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Serving with Watoto
“Volunteering with Watoto for five months had a lasting impact on me, allowing me to use my skills and experience in career planning to help prepare students for their future. I hope to return, which would enable me to build on this experience, strengthen relationships, and continue contributing to something that means a great deal to me.” Andrew C, Suffolk
Thank you for your interest in serving with Watoto. We are delighted that you are considering joining us in Uganda and using your gifts, skills and experience to serve others and make a meaningful difference. Serving with Watoto is more than volunteering. It is an opportunity to step into a Christ-centred community, experience ministry and discipleship, build relationships and be part of what God is doing through Watoto. Whether you are exploring the possibility or already keen to come, we hope this brochure gives you a glimpse of what serving with Watoto for a month or longer could look like. We would love to welcome you to Uganda and serve alongside you. With every blessing,
Andrew White
Executive Director, Watoto UK
Where could you serve “I first visited Uganda on a short trip, where I was deeply moved and inspired by the love and commitment of the Baby Watoto team in particular. Since then, I have returned a couple of times to volunteer alongside the staff, and I now plan to visit every year. My love for this amazing work continues to grow with each visit.” Amanda M, Hampshire
There are many ways you can serve at Watoto, and we want to help you find the place where your gifts, experience and passions can be used most effectively. During initial discussions, we will explore your skills and interests alongside the current needs of the ministry. While the following are examples of areas where you may be able to serve, opportunities can vary depending on ministry needs. Current opportunities may include: •
Medical
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Education
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Baby Watoto
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Neighbourhood
You can also get involved in ministry opportunities during weekends, including: •
Watoto Children’s Choir
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Children’s Church
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Sports Academy
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Worship Academy
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Ushering & Hospitality
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Other ministry opportunities where you feel led to serve
Professional experience is a major asset, and some roles require specific professional qualifications. Safeguarding and UK police checks may also be required depending on the role.
Length of Stay Volunteers can serve with Watoto for one to three months, giving you the opportunity to settle into community, build relationships and make a meaningful contribution to the ministry. If you would like to stay beyond three months, we will review your experience, contribution and fit within the ministry towards the end of your stay. Where there is an ongoing need for your service and the evaluation is positive, we will work with you to explore the appropriate visa extension or, where applicable, work permit.
Accommodation As you serve alongside children and mothers within the Watoto communities, accommodation is provided in volunteer apartments located within the Watoto villages and at our Baby Watoto homes. Our apartments are furnished and provide a comfortable place to call home during your stay. Accommodation is shared with other volunteers who may be serving with Watoto during the same period, providing an opportunity to build community and share the experience of serving together.
Costs A monthly contribution helps cover the practical costs of serving with Watoto, including your accommodation, utilities, airport transfers, administration and support throughout your stay. Monthly Cost Individual volunteer £520 Couple £935 Child aged 13+ £520 Child aged 5–12 £298 Child under 5 Free Your contribution includes •
Furnished accommodation
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Utilities
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Airport transfers
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Administration and volunteer support
You will need to arrange separately •
Flights
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Food and personal expenses
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Travel insurance
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Visa costs
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Local transport
Long-Term Volunteer Discount
We appreciate the commitment involved in serving with Watoto for an extended period. Volunteers who stay beyond the initial three months receive an £85 discount on each additional month of service.
Meals Volunteers are responsible for preparing and providing their own meals during their time in Uganda. On arrival, before travelling to your accommodation, you will have the opportunity to shop for groceries and household essentials. Volunteer apartments are equipped with kitchen facilities, giving you everything you need to prepare meals throughout your stay.
Visa Requirements Volunteers should apply for a Visitor Visa, which allows a stay of up to three months in Uganda. For those serving beyond the initial three-month period, Watoto will review your placement and ongoing ministry needs. Following a positive review, we can assist with the process of applying for a visa extension or, where appropriate, a work permit.
We Look Forward to Welcoming You Serving with Watoto is more than a volunteer opportunity. It is an invitation to become part of a Christ-centred community committed to bringing hope, healing and the love of Jesus to vulnerable children and women. We would love to hear more about your skills, experience and passions, and explore how you could use them to serve alongside the Watoto family in Uganda.
Register Your Interest Ready to explore serving with Watoto? We would love to hear from you. Scan the QR code to schedule a meeting with us and take the first steps towards serving with Watoto in Uganda. Once we’ve met with you, we can share an application form to learn more about you, your experience and your interest in serving.
SCAN THE QR CODE TO MEET WITH US
VISIT
visitwatoto.uk@watoto.com 020 3225 1048 (ext 3)
WATOTO.com
Charity Number: 1090810