🇺🇬 ESC Volunteering in Uganda ♿ Inclusive Education at a School for Children With Physical Disabilities 🎵

Description

Kampala School for the Physically Handicapped (KSPH) is a Ugandan primary school for children with physical disabilities, founded in 1968 by parents of children with cerebral palsy. Its aim is to educate, rehabilitate, and equip learners for self-reliance and development. The school follows the national curriculum and offers sports, music, dance, drama, spiritual fellowship, and education tours. It also provides vocational training in tailoring, screen printing, crafts, tie and dye, and basic computer skills for children who cannot continue to further education. KSPH has 100 pupils aged 6–18 with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, and polio. It has 13 teachers, 5 trained in special needs education, including 2 disabled former students. Volunteers support classroom learning, extracurriculars, wheelchair repair (voluntary), therapy exercises, teacher training, fundraising, and basic computer teaching.

Accommodation, food and transport arrangements

Volunteers will stay at Villa Mamu, Mengo, Kampala, a residence with WiFi, a warm shower, a kitchen, and pets. The volunteer shall prepare their own meals and living in own room. Other accommodation options in Kampala can be arranged based on safety and convenience. Local transport mainly consists of boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis). The project is in Kampala and in a walkable distance from Villa Mamu.

Training during the activity

The project offers volunteers the possibility to engage in local languages classes or intercultural activities, and benefit from three sides of mentoring (from the supporting organisation, the hosting organisation, and an alumni volunteer). Prior to the deployment, volunteers will go through pre-departure training activities. This opportunity is part of the RISE project, promoting inclusion and empowerment in vulnerable communities.

Participant profile

We are seeking emotionally resilient and compassionate volunteers with a genuine interest in working with children with special needs. This role requires individuals who demonstrate empathy, patience, and a strong commitment to supporting children with diverse physical and developmental challenges. Previous experience working with children with disabilities is highly valued. Additional skills in areas such as caregiving, occupational therapy, or physiotherapy will be considered a strong advantage. Volunteers should possess good communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with children, caregivers, and team members. Working with physically disabled and special needs children can be demanding and, at times, emotionally and physically challenging. Therefore, volunteers must be patient, composed, and prepared to navigate difficult or frustrating situations with understanding and professionalism. At the same time, it is essential to approach this role with an open and compassionate mindset, ensuring that every child is treated with dignity, respect, and care. Eligibility Criteria Candidates must: Be between 18 and 35 years of age Reside in an eligible country (EU Member State, North Macedonia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Turkey) Have successfully completed the Humanitarian Aid Volunteering training Not have previously participated in an individual Humanitarian Aid Volunteering placement *Please note that the total duration of participation in EU volunteering programmes, including this opportunity, must not exceed 12 months.

Activity details

Activity type

Individual volunteering

Activity dates

A total of 38 week(s) during the period 02/11/2026 to 30/11/2027

Location

8 MILES HOIMA ROAD, KAMPALA, Uganda

Deadline

26/10/2026

Project code

2025-1-EACEA-VOLUN-101251290

Topics

Looking for participants from

31 countries can apply. The activity takes place in 🇺🇬 Uganda.