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Excellent 4.83rating (64)

Helping Kisenyi Kids

location
4 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Inspire vulnerable boys to change their lives for the better
  • Meet the incredibly wonderful kids we work with in Kisenyi, the largest su
  • Give these kids hope for better futures

Highlights

  • Inspire vulnerable boys to change their lives for the better
  • Meet the incredibly wonderful kids we work with in Kisenyi, the largest su
  • Give these kids hope for better futures
  • Help the boys transition out of the slums
  • Provide much needed medical care

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    MDU works with the street-connected boys in Kisenyi, the largest slum in Kampala. At the program, the boys get counseling, play fun games and receive a nutritious meal.

    MDU works with the street-connected kids in Kisenyi, the largest slum in Kampala. According to government estimates, as many as 15,000 children, ages 7-17, mostly boys, live on the streets in Kampala. Twice a week, the MDU staff and volunteers gather a group of street-connected boys and bring them ...

    About the program

    MDU works with the street-connected kids in Kisenyi, the largest slum in Kampala. According to government estimates, as many as 15,000 children, ages 7-17, mostly boys, live on the streets in Kampala. Twice a week, the MDU staff and volunteers gather a group of street-connected boys and bring them to the program site. We typically have about 30-50 boys we work with. Many of them have run away from home due to mistreatment, poverty or death of their parents. On the street, they have to fight to survive against sleep deprivation, malnutrition, disease and abuse. During the program, the boys get counseling, play fun games, dance and receive a nutritious meal. Due to the poor conditions on the streets, the boys often come to the program with wounds, illnesses and infections. The MDU staff and volunteers treat the children during program and arrange for follow-up care at the nearby clinic if necessary. The goal of our program is resettlement. When possible, MDU re-connects the kids with their families or finds other options to keep them safe. MDU also has a sponsorship program making it possible for kids to go to school and get an education. 


    Typical day

    Medical Outreach (Tuesdays & Thursday): During our medical outreach programs, we test patients for HIV, hCG and Malaria. We also treat many illnesses and infections, such as: URIs, UTIs, and STIs, GI infections, skin infections and wounds. We provide families with mosquito nets to help prevent ...

    Typical day

    Medical Outreach (Tuesdays & Thursday): During our medical outreach programs, we test patients for HIV, hCG and Malaria. We also treat many illnesses and infections, such as: URIs, UTIs, and STIs, GI infections, skin infections and wounds. We provide families with mosquito nets to help prevent future malaria infections and hand out mama kits to expectant mothers. In most health facilities, the supplies needed during delivery are not provided and pregnant women could be turned away if they do not bring them, risking the lives of the mother and baby. Each mama kit we hand out contains everything needed for a safe delivery.  We also hand out reusable sanitary pads to girls and young women, increasing their chances to complete school, work and live successful lives. Every child at our outreaches receives deworming tablets and vitamin A. Both are necessary for healthy growth and development. All treatment, including the medication and supplies, are provided free of charge. Our medical team includes: MDU doctors, nurses, lab manager, support staff, people from the local villages and our volunteers from all over the world. Every outreach is a unique and rewarding experience. 

    Women’s Empowerment (Wednesday morning):  Volunteers will participate in a local Woman’s Empowerment Program. MDU partners with Change African Child International (CACI). At CACI, women are taught sustainable income generating skills. For example: tailoring, hairdressing, cooking, adult literacy and gardening. Once a week, the female volunteers, along with our MDU social worker, council a group of young women on many topics such as: hygiene, women's health, relationships and much more.  

    Kisenyi Program (Monday, all day & Wednesday afternoon): MDU works with the street connected kids in Kisenyi, the largest slum in Kampala. According to government estimates, as many as 15,000 children, ages 7-17, mostly boys, live on the streets in Kampala. Twice a week, the MDU staff and volunteers gather a group of street-connected boys and bring them to the program site. There, the boys get counseling, play fun games and receive a nutritious meal. Due to the poor conditions on the streets, the boys often come to the program with wounds, illnesses and infections. The MDU staff and volunteers treat the children during program and arrange for follow-up care at the nearby clinic if necessary. The goal of our program is resettlement. When possible, MDU re-connects the kids with their families or finds other options to keep them safe. MDU also has a sponsorship program making it possible for kids to go to school and get an education. 

