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Volunteer Handbook

Mityana District, Uganda

Roles, how to apply, and what we expect from everyone who volunteers with Purple Rose Orphans — remotely, on-site, or locally in Mityana.

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1.Welcome

Thank you for considering giving your time to Purple Rose Orphans. Whether you can help for an hour a week from home, or travel to Mityana in person, your contribution matters to the 26 children in our care. This handbook explains the roles available, how to apply, and what we expect from everyone who volunteers with us.

2.Volunteer Roles

2.1 Remote Roles

Most volunteers help from home, wherever they live:

  • Social media and content support
  • Translation
  • Fundraising and grant writing
  • Photo and video editing

2.2 On-Site Roles, Mityana

If you can travel to Mityana:

  • Teaching and tutoring support
  • Medical visits and health checks (for qualified medical volunteers)
  • Building and maintenance projects
  • Hands-on support during school holidays

On-site roles are subject to a background check and our Child Protection Policy before you arrive.

2.3 Local Skills Roles, Mityana Community

People from Mityana who want to offer a local skill or activity for the children may also volunteer with us, without travelling from abroad:

  • Sports, music, dance and drawing sessions
  • Storytelling, reading and group games
  • Practical skills and simple computer learning
  • Creative workshops connected to our Skills & Joy and Community & Connection work

Local Skills volunteering is community-based and always supervised, following the same Child Protection Policy as any other on-site role.

3.How to Apply

  • Complete the volunteer application form on our website
  • We review your application and respond within a few days
  • Simon Kasawuli, our Director, will arrange a short video call with you on WhatsApp — to get to know you, answer your questions, and walk through what to expect
  • Once everything is confirmed, you’re welcome to begin

4.Code of Conduct

As a Purple Rose Orphans volunteer, you are expected to:

  • Treat every child with respect, patience and care, regardless of personal background or beliefs
  • Never use physical punishment or humiliation as a form of discipline
  • Never be alone with a single child in a closed or private space; caregiving and supervision always take place with at least one other adult present or within sight of others
  • Never share personal contact information, such as a phone number or social media account, directly with a child
  • Never photograph a child for personal use, or share images of children outside official Purple Rose Orphans channels
  • Report immediately any behaviour by another adult that raises concern, even if you are unsure whether it amounts to a breach of policy

5.Screening

Before you are placed in a caregiving or on-site role, we ask for:

  • A clear explanation of our Child Protection Policy and your written agreement to follow it
  • Verification of your identity and, where available in your country, a criminal background or police clearance check
  • A probationary period during which you are always supervised by an experienced caregiver

If you are volunteering remotely without direct contact with children, this process is lighter — but you are still asked to agree to our Child Protection Policy and to keep any information about specific children confidential.

6.Our Commitment to Child Protection

The safety of every child in our care comes before any other consideration. Our full Child Protection Policy explains how we protect children’s safety, dignity and privacy, including in photos and stories shared online. We ask every volunteer to read it before starting, and you will have the chance to discuss it during your call with Simon.

Read Child Protection Policy

7.While You Are With Us (On-Site Volunteers)

Practical details such as accommodation, daily costs and what to bring vary depending on your dates and role, so we will go through these with you directly during your call with Simon, rather than listing them here. Please feel free to ask anything at that stage.

8.Confidentiality

Please keep confidential anything you learn about a specific child’s background, health, or personal history. This information exists to help us care for the child responsibly — not to be shared, even informally.

9.Reporting a Concern

If you ever have a concern about the safety or treatment of a child, or about the conduct of anyone connected to Purple Rose Orphans, please contact Simon Kasawuli, Director, in Uganda, or info@purpleroseorphans.org.

Every report is treated seriously and confidentially. No one will be penalised for raising a concern in good faith.