Social Profit Enterprise Volunteering in Uganda

I had a very good time with the local team of play professionals. I helped with setting up the system for finances, taxes and funding while having fun with the children in the park. On one of the days more than 500 kids were there! They had an amazing time! The park with all kind of play items is brand new and includes a food forest. They have plans for making a Camp ground as well so classes can stay for multiple days.

The neighborhood has a lot of nice places to go, including the source of the Nile and a lot of nice restaurants. The staf helped me with people they know to bring me anywhere and take me back safely.

We went one weekend to Sipi Falls and Pian Upe National Park. It is about three hours drive and is lovely to see!

In 2019, I had the privilege of traveling to Uganda for the first time. I went with Tjeko NL, and later, I returned with my brother and husband. The aroma of roasted and spiced chicken around the airport made me feel at home right away.

From Entebbe, we drove to Jinja Town, where we stayed. I was well informed beforehand about what to expect, but I also enjoyed discovering things on my own. We received a warm welcome from the team in Uganda—such kind and welcoming people! Even years later, I can still call them my friends, in addition to being colleagues.

Transportation was well arranged, and both the accommodation and food were great. Fresh fruit, a hearty lunch, and in the evenings, there was always something light to eat nearby.

During my volunteer work in Uganda, I had the opportunity to provide a training session called Train the Trainer as part of my studies. The training focused on strengthening individuals and teams in personal skills and development. The team was eager to learn and open to the activities. It was wonderful to see how they embraced the training and engaged with the assignments. Even more amazing is that this training is now being delivered by the team themselves to teachers, trainers, and organizations. It’s inspiring to see how they have made it their own and continue to use it to this day.

Throughout my stay, I was well guided—I could ask anything, and together, we would find solutions whenever challenges arose. The people in Uganda are incredibly hospitable and always up for a chat. Knowing a few words in Luganda or Lusoga helps create an instant connection!

Being in a different culture also means adapting to certain challenges. Uganda is very warm, which can sometimes slow things down more than you might be used to. But I learned to embrace those moments. We often feel the need to rush and do as much as possible, but sometimes it’s important to pause and reflect on what you're doing and how you're doing it. Enjoy the moment—even when things take longer than expected, haha!

Ugandans are hardworking people. They don’t necessarily stick to a strict 9-to-5 schedule, but they balance that with well-deserved moments of rest. There’s always something to do at Tjeko, and that’s what makes it so exciting!

If you’re up for an adventure, not afraid to get your hands dirty, and are flexible, creative, or simply a go-getter—this is the perfect place for you!