Undergraduate Students | Volunteer Opportunity

Hope Speaks offers a state of the art internship program to students seeking to expand the scope of their studies and experiences. While you get a once in a lifetime experience, Hope Speaks is able to increase their services to hard to reach communities and individuals through the work of volunteers, students and interns.

Based on experience and level of education, daily tasks may include:

Observation of evaluations
Assisting in the creation and implementation of treatment plans
Community Outreach and Education
Familiarization with reporting tools such as Fusion Web Clinic
Assisting in day-to-day program needs

Hope Speaks can provide supervision, meaning that observation hours can be recorded when needed.

On the weekends, you get to enjoy the best of what Uganda has to offer - safaris, a trip to the source of the Nile River, cultural experiences and more.

Join the Mission

Our undergraduate program includes hands-on experience working in both our outreach programs and our private clinic setting. Students will have the opportunity to partner with a Ugandan SLP to gain a unique perspective and approach to speech therapy in a global setting.

Applicants must be at least a junior in college
Must be able to commit to a minimum of three weeks in Uganda
Pass background checks and clearances
Complete a pre-trip course that includes cultural preparedness and child protection training
Be able to fully fund your internship whether privately or through fundraising
Sign and adhere to Hope Speaks’ Code of Conduct for the duration of your internship

Airfare
Western style lodging with 24/7 security
2 Meals a day
Transportation to and from intern related activities
Travel insurance
Wifi (at lodging and clinic)
Laundry
A donation to Hope Speaks programming
Processing and application fees

Not Included (But available at an additional cost)

2-3 day Safari
Tourist and Cultural Activities

Hope Speaks has several pre-set dates for internship trips in the coming year. They are:

May 2 - May 23, 2023 (spots available)
May 26 - June 18, 2023 (full)
July 14 - August 4, 2023 (spots available)
Additional dates will be added as demand needed

“Working with Hope Speaks was my most challenging and rewarding externship placement in grad school. I was able to truly put my clinical skills to the test, working in settings with less resources, materials, and information on each client than I was used to having. I grew in my ability to think on my feet, develop session plans in the moment, and collaborate with other SLPs to provide bilingual sessions. These skills are ones I use daily as a CF, and am grateful I got to improve while working in Uganda.”

Rachel Kathryn-Graduate Student

“Hope Speaks showed me an entirely new side of Speech Therapy. A side that the people of Uganda truly cherish. Hope Speaks mission is to bring hope and raise the voices for children with disabilities and they are doing just that every single day. I am so grateful I was able to love and be loved by the people of Uganda during the 2 months I lived there. My simple “yes” has changed my entire perspective on this profession and has equipped me to better serve my clients today! I encourage you to also say yes and see how the Lord works through you during your time there!”

Austin-ACU Graduate Student

Where We Work

Uganda has been referred to as the Pearl of Africa and for good reason. It's home to over 40 million people. Apart from having such a large population, Uganda is a very poor nation. This has resulted in a lack of education, unclean water, and inconsistent income for its residents.

With all of these factors in play, it's easy to see why about 19 percent of the population is living with a disability. Our speech team helps to assist these children with speech therapy and rehabilitation services. By means of a diligent work effort, we're able to provide speech therapy in multiple locations throughout the country.

These include:

Kampala School For The Physically Handicapped
International Schools
Dawn Childrens Centre
Mukisa Foundation
Mercy Childcare Ministry
Angels Center For Children With Special Needs
Katanga Slum

Why Volunteer For Hope Speaks?

Hope Speaks is a nonprofit organization. We're looking for undergraduate students that are looking to make a real difference in a country that will much appreciate it. By simply donating some of your time and experience, you can make a real difference in the life of children with disabilities in the Uganda region. You'll give them a true voice that they can use to change their culture's history going into the future.

Become A Volunteer

Serve with Hope Speaks by becoming a volunteer. Download our application to get started.

Download Form

How to Contribute to Hope Speaks?

If you would like to help disabled youth in Uganda, it's time to act. As an undergraduate student, you can apply for our intern work program. This time commitment is three weeks, at the minimum. Even if you are unable to donate your time, Hope Speaks also accepts donations. By donating, it will help us expand our outreach.

Donate Today