Lifestyle and Yoga Instructor

location
1 - 28 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • You will have opportunity to experience the true African way of life, which will expand your perspective of the world, and memories that you'll never forget during your weekend excursions & safaris
  • The programs are many and suitable for volunteers from the age of 18 years and above, High School & University Students, Professionals, Couples & Families with their children, and Adults of 50+ years
  • After the completion of your online/ Onsite volunteer offer, UCESCO will write you a good and official recommendation letter and Certificate of appreciation/Recognition for your time and service to us

Highlights

  • You will have opportunity to experience the true African way of life, which will expand your perspective of the world, and memories that you'll never forget during your weekend excursions & safaris
  • The programs are many and suitable for volunteers from the age of 18 years and above, High School & University Students, Professionals, Couples & Families with their children, and Adults of 50+ years
  • After the completion of your online/ Onsite volunteer offer, UCESCO will write you a good and official recommendation letter and Certificate of appreciation/Recognition for your time and service to us
  • Our project site is truly an exciting place to be, a place where you can really make a difference. UCESCO Africa has a 100% safety record & we try to maintain it as Ugandans are friendly by nature.
  • Flexibility we offer to take part in different projects and connect with wonderful people . You can rotate as many projects as possible that we are offering for more expereince .

    • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    We are looking for volunteers to teach Yoga Fitness Instruction. The focus is to provide an excellent class for all participants for everyone’s physical and mental health

    The communities we are serving are crushing poverty, high unemployment, and poor sanitation. We have introduced yoga and fitness classes as a way to help them cope with their lives and develop a livelihood to help others. UCESCO is looking for yoga instructors who want to volunteer in Uganda to ...

    About the program

    The communities we are serving are crushing poverty, high unemployment, and poor sanitation. We have introduced yoga and fitness classes as a way to help them cope with their lives and develop a livelihood to help others. UCESCO is looking for yoga instructors who want to volunteer in Uganda to teach our locals and empower them to feel part of the community and create a safe environment to build their life again. This is done by strengthening Youths' and women's self-confidence by highlighting the skills and competencies they already have and supporting them in acquiring new ones.

    About the Program 

    as yoga Instructors volunteers are responsible for planning and executing yoga classes within their scope of practice. The main focus is the safety and inclusivity of all participants. Through this project, the women hereby have the opportunity to prepare for their future by finding and believing in their own resources. The project's activities also support women in finding relationships and building healthy communities. This opportunity will help the women to be aware of not only their mental well-being but also their physical state. We are approaching this by conducting Yoga classes as a group in class & homestays.

    • Meditation classes 

    Communication 

    Immediately you arrive, it is reassuring to know you’ll be able to contact home and keep in touch with staff and volunteers during your stay. Here are some tips on communicating in Uganda

    • Mobile phone- Having a mobile phone with you while you volunteer is a good idea. They allow you to reassure your family and friends to know that you will be contactable. A local SIM card will usually offer much cheaper local and international rates than your SIM from home. You can buy a local SIM from many shops in Kampala, and the Ugandan team or another volunteer can tell you where to go. You can buy or rent a handset after you arrive, or bring one with you. Some smartphones (including iPhones) will not accept SIMs from other companies, so please check before you travel. 
    • Internet - The cheapest way to stay in touch with friends and family is via the Internet, email, social networks, and telecom services like Skype. Many volunteers also choose to write a travel blog, and volunteers who fundraise may have promised an email diary for their sponsors. There are two ways to access the internet in Kampala: on the internet, Wifi in homestays, and cafes, or using a modem stick plugged into your laptop. 

    Climate and Weather 

    Uganda's climate is largely tropical with two rainy seasons per year, March to May and September to December. The northern region, which forms one-quarter of the country lies outside the tropical belt and hence experiences only one rainy season, March to October.

    Dry Seasons ( June to August & December to February) 

    Average temperatures hover around 27°C/81°F in the afternoon and 16°C/61°F in the morning. It will be colder at altitudes above 1,300m/4,265ft, including the gorilla parks

    June, July & August – June and July are the driest months in the south, but it can still rain. Unlike the south, these months are part of the Wet season in the north. The far north, including Kidepo Valley, is semi-arid and can experience droughts for some years.

    December, January & February – Most of the south has less rainfall, but still more when compared to June and July. The north has a clear Dry season with little rain.

    Wet Seasons ( March to May & September to November) 

    Daytime temperatures average around 28°C/82°F and morning temperatures around 16°C/61°F. It will be colder in the gorilla parks at high altitudes and warmer in the north.

