Volunteer — Anike Foundation

Uganda Youth Skills Training Organization (UYSTO) Volunteer Projects

About UYSTO Volunteer Projects

Overview: Uganda Youth Skills Training Organization (UYSTO) was established in 2004 and officially registered as a Community-Based Organization in 2007. The following year, in 2008, UYSTO was upgraded to a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). Since its inception, UYSTO has made a significant impact on the communities it serves, particularly among youth and women. The organization has empowered many to become self-employed, gain employment in various sectors, and pursue further education.

Impact and Achievements: Over 850 individuals have directly benefited from UYSTO’s vocational training, entrepreneurship programs, and career education. Notably, 90% of these beneficiaries are now employed or self-employed, contributing to increased job opportunities in their communities. Graduates from UYSTO have successfully entered various fields, including:

Construction: Working as technicians on construction sites.
Entrepreneurship: Establishing their own businesses in tailoring, fashion design, carpentry, and other trades.
Automotive Sector: Collaborating in group garages and workshops.
Transport Industry: Working as drivers.
Creative Industries: Engaging in knitting, crochet, and online fashion design businesses.
Further Education: Pursuing advanced studies in tertiary institutions.
Social Impact: Founding NGOs and community-based organizations.

Funding and Partnerships: UYSTO’s growth and success are supported by key partners, including the Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation (Norec), the European Union through Erasmus+, Firda VGS Norway, and contributions from the local community. These partnerships have been instrumental in UYSTO’s development and impact.

Growth and Development: From its humble beginnings, UYSTO has expanded into a robust organization with a dedicated team of 22 workers and 18 local volunteers. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, UYSTO also hosted 20 international volunteers annually, further enriching its programs.

As part of its ongoing growth, UYSTO acquired land through fundraising efforts led by Firda VGS Norway. This land is now registered under the organization’s name, and UYSTO is actively seeking support to develop the property. Planned developments include the construction of administration offices, instructional workshops, classrooms, a cultural center, and a volunteer house.

Looking Ahead: With a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future, UYSTO continues to expand its impact, empowering more youth and women through skills training and education. The organization remains committed to creating sustainable opportunities for its beneficiaries and contributing to the overall development of the communities it serves.

Please watch this video to learn more about UYSTO.

UYSTO objectives and roadmap

Objectives: Equip youth with vocational and technical skills. b. Contribute to environmental conservation and management. c. Provide start-up capital, materials, and moral support to vulnerable young people.

Roadmap: At the heart of UYSTO’s initiatives is a commitment to sustainable development, driven by three key directions:

Advocacy: Advocate for improved infrastructure for vocational training within Uganda’s education system.
Access to Training: Facilitate access to vocational training by providing education and skills development opportunities for both in-school and out-of-school youth.
Global Collaboration: Increase international awareness and collaborate with companies and organizations that aim to invest in the social and economic empowerment of youth and women, contributing to sustainable development in Uganda.

UYSTO partners

Uganda Youth Skills Training Organization (UYSTO) collaborates with both local and international partners to ensure the successful implementation of its programs and projects. Our partners include schools, universities, and charity organizations, among others. UYSTO coordinates volunteer placements on behalf of these partners, assigning volunteers to various organizations. This volunteer-driven approach has been particularly effective for local organizations, highlighting the invaluable contributions of volunteers in achieving our mission.

About UYSTO projects

Volunteer positions and activities are diverse in nature covering a wide range of sectors that include but not limited to: Entrepreneurship, Environment, Reproductive Health, Technical skills / hands on skills, Functional Adult Education, Culture and sports, Community Self Help Projects, Organizational Administration, Community Outreach, Digitalization skills, Education, Work camps etc.

All projects are aimed at providing service for a sustainable community development and all of the volunteer positions have a very rich cultural input that is vital for providing a fulfilling volunteer experience for the participating international volunteer.

Tailored volunteer programs

These are specially arranged volunteer/student academic placements. This normally works with students wishing to carry out academic related trips/assignments to Africa. In this case, a potential volunteer/group of volunteers informs us about their study needs and we take the responsibility to allocate the placement. UYSTO helps the student(s) with the documentations needed to process the visas to Uganda.s, that is why we cannot underestimate the value of any kind of volunteer services.

