Join award winning charity, Play Action International in Uganda this summer and help give the gift of play for thousands of children to benefit from.
Project Play: Uganda
Project Play is the ultimate African adventure allowing you to explore, discover and develop the incredible country of Uganda. As an ethical, affordable trip, it is the perfect opportunity to have the summer of a lifetime.
Not only that, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the natural wonders that Uganda has to offer.
| Host Organisation | |
|---|---|
| Dates | 2 - 30 June 2025 (allow a couple days either side for travel) |
| Project cost | Funding is available for eligible students to assist with the total project cost. Your contribution will be: £1040 for most students or £575 if your household income is less than £25,000* (receipted expenditure will be required to cover travel costs up to a max. £745) *you can check the full criteria for this higher funding rate in the 'Widening Access and Participation' section below. The total cost of the project is £2095 (this includes the £245 registration fee), but you will receive funding from the University to reduce this to the amounts above. |
| Funding available | An additional scholarship of up to £1000 is available towards return flights. This will be paid once flights are confirmed and evidence (receipts) are provided. |
| Included in cost | Accommodation, most meals, in-country travel and 24/7 in-country support. |
| Other costs | Visa, vaccinations (Approx. £35 - 155), optional weekend activities |
| Deadline to apply | Friday 13 December 2024 |
You’ll spend up to 4 weeks in the Pearl of Africa, supporting the construction of a fun, safe and exciting playground for a primary school.
What you will do
During the week you will help with the design, construction and decoration of the playground, working alongside a local build team.
Where you stay
You will stay on project, sleeping on mattresses, with sleeping bags and mosquito nets within the school, integrating yourself into the school and community life.
On the weekends
On the weekends you will have the opportunity to relax away from project and take part in a range of activities such as going on a safari, taking on the legendary white-water rapids of the Nile, quad biking, horse riding across the rolling hills or going on a sunset cruise at the source of the River Nile.
The highlight
The highlight of your time in Uganda will be your playground’s open day.
This is where the children, teachers and staff get to play on the playground that you’ve poured your heart and soul into creating for the first time.
It’s a day of celebration where you will; listen to speeches, sing songs, watch performances and do the final countdown before cutting the rope to the new playground! You’ll all count down together… 3… 2… 1… and once that rope has been cut - the playground disappears under a sea of children who are thrilled to be able to have not only a place to play, but a place to support their healthy physical, social and psychological development.
You will see the smiles, hear the laughter and feel the joy that your playground will bring to the children, the school and the wider community for generations.
Find out more
You can find out more about Play Action International and the project itself by registering your interest and downloading a brochure.
Or join one of the online info sessions hosted by Play Action International to hear more about the project and ask any questions you may have.
Interview Guidance
If you require support and guidance to help you prepare for interview reach out to your Employability & Graduate Futures Team.
You can request a 1:1 appointment via Handshake or contact the team via e-mail: graduatefutures@ulster.ac.uk
Widening Access and Participation
You will be eligible for a higher rate of funding if you meet one of the criteria below:
- You are in receipt of an Ulster University Access Bursary
- You are from an area of low higher education participation, low household income or low socioeconomic status (including those with an annual household income of £25,000 or less)
- You receive Income Support or Universal Credit and are financially supporting yourself or financially supporting yourself and someone who is dependent on you and living with them, such as a child or partner
- You are from a background of care
- You have caring responsibilities
- You have no living parents
- Your parents cannot be found or it is not reasonably practicable to get in touch with either of them (estranged students)
- You are a refugee or asylum seeker
Proof of the above criteria will be required as part of your application.
Pre-departure
If you are selected for this opportunity following successful application and interview, the following details will help you prepare for this global opportunity.
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Pre-departure details
Pre-departure info Visa requirements All students are responsible for ensuring that they meet the host country's immigration requirements. This will vary depending on the type of passport they hold. Further advice on the visa application will be provided as part of the pre-departure process. But it is your responsibility to ensure your familiarity with this.
Please note, if travelling out of Dublin airport, students without a British or Irish passport, may also need an additional Irish visa.
Foreign Travel Advice Ensure you read through the Government Travel Guidance Advice for Uganda. Healthcare & Travel Insurance You will automatically be covered for travel insurance and medical emergency cover through Ulster University’s Group Personal Accident and Travel insurance policy for the duration of this programme.
Print and carry a copy of the Travel Cover Summary
Review the cover thoroughly to check it's sufficient for your needs; if it does not cover everything, you will need to take out additional cover.
Pre-departure Guide There’s lots to think about before, during and after your programme. Read the Pre-departure Guide thoroughly for advice on to how to prepare and what to expect from your experience abroad.
Once the final candidates have been selected you will be invited to a number of mandatory pre-departure sessions to help you prepare for your programme. This will be an opportunity for you to meet other students who will be joining you.