    Clothes 

    There are a couple of things to bear in mind when packing clothes for Uganda. The first is the weather - it can vary quite a lot, so it is best to plan for hot sun and pouring rain. You will need to dress to protect yourself from the sun but also be prepared for rain. Here is a suggestion of what to bring;

    • T-shirts 
    • Shorts 
    • Lightweight trousers and tops
    • Jumper and Jeans for the evenings 
    • Plenty of underwear 
    • Hait for sun
    • Sports clothing 
    • Trainers or boots 
    • Sandals 
    • Day shoes 

    Packing

    Below are some suggestions about what to pack. Everything on these lists is essential or useful 

    • Passport 
    • Yellow Fever vaccination certificate 
    • Travel pillow 
    • Towels 
    • Toiletries and sanitary products. Consider bringing dry shampoo wet wipes, and hand sanitizer

    Tours and Safaris

     Weekends are made for exploring our country and Safaris ( Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for any safari outside Kampala City, they need at least 2 nights and 3 days to have enough experience). Safaris within Kampala city or nearby can be explored for one day or two ( Saturday and Sunday). The organization is aware and more than happy to give you enough time to explore Uganda too because you are here to help at the same time make sure you experience Africa's lifestyle and culture. We will always give you time for that. In case you are also interested in safaris while volunteering with us, let us know to link you to our sister company that offers pocket-friendly Safaris, Hotel reservations for weekend holidays, flight booking, Visa application, holiday vehicle arrangements, and travel insurance for our volunteers. It's a company that embarks on a thrilling adventure with Meaningful Travel, a premier travel company in Uganda, as we unveil our exciting lineup of upcoming tours and extraordinary destinations within this breathtaking East African gem. From the iconic savannahs, our meticulously crafted tours promise to immerse you in Uganda’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultures. Traverse the Great Rift Valley, witness the Big Five and Ugly Five in their natural habitat, and engage with local communities in immersive cultural experiences. With Meaningful Travel, you’re not just exploring Uganda; you’re discovering its heart and soul. Join us on a transformative journey that showcases Uganda’s beauty and leaves you with memories to last a lifetime. Travel dreams into reality.” The beautiful thing about booking a safari with us, is all the cost recovery is donated back to the organization to keep one child in school. That is why we call it meaningful travel "traveling with a purpose".

    Wish list 

    To prepare for your work here, there are a few things you can do. We kindly ask you to check if you have any school materials (stationery, Schoolbooks -written in English-, pencils, toys, notebooks, rubbers, etc.) or electronics (laptop, tablet, Camera, smartphone/phone) you no longer use.

    Unfortunately, resources are minimal here in Uganda, and any support is much appreciated. Your old schoolbooks can be given a second life for a great cause!

    Do you want to be a volunteer superstar? You can multiply your impact by setting up a fundraiser.

    Necessities like food, school tuition, ongoing School construction, or healthcare require funds. We understand that you can’t do it all, but maybe your friends, family, or colleagues can help you to make your visit even more impactful. We assure you; that it will be everyone’s best-spent money! Need help or materials for

    promotion? Let us know, and we will provide you with promotional materials or you can access them from our social media or Google Drive.

    Typical day

    Volunteer task

    The way that we are approaching this is by conducting a Hatha Yoga and Fitness Class for the communities we are serving. The group of women that would be a part of this group have little to no previous experience with Yoga / physical exercise. We are looking for a volunteer to ...

    Typical day

    Volunteer task

    The way that we are approaching this is by conducting a Hatha Yoga and Fitness Class for the communities we are serving. The group of women that would be a part of this group have little to no previous experience with Yoga / physical exercise. We are looking for a volunteer to concentrate on slow movements, breathing exercises, and mindfulness.

    Your induction and orientation

    On your first day, you will receive a comprehensive induction to your new town. A staff member will take you on a tour of the surrounding area, and point out places that might be useful to you. You will also be taken to buy a local SIM card or exchange money if you need to. We value innovative ideas to make us serve others better hence we always encourage our volunteers to have creative ideas for serving the community better apart from assigning you our usual operations. 

