We believe that some of our greatest resources lie within the knowledge of others. Any skills or ideas you have to achieve our mission are welcome.
How to Apply
Volunteer opportunities are available within our established programs, but we are also open to proposals for new classes, workshops, research, health clinics, psychoeducational classes, etc. For the safety of our clients, we ask health volunteers to only provide services they are certified to offer in their home country.
If you are interested in working with us, please email our Volunteer Liaison Officer, Kelly Rigney, with your attached resume for more information. In your email, please include when and how long you plan to stay and in which programs you would like to be involved.
Volunteer Program fees:
HOCW provides transport to and from Entebbe airport, accommodations , and 3 balanced meals a day through volunteer program fees. The amount depends mainly on the duration of your stay at HOCW:
1 week: $150
2 weeks: $300
3 weeks: $450
1 month: $600
2 months: $800
3 months: $1200
4 months: $1600
5 months: $2000
6 months: $2400
In addition to program fees, we recommend budgeting about $20 a week for bottled water, public transport, and any other personal expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about volunteering or the organization? Feel free to email us any questions you have, but in the meantime, you can read our FAQs.
Where do volunteers live?
At the HOCW compound, there is a volunteer house (approx. 1000 square feet) with three bedrooms, a living room, and a bathroom.
What is the layout of the HOCW compound?
We have two compounds separated by a one minute walk. The original compound, where the volunteer house is located, includes the founder's quarters, the computer classroom, two classrooms with blackboards, and the tailoring workshop. The new compound hosts the main offices, the Savings Group, the Women's Collective, the hair dressing studio, two classrooms with blackboards, the library, the day care, the canteen, and the meeting rooms for counseling. In addition to the compounds, the mushroom collective is a 5 minute walk away, and the agriculture collective is about 45 minutes away by car.
Where is Ndejje Central Zone?
Ndejje Central Zone is a small village within Ndejje Parish 12 km south of Kampala. Please note, Ndejje Central Zone is different from the town of Ndejje that lies north of Kampala.
Does HOCW have power and water?
HOCW has electricity, water, and internet, but as we are in a rural area , we sometimes experience short power outages.
What is the food like?
The food at HOCW is delicious and healthy. Most of the food is fresh, unprocessed, and local, and a typical meal includes a carb, a protein, vegetables, and fruit. Any dietary concerns can be accommodated.
What can I do in my free time?
There are many restaurants, coffee shops, and stores in Kampala, which is only 30 minutes away from Ndejje by public transport. Lubowa, a nearby expat community, is a 25-30 minute walk from the compound and has coffee shops, restaurants, a gym, a bank, and a grocery store. Because HOCW closes on the weekends, you can organize travel in Uganda and East Africa during that time as well.
Volunteer Resources
While we are available to answer any questions you have, there are ample resources to learn more about the East African Refugee Crisis, Uganda, volunteering at HOCW, and working with refugee populations. To receive a list of resources, email us for access to our Volunteer Handbook.