AFRICA VOLUNTEERS NETWORK is a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2005 by a team of former volunteers as a liaison for non profit and self-supporting volunteers looking to work directly with grassroots organizations and programs with a variety of directives. It is open to both national and international volunteers. It is registered under the Min. of Gender and Social develpoment (Mukono District, Uganda) as not-for-profit charitable organisation

We focus on enabling people to experience life in African developing countries and to raise funds for the host projects volunteers work. Currently we places volunteers to Kenya and Uganda local CBOs and initiatives, however; there is room for new openings.

Projects are practical hands-on work, such as building school classrooms, working with orphaned children, teaching or helping the development of a local initiative. Here is an outline of how the volunteer program works. If, after reading this, you have any questions,

please contact us at avn.org@gmail.com

Training and Support

Once you have been accepted for placement, you'll receive advice and support throughout your preparations. You'll receive the AVN welcome pack. Closer to departure you'll need specific information on health, vaccinations, visas, kit, insurance, flights, language etc.

You'll be supported with information during your preparations. In addition, we can put you in contact with a returned volunteer who can answer any questions you may have. 

For your placement to be effected, we ask you to pay a program fee for the full period you are planning to volunteer with any particular program as soon as your volunteer placement is confirmed.

A detailed breakdown for the money you contribute is a non-refundable donation that goes towards your accommodation, meals and house up-keep while on duty for the period you are volunteering with any particular program. It also includes administrative cost and airport pick up from Entebbe. If you decide to return home before your placement period expires, the remaining portion of your un-used donation will be counted as a contribution to your host organisation's developmental projects.

You'll also need to raise the money for your flight, insurance and kit. You'll be expected to organise these yourself with close collaboration with our Country Placement Officer.     The amount that you'll need for your personal budget, will depend on where you are travelling from and if you want to travel during your placement or afterwards

Flight from and to your placement

You are responsible for arranging your own flight and insurance. We strongly recommend you give yourself some time to travel around during and after the project (see below).

You'll leave for Uganda or Kenya   (depending on where you want to volunteer) and will be met off the plane by our local representative. You'll spend the first week learning the skills and and some community dos and don'ts you'll need to live and interact with the local host families.

It is also possible for volunteers to live together (groups range from 2-12 volunteers) and work alongside with the community. You'll be fully supported during your time in the villages by a host staff backed up by one of our staff. Usually conditions are different from the westernized way of life and most villages do not have electricity or running water.

Kenya and Uganda are countries with plenty to explore.

We strongly recommend that volunteers arrange with the host organisations at least some days off for travelling/touring. Many volunteers head off on to game parks, historical sites which are some of the world's most spectacular sites.

You'll want a good camera or video camera, as the scenery and wildlife are fantastic. You may want to climb Africa's wonderful mountains such as Mt Kenya, Mt Elgon or the Rwenzoris, or relax on the beautiful beaches of Indian Ocean or along the shores of Lake Victoria

Returning home

Volunteers return to their home country after a unique and wonderful experience. We ask all volunteers to give us feedback on our volunteer program in order that we can continually improve it. Many volunteers keep in touch with and get involved supporting new volunteers. You'll have the experience of a lifetime learning a lot about yourself and life in developing countries

Tips on fundraising

Several volunteers have expressed some interest in looking for extra funds so that they can support their host organisation.