    Orientation of activities is done the following day of your arrival to understand all other programs we have in case you are flexible and interested in helping with other programs/activities. When you rotate to other programs you get more exposure and be more impactful to many needy beneficiaries.  For example, you can be a yoga teacher from Italy, and you can at the same time, help in teaching your language if you are good at life skills you can share with our high school students, if you are good at sports you can teach some sports you know, if you are good in mathematics you can teach at our school, if you have the medical background you can volunteers some of your free time from yoga at our clinics or our beauty school. I recommend volunteers who are flexible to help in other areas if the program you have applied to is not that busy during your time in Kenya. Africa will be more fun and you can learn more than you expected. 

    3. Daily program/ Timetable 

    Volunteer work is during the morning hours every day, and in the afternoon, we have free activities such as sports, Kenya traditional dance classes, traditional cooking classes, and sports for those volunteers interested to learn, however, it's an optional offer depending on the number of volunteers interested to learn But mostly volunteers finish their volunteer work at 3:30 pm and go home direct to rest and prepare for the following days' activities. 

    A typical day schedule will look like this with or without minor adjustments;

    • 8:30 am - We serve a delicious and healthy breakfast 
    • 9:00 am - 13:30 pm - Volunteer work as described above. 
    • 14:00 pm to 18:00 pm - Free time activities mentioned above (Optional)
    • 3:30 pm -  Break and prepare back home to rest
    • 8:00 pm - Dinner is served

    Free-time activities

    Learn how to greet someone in Luganda and make a great first impression

    • How are you? - Oli otya?
    • I am fine - Gyendi / Ndi Bulungi
    • Have a nice day- Siiba bulungi / Beera bulungi
    • Good night- Sula bulungi

    Wildlife

    Uganda is a great destination to view wildlife in both forest and savannah. Not to be missed is ...

    Free-time activities

    Learn how to greet someone in Luganda and make a great first impression

    • How are you? - Oli otya?
    • I am fine - Gyendi / Ndi Bulungi
    • Have a nice day- Siiba bulungi / Beera bulungi
    • Good night- Sula bulungi

    Wildlife

    Uganda is a great destination to view wildlife in both forest and savannah. Not to be missed is gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, while chimps can easily be spotted in Kibale National Park and several other locations. Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks offer wonderful savannah safaris with good wildlife viewing, as does the more remote Kidepo Valley National Park.

    Nice places to visit in Uganda 

    1. Murchison Falls
    2. Lake Victoria
    3. Jinja
    4. Start of the Nile River
    5. Ssese Islands
    6. Nyero Rock Paintings
    7. Kasubi Tombs
    8. Ndere Centre
    9. Owino Market, 
    10. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and many more

    • Uganda tourist places, just like the country itself, seem to be gifted by the choicest of nature’s bounties. This is the precise reason why Uganda is referred to as the ‘Pearl of Africa’. Be it its rare primate species, forests that have survived the Ice Age, ancient landmarks, and stupendous landscape, Uganda is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime kind of place. Uganda tourist spots range from national parks that protect the rarest of wildlife species like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Semliki National Park to cultural and religious sites like the Kasubi Royal Tombs, Martyrs Shrine, Bahai Temple, and the Nyero Rock paintings to name a few.

    • Uganda’s landscape is unlike anything else that you will experience. It includes the fascinating Equator, the longest river in the world, and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. All these places to visit in Uganda offer unforgettable experiences like rafting on the Nile, quad biking, boat safaris, and so much more. Add to this the opportunity to interact with some of the most elusive tribes in the world like the Batwa pygmies, Baganda, Bakiga, etc., and experience their ancient traditions that are still practiced today. So head over to Uganda on your next vacation to savour the famous African wilderness, warmth, and colors that will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Required Documents

    Passport and any form of identification

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    • a social mindset • a good work ethic • the ability to work as part of a team • great communication skills • adaptability to different types of tasks • problem-solving ability • initiative • enthusiasm • resilience • a non-judgmental approach and respect for diversity • great cultural awareness • a professional attitude to work • strong regard for health and safety • eagerness to travel • dedication

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:00 - 15:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by UCESCO Africa

    In Summary, the fee includes:

    • Accommodation 
    • Wifi costs
    • Water and Electricity 
    • Airport Pick up
    • Program Orientation
    • Security 
    • Administration and on-site/in-country staff support
    • Personalized project
    • Pre-departure information and any services you need such as an invitation letter for your visa application
    • Background check fees
    • Meals (Breakfast and Dinner)
    • Letter of recommendation / Certificate of completion 

    Not included in the fee:

    • Tips and any other gratitude 
    • Drop off 
    • Laundry
    •  Local SIM card you need to purchase
    • Tour / Safaris
    •  Volunteer T-shirt
    • Visas
    • Airfare
    • Personal expenses on soft drinks and foods
    • Daily transportation to the project site
    • Airport return transfer

    Airport Pickup at Entebbe International Airport

    UCESCO-Uganda a staff member will be there to welcome you when you arrive at Entebe International Airport (NBO). From the airport, you will travel in our private car to your accommodation. Depending on traffic, this will be a 30-minute drive. Once you are done with the booking process, we share our whatsup number to keep in touch, especially during airport pick-up, it's easy and quick to communicate because there is always a wifi at the airport. 