Program requirements

Volunteers for this program should:

Be 17 to 60 years of age and flexible
Be able to speak English, other languages are an added advantage
Have no major health problems
Be female or male
Have no physical disability
Be able to walk long distances where necessary
Have a clean record
Sign an agreement with us and the sending organization
Have a positive and outgoing personality and mind
Be ready to respect local cultures, learn from them and share his/her own cultures

Volunteer program fee includes the following benefits:

Program orientation
24 hour program support
3 meals a day plus any other supplementary meals
A mosquito bed net
Full accommodation
Project donation
Administrative fee
Certification at the end of the program

LOGISTICS

Preparations for international travel to Uganda

Volunteers are encouraged to contact the Ugandan Embassy or Consulate in their home countries to learn of visa and passport requirements. As of August 2020, the vaccinations required to enter Uganda were yellow fever and Covid 19, however you may prefer to get other vaccinations such as typhoid, Ebola hepatitis, measles, tetanus, polio, meningitis, tuberculosis, mumps, rubella, etc. Visas are available applications are available at Welcome to Uganda Electronic Visa/Permit Application System, however you need to remember that visa requirements can change frequently and for that case there , there is a need to contact the embassy/consulate in the volunteer's country to learn of the latest requirements. UYSTO executive director and volunteer coordinator will be available to assist in this area.

Food and drink

What to Expect

When you volunteer with UYSTO in Uganda, you can look forward to enjoying hearty and nutritious meals, whether you are vegetarian or omnivorous. Ugandan cuisine is rich in carbohydrates and proteins, which will keep you energized throughout your stay. While micronutrients and minerals may not always be as prevalent, the variety of dishes ensures that you'll have a satisfying and balanced diet. Many volunteers even find themselves returning home with a few extra pounds!

Meals

All meals are prepared using traditional local cooking methods, including firewood, gas, and charcoal stoves. Meals are lovingly prepared by experienced cooks and often feature a mix of the following:

Posho: A thick cornmeal dish, a staple in Uganda.
Beans and Peas: Often served with posho or rice, providing a good source of protein.
Potatoes: Prepared in various ways, including boiled, mashed, or fried.
Roasted or Fried Chicken: A popular and flavorful option.
Pasta: Served with a variety of sauces.
Greens and Cabbage: Fresh, leafy vegetables often cooked with onions and tomatoes.
Bananas: Both sweet and plantain varieties, served in different forms.
Salads: Featuring fresh cucumbers, carrots, and tomatoes.
Porridge: Typically made from millet or maize, often served at breakfast.
Mangoes and Other Fruits: Enjoy seasonal fruits like mangoes for a sweet treat.
Maize (Corn): Grilled or boiled, a common snack or side dish.
Beef: Prepared in stews or grilled.
The Rolex: A popular Ugandan street food made of a chapati (flatbread) rolled with an omelette, often with added vegetables. Loved by both locals and volunteers alike, it’s a must-try!

Special Dietary Needs

If you have dietary preferences or restrictions, such as being vegetarian, please indicate this during the application process. Our team will ensure that suitable meals are prepared for you.

Water Safety

Please note that tap water in Uganda is not safe for direct consumption by foreigners. We strongly recommend drinking bottled water, particularly if you are placed in rural areas. Bottled mineral water is readily available in groceries and supermarkets across Uganda.

Program Fees

A significant portion of your program fee goes towards covering your meals and accommodation, ensuring that you are well-cared for during your volunteer experience.

Accommodation

Volunteers are typically accommodated in a homestay arrangement, where you will stay with a welcoming host family. This offers a unique opportunity to experience Ugandan culture firsthand, engage in daily life, and form meaningful connections with your hosts.

In special circumstances, private accommodation can be arranged based on individual requests and availability, ensuring that your living arrangements are comfortable and suited to your needs.

Whether staying with a host family or in private accommodation, you will have a safe, comfortable environment that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local community.

Transportation

Transportation in Uganda varies in terms of comfort and safety, but it's generally accessible and affordable. The most common form of public transport is the Matatu — white and blue-striped minibuses often referred to as "taxis." Matatus offer a fast and cost-effective way to get around, though they are typically crowded, with the phrase "there’s always room for one more" often put into practice. You might find yourself sharing a space designed for 14 passengers with up to 24 people. Despite this, matatus remain a popular choice, with fares ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 UGX (approximately $0.40 to $0.80 USD) for distances of 8-15 kilometers.

For shorter trips, you can use Boda Bodas, which are motorbikes with a passenger seat at the back. They provide a quick and convenient way to navigate through traffic or travel shorter distances, but it's important to be cautious as they can vary in safety standards.

Regardless of the mode of transport, embracing local transportation is part of the adventure and offers a genuine glimpse into everyday life in Uganda.