Becoming a StarsUganda volunteer means going above and beyond to protect and promote the welfare of children.

We seek individuals who:

1. Are deeply committed to serving those less fortunate.

2. Evangelize Christian values through their actions and example.

3. Maintain a positive and adaptable attitude, especially in unexpected situations.

4. Solve problems proactively rather than creating new ones.

5. Embrace teamwork, putting the children and organization above individual concerns.

6. Provide constructive feedback privately and appropriately.

Requirements:

• You must be 18 or older, or at least 15 if traveling with an adult.

• Fluency in English is required.

• Visa: Apply for a Uganda tourist visa online at Uganda Immigration. Select Entebbe as your entry port. A single-entry tourist visa costs $50. Print out your approved visa; electronic versions will not be accepted.

• Vaccinations: Check with your healthcare provider for necessary immunizations and bring a copy of your vaccination record.

• Stay Duration: We recommend a minimum 15-day stay, as the journey from the Americas or Europe can be lengthy.

• Flights: Airlines like Qatar Airways, Delta, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, and Brussels Airlines fly to Uganda. Depending on the season, round-trip airfare typically ranges around $1300 for economy class.

• Transport: Upon arrival in Entebbe, a driver will wait for you and take you to our home in Jinja (approximately 3 hours, depending on traffic). The round-trip transport fee is $150. Do not pay it to the driver.

• Currency: Uganda uses the "Uganda Shilling" (UGX), with a rough exchange rate of $1 = UGX 3600. Not all ATMs accept international cards, so use a VISA/Mastercard-compatible ATM. Your driver can assist with this.

• Personal Expenses: You are responsible for your accommodation, meals, and transportation. Hotels range from $20 per night in a convent’s guest house (highly recommended) to $150 per night in more upscale accommodations. Expect to spend about $30 per day on food and transportation.

Activities:

• Children's Programs: Engage in activities like playing with children, teaching art, crafts, basic literacy, and helping stimulate their development.

• Agriculture: Contribute to our poultry and vegetable garden programs, which provide sustenance for our children and the community.

• Health Clinic: Annually, we sponsor a health clinic with medical professionals from the US and Europe. If you work in the medical field, you are welcome to join our team.

Additional Information:

In anticipation of your trip, Zoom meetings will be scheduled to review these topics and answer any other questions you may have.

• Climate: Uganda is a tropical country situated along the Equator. Expect hot and humid weather (80°F - 90°F). Pack sunglasses, sunblock, and mosquito repellent, especially for evenings.

• Dress Code: Comfortable, closed shoes (e.g., tennis shoes) are recommended due to the dusty terrain. Women should wear loose-fitting clothes, as the local culture is still quite conservative.

• Food & Water: Only drink bottled mineral water. There are several restaurants on Jinja’s main street offering Ugandan, Indian, and Italian dishes. “The Deli” is a popular spot among international visitors and is safe for salads.

• Travel Insurance: This usually covers your money, belongings, and health. Travel insurance can cover the cost of medical treatment if you suffer an injury or illness on the road. Some plans also include emergency medical evacuations and repatriations if you need to get to another location for necessary care.

• Healthcare: There are nearby hospitals in case of emergencies, but of course, this is Africa.

• Do not give money directly to staff. Instead, donate to the program or organize a specific initiative through the proper channels.

• Packing: Be sure to bring any personal medications as well as your favorite snacks. Some items can also be found in local markets.

• Should you need additional information please contact us: starsuganda@helpint.org