    N/B Just to remind you, sometimes luggage delays and we have seen our volunteer having a hard time as they are waiting for their luggage for three days, make sure at least the back bag/ the small bag you will be walking with, have all the basic items, and at least few clothes to change in case you luggage delays, At least make sure you can survive for two to three days but not always luggage delays but it happens. it's just a caution because we have seen volunteer forced to go the the mall to buy a few clothes to survive as they are waiting for their luggage to arrive, which is an unnecessary expense. 

    Accommodation

    • All volunteer houses have running water. Volunteers should not drink tap water – instead, drink only bottled water
    • UCESCO- Uganda arranges accommodation for volunteers in a volunteer house or homestays. Both our homestays and volunteer houses are executive, spacious, beautiful, Well-finished apartments that are fully furnished with en-suite room features and en-suite bathroom. It's a place you can call home away from home. your stay is guaranteed to be comfortable, and memorable and a comeback is certain. The unit has a furnished living room fitted with armchairs, a flat-screen TV, Free Wifi, and a fully equipped kitchen in case you want to cook your fast food apart from what we provide. Parking facilities are available and the premises are guarded by security personnel 24/7. 
    • Both Homestays and volunteer houses are located, in a serene environment with friendly people, and proximity to major Shopping Malls, KFC, GYM, Pizza Inn, coffee cafes, Supermarkets, and Educational Centers. is a great choice for volunteers to rest after hard work in the slums. They are also in a Great location…convenient for public transport to the city and many bars and restaurants nearby. 
    • Housekeeping is offered weekly (every Saturday) and change of beddings.  

    Food & Beverages

    • Cuisine

      • Main dishes are usually centered on a sauce or stew of simsim, groundnuts, beans, or meat. The starch traditionally comes from posho (maize meal) or matooke (steamed and mashed green banana) in the central or kalo (an ugali dish made from millet) in the north, east, and west.

        • We provide 2 meals per day ( Breakfast and Dinner) because most of the lunchtime will always find you on the project site. You only need to buy some snacks or affordable food near your project site. Sometimes like in school you can share with the students but might not be good for your stomach because mostly we use Githeri ( Cooked Maize corn and beans together) which I guess might be difficult for your stomach to digest if you are not used to it. If you have any special dietary requirements e.g. vegetarian or vegan, please let us know so we can make arrangements for you. We will do our best to see that you are well taken care of, but, as a volunteer, there is a need to be flexible so you can adapt easily.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Entebbe. We assist you to find cheap flights to Uganda. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Uganda provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Uganda you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Uganda. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Preparing for the arrival 

    • Volunteering in Uganda through our organization will be an exhilarating, horizon-widening time. You will find new friends and take on new challenges, experiencing a different way of life while you do so. To make the most of this opportunity, it is a good idea to make sure that you are as prepared as possible, both physically and mentally. 

    VISAS Requirement for your volunteer

    • One of the perks of volunteering with us is the visa guidance we give you. We have a dedicated visa team that has up-to-date information on Visa requirements. You can get in touch with us if you have any visa queries, big or small, and we will take you through the process. Once you apply, you'll also get a link, which includes all the necessary visa information.

    When we need volunteers

    • Throughout the year

    Transportation 

    • Local means of Transport -Matatus are the most common form of public transport in Uganda. After you have been in Uganda for a couple of days and you are starting to feel more confident, you’ll find you want to explore the local area or get to the supermarket or an ATM. You may also need to take public transport to reach your placement project. If this is the case, one of the Ugandan team will accompany you for your first couple of days, until you are happy making the trip without them. Public Transport is the most common form, a cross between a minibus and a taxi. They are often “pimped out” with neon lights, TV screens, and speakers, and they are a cheap and entertaining way to travel. Be aware that due to the cramped conditions, there is always a risk of pickpocketing. Avoid taking valuables or large sums of cash on public transport. For longer journeys, we recommend organizing travel with the Ugandan team, who can arrange for you to be driven to your destination by one personal car/Van

    • Kindly Note that Commuting to the project site is on a personal account for all volunteers above 18yrs and our local staff from the volunteer house/Homestay by a public transport system which is very easily affordable and Uber can also be cost-shared when traveling with more than 3 volunteers, apart from Minors of below 18 yrs who must be accompanied by one of our staff in charge at UCESCO or other adult volunteers staying together.  