    School visits, Clinic visits, Home visits, Excursions (Friday) 

    Free time & Excursions (Saturday & Sunday)


    Free-time activities

    In your free time there is many options for activities! A lot of our volunteers like to take extended weekends to do safari, gorilla trekking or adventure water sports. All of these are at the volunteers own cost, but are organized through our local partners to ensure the best price and experience. ..

    Free-time activities

    In your free time there is many options for activities! A lot of our volunteers like to take extended weekends to do safari, gorilla trekking or adventure water sports. All of these are at the volunteers own cost, but are organized through our local partners to ensure the best price and experience. Our close proximity to Kampala means there is plenty of opportunity to explore the craft markets, eat local food and go to local events including soccer games. We encourage volunteers to travel on their weekends and will help arrange trips or activities. 

    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 (intermediate level)

    Education Requirements

    Any at High school level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    2 Reference letters

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Experience working with street-connected boys is great, but anyone is welcome to participate.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday from 09:30 - 14:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Fees includes accommodation in our beautiful house, full day orientation, 24/7 in country support, specific site orientation, program fees and 3 local meals at the MDU House. 

    Volunteers have access to a full kitchen to stock food and drink of their choice, at their own expense.. Volunteers can also eat of at any one of the many restaurants available at their own expense.

    In country transport provided with gas assistance from volunteers for MDU van or taxi at volunteer’s expense.


    Airport Pickup at Entebbe International Airport

    Our house staff will pick you up from the airport.

    Accommodation

    You will be accommodated in a lovely house with 24 hour security. The house has beautiful dorm rooms and are shared with volunteers of the same sex.  
    Each dorm room has its own full western style bathroom with hot water. The house also has a large common area with a TV, quiet reading areas, a full kitchen, wifi and beautiful grounds overlooking Lake Victoria.

    Food & Beverages

    The MDU house mother will cook 3 local meals a day. There are also plenty of restaurants locally that you can eat out at. Local food on the street is a couple of dollars for a meal, buying food to cook at the supermarket can vary depending on what you cook. There is a full kitchen available to volunteers. Most meals at a restaurant are about $10 USD. 

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    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

    This program can be done anytime of the year. We will conduct a full day orientation when you arrive, usually on a Monday.

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

    Program Fees

    $245 per week 4 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 50 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    4.83
    64 reviews

    Volunteer photos

    2025
    The organizers Tony and Lutaaya were warm and hospitable. Volunteering experiences were impactful and engaging. In the down time it was easy ...
    2025
    I am very happy to share my experiences with Making a difference in Uganda with you. To be honest it is hard to find the right words, that ...
    Silja Weingandt

    Helping Kisenyi Kids

    2025
    I had a wonderful experience volunteering. Everyone was so kind and helpful. It made such a huge impact on my life. Can’t wait for the ...
    Teia Kolari

    Helping Kisenyi Kids

    2024
    I had the most amazing experience while volunteering with MDU. I went for a month and wish I could've stayed much longer. The work that is ...
    Eve Hastings Van

    Helping Kisenyi Kids

    2023
    Volunteering with Making a Difference in Uganda was a life changing experience that I am so grateful to have been apart of. Uganda is a ...
    Yusuf Zaidi

    Helping Kisenyi Kids

    2023
    The two months as part of Making a Difference in Uganda (MDU) were among the best experiences of my life. The work was enriching, the people ...
    Elke Preininger

    Helping Kisenyi Kids

    Location

    Africa > Eastern Africa > Uganda > Kampala

    Meet your project coordinator

    Anthony
    64
    reviews
    4.83
    Excellent
    2017
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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