Institute for Field Research Expeditions - IFRE

I went to Kampala for two weeks in the beginning of September and worked at a primary school as a teacher the first week, the second week did I work at a babies’ home. I truly had an amazing time and I really got to experience the real Uganda and meet the real people. What I liked about the work was that it was real work, we really did get to do things and it really felt as if we did make a difference, it was sometimes long hours but it was always fun and worth it in the end. The coordinator was also very flexible and helpful and helped us with basically anything from problem at work to plan activities for the weekends.
It was of course all very new to go to such a different country and I struggled a lot in the beginning to take it all in, to understand the culture etc, but the people were so nice and helpful that it went quicker then I thought it would take. I would though recommend everyone that is interested to stay for a longer period then I did. At least one month or more, which gives you time to settle down, get used to the work and get to know the children and teachers better.
Regarding accommodation, we lived with the coordinators family and a few other volunteers in small dorms (4 beds). The family were very nice and the room comfortable with toilet and shower (only cold water though). The food was definitely something we all looked forward to during the day, the housekeeper cooked amazing food everyday and we were never disappointed!
The only thing I could object on is that the description of the work not really fitted with what we actually did. I applied to work in an orphanage but ended up teaching the first week (it was though no problem to talk to the coordinator and arrange a new volunteering place for the second week). Otherwise I have nothing else to complain at, it was two amazing week and I dearly recommend anyone who wants to have fun but at the same time work and make a change to go!

I am young Caribbean girl who delights in serving others. It was one of my greatest blessings in life to have had the opportunity to do service in Kampala, Uganda through the organization, IFRE. It was an incredible experience!!!
It started with our host. The family I lived with were at all times very kind, considerate and always willing and ready to help in any possible way they can. They served us three meals a day [sometimes two – breakfast and dinner, as we would have lunch at our stationed area. We always had fresh fruits [pineapple, watermelon, mangoes ect] with our meals.
Our bedroom was a very nice one. Herman’s wife was even so kind as to offer to clean our room after we have been living in it for two weeks or so. Usually no landlords ever offer to clean one’s room, tenants are expected to do so themselves. But our family – our host was the best host we could have asked for. They spend quality time with us at nights talking to us about whatever we would like to talk about. They were very helpful in any possible way we needed them. Charles and Richard, two brothers would at times take us to places outside of our work, for example Charles took us to our church building, which we would not have been able to find on our own; Also Richard took us to the zoo and other times they would give us or bus drivers all the necessary directions we needed to find our way around. We felt like we had a real family away from home and we sure did because our host and his family treated us with respect and demonstrated love and appreciation to us at all times.
The opportunity to meet the incredible people in Uganda is definitely worth saving and experiencing. They are a lot of things one learn to do and also the persons met there are life teachers in their own unique ways. I am in love with Uganda and I most thankful for this Organization and the persons who make it a great one!