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 349€
    3 weeks 1,137€
    4 weeks 1,516€
    5 weeks 1,895€
    9 weeks 3,412€
    17 weeks 6,444€
    28 weeks (max. stay) 8,379€
    Average fees 324€/week

    Program fees

    324€ per week 1 - 28 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 28 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with UCESCO Africa during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    Meet your organization

    UCESCO Africa

    Excellent 4.8 rating (116 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2010

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Kingsley

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    Our organization depends on the generosity of donors and volunteers to achieve our goals. There are different ways of supporting our cause and we welcome any help we.

    Meet your organization

    United Cultural Empowerment and Social Community Organization – Africa (UCESCO – Africa), is a Charitable NGO committed to supporting vulnerable women and children in marginalized communities in Kenya.

    We do this through education, health care, and micro-business to emancipate families from poverty and empower them to take charge of their future.

    UCESCO aims to build intercultural understanding through heritage protection and support for cultural diversity and human co-existence regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. 

    WHAT WE DO

    We focus on initiating and implementing projects that contribute to poverty alleviation in the community.

    1. Slums and Rural Women's Economic Empowerment
    2. Provide Free Health Care
    3. Sanitation and Water Safety Programs
    4. Early Childhood Development
    5. Education and Talent Development
    6. Sports and Social Engagements


    VISION

    Creating sustainable growth for diverse vulnerable populations.

    MISSION

    To support vulnerable women and children through education, health and micro-business boost to lift their families from poverty; and empower them to take charge of their own future.

    MOTTO

    Creating sustainable growth for diverse populations


    Why choose us

    UCESCO has a 100% safety record in Kenya and we mean to keep it. Our programs in Kenya are safe to experience. Generally, Kenyans are friendly people by nature, especially toward volunteers who are helping their community. We advise that no volunteer should be out after dark and that volunteers should stay indoors after 9 pm. Exceptions are made when volunteers are with UCESCO local volunteers or project staff. This is merely a precaution, but one that we expect all volunteers to keep. People may stop to say hello and it is polite to respond; however, they will understand if you are busy and cannot chat for long. Never accept an invitation to visit a stranger. We also recommend that you arrange medical, dental, and eye check-ups before you depart, to identify any issues that might affect your time in Kenya.

    116 reviews · rating4.8

    I had the privilege of spending a month in Nairobi as part of a humanitarian intervention, in collaboration with UCESCO Africa. My time there was truly transformative, surpassing all expectations and leaving an indelible mark on my life. Despite the preconceptions instilled by European narratives ...
    I have just arrived back from Kenya. My daughter is still there to finish her internship. Returning from Nairobi after my volunteer work at the Rescue center in Kibera and the Psychology Counseling Program in Kyole, my heart is filled with a deep gratitude. What touched me the most was the ...
    The 2024 Citadel Medical Camp took place in Kayole, Kariobangi, and Kibera, in Nairobi with UCESCO Africa, Naiorbi. These are impoverished areas where individuals have no access to medical care. Our camp has been a true success! With a dedicated team of Citadel faculty, students, and UCESCO ...
    I am beyond blessed to have spent the last month serving individuals living in different slums throughout Nairobi, Kenya. Sarah A. Imam MD, Dr. Kimbo Yee, and UCESCO Africa put together a team of warriors dedicated to providing services to those most in need of medical attention. Over the course of ...
    UCESCO AFRICA NEEDS YOU. TRY THE MOST POWERFUL HUMAN EXPERIENCE OF YOUR PROFESSION AND YOUR LIFE. I am very moved to meet the students in Nairobi (Kenya) and offer them psychological support. Not to conform to Western standards, but to restore their dignity and value the immense human and moral ...
    I have just arrived back from Kenya. My daughter is still there to finish her internship. Returning from Nairobi after my volunteer work at the Rescue Center in Kibera and the Psychology Counseling Program in Kyole, my heart is filled with a deep gratitude. What touched me the most was the ...

    Location

    Africa > Eastern Africa > Uganda > Kampala

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    Contact Kingsley
      Very high response rate
    English

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