Students arrive in Uganda, are welcomed at the airport by our American staff, and brought to Banana Village, our partner hotel in Entebbe

We set the tone for cultural humility, safety, and group connection. Evening accommodations allow for rest and preparation for the journey ahead.

Our orientation invites each student to introduce themselves and share a little about themselves. The group discussions helps establish shared values, expectations, and start to form empathy and appreciation within the group.

Later, a lecture and presentation covering Uganda’s history, political landscape, and cultural norms is given to equip students with essential context for understanding the causes behind the grassroots efforts they’ll engage with.

A documentary on Uganda’s history and political dynamics is played in the evening evening, followed by group discussion.

The group travels to Kampala via our 24-person bus, fully equipped with electricity, a fridge, and AC, This bus and driving staff is with the group throughout the duration of the trip.

Upon reaching Kampala, we explore Uganda’s complex past through a tour of Idi Amin’s former palace and torture chambers, followed by a visit to Hope of Hope Orphanage.

At Home of Hope, founder Series Denis informs to the students about his efforts to house many of the Ugandan children in his community, and gives the students a tour through the facility.

In the evening, the group checks into Forest Cottages, our Kampala Partner Hotel, where we will stay while in Kampala.

Students meet Grace Nakimera - the founder of Feed The Streets, a grass-roots initiative serving meals to Kampala’s unhoused population. After a lecture on systemic poverty and community response, students assist in food preparation and distribution for mothers and children of the community.

Students spend the day with refugee youth at an art-based nonprofit. After a lecture from the founder about their efforts in healing child refugee trauma through the power of art, students join workshops and collaborative creative sessions with the youth.

After a travel day to Jinja, the group checks into Nile River Explorers, our hotel partner in Jinja, which is located on the edge of The Nile Ricer.

The students unwind with a group dinner and a cruise over The Nile River. It’s an opportunity to reflect informally, bond with peers, and absorb the natural beauty of their surroundings.

Students engage with children at a local orphanage and hear from the founder about the intersection of abandonment, social services, and resilience in Ugandan communities. Reflection time follows the visit.

A cultural immersion day includes a guided walking tour of Jinja, followed by a boat cruise on the Nile. Students learn about the town’s colonial past, economic history, and contemporary life.

We transition to eastern Uganda with a stop at Mbale Market for a firsthand look at regional commerce and trade.

Once in Bududa, students reach The CCP homestead, and receive a cultural briefing and village walk to prepare them for the experience living in the rural village.

A group hike offers space for physical reflection and connection with Uganda’s landscape. Students hear from local guides about the environment’s cultural and ecological significance.

Students shadow teachers and support classroom activities at a rural primary school. The principal shares insights into the challenges of education access in remote regions.

Building on the previous day, students rotate through different classrooms and interact with children through games, reading, and collaborative learning. Emphasis is placed on connection, not charity.

At this high-performing rural school, students tour the facilities, join a discussion on education equity, and assist in structured enrichment activities designed in partnership with faculty.

Returning toward Jinja, students explore Sipi Falls—an iconic site in Uganda. The hike includes local storytelling and prompts for journaling around gratitude, perspective, and personal growth.

Students enjoy a rest day to relax, kayak, or explore nearby areas. That evening, we host our signature “Family Circle,” where students share reflections and appreciation before closing the journey together.

The group travels back to Entebbe for a final evening. Students decompress, pack, and prepare emotionally and logistically for their return home.

Departure day. Students leave Uganda with a deeper understanding of the world, their place in it, and the power of cultural appreciation.