New Hope Volunteers

Since 1998, More than 18000 happy volunteers


Teaching English Project (Kampala)

volunteer in teaching english project in uganda
  • Share your passion in teaching English to disadvantaged children
  • Work with local schools and help shape the futures of the students
  • Live with a local family and explore day-to-day Uganda life
  • Go on a world-renowned gorilla safari, visit the source of the Nile River or trek the Rwenzori National Park in your downtime

Enjoy teaching and working with children? This is a great opportunity for you to teach in an exotic African country! All across the world English has become a vital part of life. Without adequate knowledge of the English language, it is extremely difficult to have a prosperous career. Due to the financial crisis in Uganda, there is a lack of quality education as schools are unable to afford to employ trained and experienced teachers. As a result, the children often find it hard to improve in the English language. New Hope partners up with local schools to provide qualified English teachers to schools attended by children from deprived and needy families. Our volunteers will help change this by assisting local teachers, and then teaching the students on your own through your experiences as a native English speaker. You’ll teach conservational English as well as from the official curriculum and you’ll be encouraged to hold debates and discussions. This will make the children learn quickly and ensure they become confident individuals capable of believing in themselves. Teach English in Uganda, and help the children of Uganda have a better future while exploring the renowned safaris and track extremely rare gorillas in your free time!

The schools in Uganda remain closed from end of April to mid May, whole of August, and from December to January. Volunteers can participate in other projects during this time.

Volunteers' Responsibilities

As a volunteer teaching English in Uganda, you will teach English in either primary or secondary schools. Depending on your individual interests and skills, and on the needs of the local staff, your daily activities involve, but are not limited to:

  • Teaching basic English to the students
  • Helping students to improve their Basic English and conversational skills
  • Supporting recreational and artistic activities focused on educational learning
  • Organizing and developing activities that encourage learning
  • Assisting the fulltime local teacher with class duties
  • Working alongside the local teachers on curriculum development
  • Assisting school administrations with daily tasks
  • Tutoring the students and help with their homework
How You Can Make a Difference

If you’re interested in teaching, this would prove to be an enriching experience for you. The ability to speak English accurately often ensures the success of young Ugandans by equipping them with the skills required to compete in the growing global economy. However in the schools where our volunteer project is located at, the children often find it very hard to improve their English language. English taught in the public schools is basic at best, and teachers do not have the proper training to teach correct pronunciation or grammar. Volunteers will mostly teach resource-poor schools, which are often attended by children from impoverished backgrounds. With our volunteers, the students will be able to hold debates and discussions and this will help them to comprehend the language better through improved grammar and vocabulary. Your presence will encourage the students to speak English, and gradually build their confidence.

Skills and Qualifications

There are no specific qualifications needed to join our volunteer English teaching in Uganda project beyond a fluency in English. However, your understanding of Ugandan culture and diversity can help improve the experience for you and your students. Consider enrolling in our one-week Language & Cultural Immersion program. Volunteer teachers should have strong English fluency, both written and verbal, although no previous teaching experience is required. Volunteers should have a love for teaching, English and conversation. Volunteers should also be enthusiastic, reliable, flexible, patient and strive to be good role models for the children. Volunteers must also respect the locals and the host organizations, along with their rules and projects.

Project Location

This project is located in and around Kampala or Jinja.

Kampala is the capital and largest city (population of approximately 1.2 million) of Uganda and is just 10 km from Lake Victoria. The city of Kampala offers a plethora of attractions such as Ssezibwa Falls, the Ugandan National Theater, the very active Balikuddembe Market and Nakasero Market as well as numerous historical sites that provide glimpses into Uganda’s past. Kampala is said to have been built on seven different hills with each hill representing significance in Uganda's history.

Jinja is the second largest commercial center in Uganda and is located in southeast Uganda – approximately 87 km from the capital city of Kampala. Located on the shores of Lake Victoria and close to the source of the White Nile River, Jinja offers the many small town urban amenities such as a post office, town hall, hospital, golf course and numerous internet cafes. Echoes of Jinja's Indian influence are reflected in the city's architecture. Some of Jinja's attractive features include whitewater-rafting, a brewery, Bujagali Falls (a kayakers' heaven) as well as an animal sanctuary and memorials for both Mahatma Gandhi and Buddha in addition to an active Hindu temple.

Rural Uganda hosts various incredible examples of wildlife. Local villages can be discovered on hikes through the countryside and these excursions provide genuine Ugandan cultural experiences.

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