Empowerment & Care Volunteer for Children with Additional Needs
ADRA-ADVENTIST DEVELOPMENT AND RELIEF AGENCY
UGANDA PIONEERS ASSOCIATION
KAMPALA, Uganda
Description
The volunteer will support children aged two and above with disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, and communication disorders. They will assist with early intervention, therapies (occupational, speech, physiotherapy), special needs education, and practical life skills to reduce barriers, promote independence, and support emotional, social, and mental well-being. Additionally, they will help strengthen parents' capacity through supportive activities. The volunteer will be engaged in the following activities: 1) Support the project team in the daily care and assistance to children at the center, 2) Help children develop basic skills, including hygiene and sanitation, 3) Offer basic lessons in early childhood development, 4) Assist in providing various therapies for the children, 5) Conduct community visits to support rehabilitation and assist parents/guardians, 6) Identify and develop children's talents through games and sports.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
Accommodation will be provided in a shared apartment with other volunteers, each having a private, lockable bedroom, located in the suburbs of Kampala (Nansana or Kasubi-Nakulabye). A monthly allowance will cover food, communication expenses, and transportation. The volunteer will travel daily to the project site, which is 20–50 minutes away. Public transport in Kampala mainly consists of commuter taxis (Matatus), while shorter distances are typically covered using motorbikes known as Boda Bodas.
Training during the activity
The volunteer will participate in an online pre-departure training, followed by an in-person induction upon arrival at the host organization. Additionally, the volunteer will be encouraged and provided with financial support to learn the local language.
Participant profile
Previous experience working with children, even in informal settings, and knowledge of social work are desirable. The most important qualities in a suitable volunteer include a love for children, creativity, friendliness, and a cheerful attitude. The volunteer should be open-minded, emotionally resilient, and capable of adapting to the challenging local environment and project setting. Proficiency in English is required. /// APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED ON A ROLLING BASIS, AND THE VACANCY MAY CLOSE EARLIER IF THE POSITION IS FILLED.
Activity dates
A total of 28 week(s) during the period 15/10/2025 to 31/08/2026
Activity location
8 MILES HOIMA ROAD, KAMPALA, Uganda
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye
Activity topics
Social challenges
Reception and integration of refugees and migrants
Citizenship and democratic participation
Health and wellbeing
Education and training
Creativity and culture
Physical education and sport
Disaster Preparedness
Working against discrimination (including gender discrimination)
Nutrition and subsistence agriculture
WASH (Water, sanitation and hygiene)
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 11/09/2025 23:59