AID CONSERVATION THROUGH EDUCATION

ACE is an independent charity that supports primary education in rural Uganda. They focus on impoverished communities that border the National Parks and tackle the conflict between man and nature at the root – education.

This UK based charity was founded by former teacher, Angela Peake, in response to the shocking conditions and lack of resources that she witnessed in Ugandan primary schools.

Our close links with ACE (Charles Etoru, director of Ranger Safari Tours, was the charity’s initial representative in Uganda) allow us to offer incredible placements right at the heart of this inspiring project. This is a chance for you to really make a difference.

To learn more about Aid Conservation through Education and the charity's work in Uganda, please click here and visit their site.

WHERE

Most of the schools that ACE works with are situated in the Kisoro district of Southwest Uganda, close to the Mgahinga National Park (home of the mountain gorillas), and the Rwanda / Congo borders.

Another of the schools is situated in the Luwero district, north of Kampala.

ACTIVITIES

The main involvement here is guest teaching. If you think you have something to offer a class of 4-11 year olds, you would be much appreciated. Classes can be anything from PE to English, and will be taught in English.

Assisting teachers organize their classes, giving class question and answer sessions, liaising with staff, and showing the children that someone really does care about them.

There are also classrooms and latrines to be built, playgrounds to be levelled, cupboards to be put together, books to be catalogued and a whole host of other things.

REQUIREMENTS

You don't need to be a qualified teacher to participate as you will be working under the guidance of class teachers, in a variety of subjects.

Those with experience can take classes following an initial observational period but from experience, we know that classes are delighted just to hold a conversation with someone new.

You need to be prepared for hard, satisfying work, a little heart break and plenty of big smiles.

ACCOMODATION

Depending on the number of volunteers, accommodation will either be a simple guesthouse or shared house in Kisoro town. You can expect a basic yet comfortable place to stay.

FOOD

Breakfast and supper will be provided at your accommodation. Food is generally simple (rice, beans, mashed banana) and you will not go hungry, however, if you would like luxuries such as chocolates, crisps and sweets you will have to buy them yourself. There is plenty of fruit in the village including avocado, sweet bananas and watermelon. Lunch will be provided in the schools.

OTHER INFO

We currently provide placements for a minimum of 2 and maximum of 8 volunteers at any one time.

There is a minimum placement of 2 weeks, although we highly recommend at least 4 weeks to get the most from the experience.