Regularly, ROM receives volunteers from all over the world.
Sarah shares her experience at ROM.
A simple reflection on personal growth and community experience
In August 2025, I started my journey as a volunteer with Reach Out Mbuya in Kampala, Uganda. Looking back, I am very grateful for this opportunity. It was one of the most meaningful and life-changing experiences of my life.
My Motivation and a Warm Welcome
I chose to join ROM because I wanted to help a local community and learn from people with different backgrounds and life experiences. From the very beginning, the staff and the community welcomed me with open arms. Everyone was incredibly kind and dedicated. Their warmth made me feel like a valued part of the team right from the start, which motivated me every single day.
Eye-Opening Encounters
One of the best parts of my time in Kampala was meeting the local people and learning about their daily lives. Seeing their challenges firsthand was a humbling experience that changed how I see the world.
However, what impressed me the most was not the difficult conditions, but the incredible strength, resilience, and teamwork of the community. Even in tough times, the people showed great joy and supported each other. Working with such passionate people taught me important life lessons that you cannot find in any school book.
Personal and Academic Growth
My time at ROM helped me grow in two major ways:
- Personal Growth: I became more empathetic, flexible, and confident. Working with people from different backgrounds taught me how important it is to listen closely, understand others, and offer support without judgment.
- Academic Growth: This experience connected what I learned in school with real life. It showed me how community projects actually work on the ground and made me certain that I want to do work that helps people in the future.
A Guide for My Future
Most importantly, volunteering helped me see what I want to do next in my life. It made me think about my values and the kind of positive impact I want to make in the world.
I want to say a huge thank you to everyone at Reach Out Mbuya for their help, guidance, and friendship. The lessons I learned in Kampala will stay with me for a very long time.
My Recommendation
I highly recommend the ROM volunteer program to others. It is a fantastic chance to step out of your comfort zone, help people, and learn from amazing individuals.
Volunteering with ROM is not just about helping others—it is also a great journey of learning and discovering who you are.