating to me! After three weeks, however, I could ask them questions and realized they have understood and listened to me most of the time! Not all of them, but the vast majority! People are really thankful for your time and will eventually do whatever you recommend (if only you convince them)!
3.) Finally, be open to this experience! What I think is great is that you have the whole day to experience Uganda and help a rural community! At night, you can backtrack, process your experiences, just have some time for yourself, go out or do whatever you want!

I can only thank everyone at ASTCF for giving me the opportunity to make an impact and being so hospitable at all times! If you have any questions or if there are any uncertainties regarding this program, you can also contact me any time. I was obviously also concerned about some things before coming to Uganda, but it turned out that I did not have to worry about anything!

This is an experience that will for ever be apart of my life. Through this organization i was able to complete one of my life goals of bring fresh water to those in need. The freedom, flexibility and support the organization is first class. For such a small and young organization, there is so much determination to do good and better the lives of others. I was able construct, hire, plan and help build a well, bring fresh water to those that have no access to it. James and Joyce the directors of the organization were so helpful and kind. I felt safe and at home at all times with them by my side the entire project. The food and house is top notch. I can't not express my gratitude for making my dream come true. Thank you and will see you in two years when i return!

As someone who has volunteered extensively throughout East Africa, I can safely recommend volunteering with ASTCF over just about any other project I've participated in. The area ASTCF works in is breathtaking, located in the national parks and never ending tea plantations of Southern Uganda. The communities who reside in the villages of Kahangi near Fort Portal are friendly, caring and very welcoming and the cohesion and mutual understanding between ASTCF and the local community is incredibly strong. This is what makes ASTCF's work in the region so satisfying - that it helps to facilitate sustainable development by working directly with the community to help fulfil its wishes and not its own. The unique thing about ASTCF is that it is run by a group of dedicated Ugandan professionals who specialise in a range of fields including development practice, environment and sustainability and medicine just to name a few. Thus, its well researched and innovate projects are the subject of a combination of years of experience and, through its relationship with the community, care. All projects promote sustainable tourism and economic development through teaching local people about the importance of preserving its local environment and wildlife. The team is very friendly and professional and the accommodation is excellent. I cannot recommend anything more!

The experience with ASTCF was the best ever! Since the first day I felt safe, happy, involved in all the program although my skills could not improve it.
The staff was a second family and I left a part of me there.

The country is just amazing. The people must visit that place at least one time in life. The Uganda's people are lovely and make the strangers fell home.

I lived for two months in a rural village, Kahangi. I still miss that beautiful place and the people.
I worked with the Kahangi's women papers and beads, doing wonderful and unbelievable stuff.
Then I played with the children of the village, that are so lovely.
I never felt unsafe... I really I wish everyone the chance to live at least one day of what I could live in Kahangi.