You’ll be making a difference in all of our ILP locations, but how you’re helping in Uganda is just a little bit different.
Haven’t applied to volunteer in Africa?
Come fill out an application!
The ILP Program in Uganda is pretty unique and special in a few ways. Like our other Exchange and Humanitarian programs around the world, you’ll be helping children learn English which will greatly impact their future.
But in Uganda, that impact is a little more direct, because of the way to education system is set up.
While English is one of the main languages spoken in Uganda, it’s really there to unify the 100+ local languages that are spoken between friends and family, and at home. English is used to conduct official meetings, business transactions, political meetings, and all areas of public school, but the kids ILP teachers will be teaching typically aren’t speaking English at home. When they start school, they are sitting through classes and taking tests held in English, a language they don’t understand yet.
Learning English quickly and successfully at an early age will heavily impact how well these children do in school. Unfortunately, Uganda has the second highest drop out rate (second only to Chad) in the entire continent of Africa. According to a UNESCO study, two of three children starting primary school drop out before reaching the last grade.
While that’s a number caused by a handful of factors, having young children start school speaking the language they’ll be learning in would drastically drop those statistics.
All ILP programs help children learn a skill that will benefit them in the future, but in Uganda, English is a skill that’s needed now while they're young.
Also, we’re also thrilled to announce that volunteers will not only be helping in the classroom, but will get the chance to give back in other ways.
This program really wouldn’t be possible without a man named Eddie. For years, he’s worked with a team of volunteers to help increase sanitation, hygiene, and water safety for the city of Kampala, and Uganda as a whole. For nine years, he’s been the regional agent in Uganda for charities run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Now, he's teamed up with ILP to help see this project grow.
Eddie will be helping to arrange other areas of service for ILP volunteers. We know you want to give back as much as you can during your semester abroad in Africa and we're really excited about these opportunities.
Learn more about special service projects you can participate in outside of the teaching you'll do each with day through your ILP classes.
Eager to help out for yourself?
You're in luck — we're accepting applications so you can do just that. ILP Volunteers will be teaching English part time which leaves plenty of time to help out in the community and experience more of what Uganda has to offer.
Get a sneak peak at what your semester could look like here, or click that button to send in your application, ASAP. We have a feeling spots in this country are going to go fast!