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Sauya Nabatu, one of our Volunteer Coordinators left the country for United Kingdom to volunteer for one year, courtesy of Volunteers for Change Uganda (V.O.C.U).
George William Yiga, another amazing volunteer, made his way to the United Kingdom to volunteer for 12 months, courtesy of Volunteers for Change Uganda (V.O.C.U).
Betty Atim and Shakirah Nansikombi, our volunteers in the Republic of Ireland, practising intercultural exchange with other fellow volunteers from across the globe.
Hakim Kambugu, is yet another volunteer who travelled to United Kingdom to volunteer for a period of 12 months, courtesy of Volunteers for Change Uganda (V.O.C.U).
Shakirah Nansikombi at her project in the Republic of Ireland, socializing with other volunteers as a way of sharing transferable skills and making new critical friends.
Maria Daphine Gwokyalya and Regina Maria Lunkuse, left for the Republic of Ireland to volunteer for 12 months, courtesy of Volunteers for Change Uganda (V.O.C.U).
Jonathan Edrine Busobozi, our nice volunteer also travelled to the Republic of Ireland to volunteer for 12 months, courtesy of Volunteers for Change Uganda (V.O.C.U).
Shakirah Namubiru, is among our volunteers who set off for the Republic of Ireland to volunteer for 12 months, courtesy of Volunteers for Change Uganda (V.O.C.U).
Volunteers and Well Wishers of Volunteers for Change Uganda, attending an "Introduction Ceremony" in Buganda, while wearing a traditional dress called a "Busuuti".
The Managing Director of Volunteers for Change Uganda (V.O.C.U), Geoffrey Kaweesa attending to the babies at Sanyu Babies' Home, when he visited their premises.

“A world without volunteers would be a world without 140 million people, an economy without billions of dollars, a GDP that's 3 to 7% lower, and a world where millions of third sector employees would lose their jobs. ...” Youth Voice Today

All the above statements and more are proof of how important volunteers are, and how they contribute to the global economy. Volunteering can include any activity that ‘involves spending time, unpaid, doing something that aims to benefit the environment or someone (individuals or groups) other than, or in addition to, and close relatives.’

It is against that background that Volunteers for Change Uganda (VOCU) was established. Since it’s inception in 2013, VOCU has placed hundreds of young people aged 18-35 into different volunteer placements, in partnership with non-government organisations both in Uganda and abroad.

Our volunteers serve in: United Kingdom, United States of America, the Republic of Ireland, Poland and Germany. Through our inter cultural exchange program, we welcome volunteers from all the above countries to serve in Uganda as well.

I developed the idea of starting up Volunteers for Change Uganda (VOCU) in 2010, while I was in England for further studies, where I also volunteered with a charity organisation that takes care of people with disabilities. The skills and experience I gained inspired me so much to continue lending a hand to others in need.

Through my experience working at VOCU, I have witnessed volunteers not only impacting people in the communities they serve, but also volunteers gaining benefits in return. By giving back, volunteers gain new skills, expand professional networks, stay connected to their community, and experience physical and mental health benefits.

“Those who volunteer regularly have a 27% better chance of gaining employment, as 92% of human resource executives agree that contributing to a nonprofit can improve an employees’ leadership skills, while 60% of hiring managers see the act of volunteering as a valuable asset when making recruitment decisions”, according to a study by Career Builder.

With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering can be enormous. Volunteering offers vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, but the benefits can be even greater for you, the volunteer. The right match can help you to find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career.

At Volunteers for Change Uganda (VOCU), we believe that giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose, as we have witnessed our volunteers gain all those, and more…

VOCU’s programs are run in accordance with our core values which include: Unity, Diversity, Justice for all, Equality and Accountability. For more information about volunteering and partnering with us, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Kaweesa Geoffrey,
Managing Director
Volunteers for Change Uganda (VOCU)

“The essence of life is to serve others and do good.” Aristotle

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” – Oscar Wilde