Programme Ethos

Volunteer Ethically in Uganda.
The root causes of poverty in Uganda are many. Our programme provides you with the opportunity to explore some of these issues whilst using and sharing your skills and knowledge in support of our established development projects in order to support us in achieving our vision of "Empowered families who are self-reliant". The programme is built on the values of mutual respect, shared learning and genuine partnership.
 

Challenges Perspective. Locally Led. Community Driven. 
We understand that media driven stereotypes and misconceptions exist which can lead to assumptions regarding life in sub-Saharan Africa. This can naturally evoke feelings of pity and a sense that communities are helpless or dependent on western support.

We work to critically explore these hidden biases before you travel to Uganda whilst also supporting you with intercultural awareness training.
This enables you to prepare for activities that will take place alongside qualified and professional local staff who know their context best. This provides you with an incredible opportunity to learn from their knowledge and experience across health, education, food and income generating projects.

What this means for you:​

• You will contribute your skills where your support is genuinely needed in a meaningful way.

• You will have the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the success and challenges within the  communities we work.

• You will be immersed in the local community and connect with people on a daily basis.

​​

Import Programme Values. 

Solidarity over Charity

Rooted in mutual respect, support, empathy, collaborative action and a willingness to learn.

This avoids one-way relationships where motivations can be rooted in a desire to help and ethnocentric mindsets which can result in power & privilege imbalances.
 

Equitable partnership

Fosters empowerment, respects agency and promotes long-term change.

This encourages us to avoid focusing on our own immediate idea's, expectations or objectives which may not necessarily fit the local context. 

 

Collaboration

Seeks to address the root causes of inequality by working together with people in affected communities to bring about sustainable change.

This encourages us to avoid using unsustainable solutions, such as once off gifts and resources, without questioning the underlying causes of inequality. Whilst this may provide temporary relief, it undermines Nurture Africa's vision of empowerment and can reinforce power imbalances, simplify complex issues (creating donor/recipient relationships/dependencies) and can promote white saviourism.