Hey, my name is Jenny and I'm from Austria. I was volunteering for Bwindi Angels of Hope Uganda in May 2023 for 6 weeks.

What did I do for the organization?
I visited the homes of 30 children, that Bwindi Angels of Hope Uganda is taking care of and collected some data about their distance to school, family and living situation and health. Using that data, I made a video about the organization, that we uploaded on YouTube. Furthermore, in an unfinished building I was helping Silas to teach the children English. As Silas is a local volunteer himself, he's lacking some proper teaching material, so I built two chalkboards for him with the help of Bruno, one of the staff members. In total I made three videos: another video about Volunteering with Bwindi Angels of Hope, encouraging others to take that same rewarding journey and a music video for the talented Mataaba Boyz, two local boys that are making their own Afrobeat music.

What else did I do?
Apart from the above mentioned, I went to English class for local women twice a week - but to learn Rukiga, the local language of Rubuguri. Every Friday I went to the local market to buy vegetables and fruits for our family, as I was living in the home of Stephen's and Vincent's mother, Sara. What's more, I'm a creative and sportive person, so I made a bunch of bracelets for the kids and did some Yoga and sports with them. Sunday is football match day and everybody is going. It's a fantastic way to meet new people and play with even more kids. I also went to explore Rubuguri with Stephen and Bruno a lot. We were hiking several surrounding hills - Bwindi National Park is just behind a bordering hill - leaving many many footprints on this very special place on earth. Using a boda boda, which is a motorbike taxi, we also went to other beautiful treasures in Kisoro dictrict (Kisoro town, the border or Rwanda and Congo, lake Mutanda, lake Bunyonyi, Mount Muhabura).

What are the rewards?
Even if you are just taking a moment to greet the local people in their language (Osibiregye) you will be rewarded with the purest smile you can imagine. Playing with the children, giving them sweets and schoolbooks and simply engaging yourself in the village life of Rubuguri, you will experience the same joy that you bring to them. They will start to recognize you and share their delicious food and good heart with you. By volunteering with Bwindi Angels of Hope Uganda you will make a difference in so many people's lives - including yours.