Experience report from the Children's Center in Uganda

Arrival in Kampala and the first days on site

Arrived at the airport, I was picked up by Joseph and three other volunteers. I lived with Joseph for the first three days. Together with another volunteer, Joseph's wife showed me Kampala on my second day. Kampala – curse and blessing at the same time: I will probably always remember my first visit to this city. Crowds, cars everywhere, taxis and boda bodas (motorcycle taxis), food and markets. Culture shock through and through. However, if you like the hustle and bustle, Kampala is definitely worth a visit, two or more! 

Living in the host family

On the third evening, Josef brought me to my host mother Agnes – my “mummy” for the next five weeks. Mummy is the manager of the Children's Center in Uganda. So she is not only my host mother, but also my work colleague with whom I could drive to work every day. She lives with her sons in a very modern house by Ugandan standards in a suburb of Kampala. Both Mummy and her sons welcomed me warmly and lovingly. From the first moment I felt comfortable and at home. The first real challenge after the culture shock in Kampala was eating between 22pm and 23pm. My German stomach wasn't prepared for that. But everything is a matter of getting used to, as the saying goes...

Work at the Children's Center in Uganda

The next morning was finally my first day at the Children's Center. Rachel, one of the four nannies opened the gate for me, immediately hugged me and told me how much she was looking forward to seeing me. After that, several children ran up to me, who also hugged me. An incredibly great moment! I would have expected the children to be more reserved but this was not the case. Less than five minutes later, the kids wanted me to swing, dance and just hang out with them. 

The Children's Center offers parents the opportunity to care for babies and toddlers - 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Children's Center has the claim that a nanny cares for a maximum of three children. A beautiful approach, which also aims to promote the emancipation of women. In the foreground, however, is that no child is neglected, perhaps because the parents are working. 

Although the center is open seven days a week, I only worked Monday through Friday. In the first week, the four nannies explained the processes to me and told me a lot about the children. However, there was no real training period. Already on the first day I was allowed to shower the children, put them to bed and feed them. So I immediately had the feeling that I could create value and that my work was needed. Every working day was incredibly enriching for me. I enjoyed spending time with the kids and the nannies. The nannies in particular have shown great interest in Germany, our culture and life. 

They totally understood my initial problems with the English language. After about two weeks, however, I no longer had any problems understanding the local people or communicating with one another. At the end of my stay I went on a safari to Murchison Falls National Park and saw the incredible nature and wildlife. Definitely recommended!

My conclusion

There are so many beautiful experiences... In summary, however, the best experience was seeing how protected and loving the children can grow up; even in a country like Uganda. And that being happy doesn't require a smartphone, running water, or fast food (although most households already have running water).

I would 100% recommend both the project and my host family, especially my host mother. I had a lot of fun on site and am very happy to have had the experience. 

The fact that I was the only volunteer in the host family and also in the project, I had no contact with the other volunteers from Germany, which has intensified the stay overall and therefore I would rate more positive than negative. Finally, I encourage you readers to open their eyes to Uganda. Mummy is looking forward to seeing you! 

Volunteering at the Children's Center in Uganda, review by Julia B., 21.09.2017