International Internship and Volunteer Program
1. Program Background
The Association of Persons with Disability Living with HIV (ADPHA) Uganda works to promote the rights, health, dignity, and socio-economic wellbeing of persons with disabilities living with HIV (PWDs-LHIV) and those affected by TB. ADPHA Uganda applies community-led and rights-based approaches to address stigma, exclusion, poverty, and limited access to services.
To strengthen learning, solidarity, and community impact, ADPHA Uganda hosts international students and volunteers at its Masaka Office for short-term placements of one to two months, open throughout the year.
2. Program Purpose
The Internship and Volunteer Program aims to provide international participants with practical field-based learning while contributing to community-identified livelihood improvements for persons with disabilities living with HIV and households affected by TB.
3. Program Objectives
3.1 Overall Objective
To strengthen community-led livelihood initiatives and inclusive programming for persons with disabilities living with HIV and those affected by TB through structured international internship and volunteer engagement.
3.2 Specific Objectives
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To expose interns and volunteers to the realities of disability, HIV, and TB within community settings in Uganda.
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To enhance understanding and application of community-led and disability-inclusive approaches.
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To support PWDs-LHIV and TB-affected households to design and implement practical livelihood improvement projects.
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To promote mutual learning, skills sharing, and global solidarity.
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To strengthen ADPHA Uganda’s program delivery and documentation.
4. Program Duration and Intake
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Duration: 1–2 months per intern or volunteer
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Intake: Rolling (open throughout the year)
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Duty Station: ADPHA Uganda – Masaka Office and surrounding communities
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Working Schedule: 4–5 days per week (field-based and office-based)
5. Target Participants
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International undergraduate and postgraduate students
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Recent graduates
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International volunteers with interest or background in:
a) Public health and global health
b) Disability and inclusion
c) HIV and TB programming
d) Community development and livelihoods
e) Social work and international development
6. Program Components
6.1 Orientation and Induction
At the start of the placement, interns and volunteers will receive orientation covering:
a) ADPHA Uganda’s mission, vision, and programs
b) Disability, HIV, and TB context in Uganda
c) Community-led development approaches
d) Safeguarding, ethics, and confidentiality
e) Cultural sensitivity and community entry protocols
6.2 Field Engagement and Learning
Interns and volunteers will:
a) Participate in field visits to communities and households
b) Engage directly with groups of persons with disabilities living with HIV
c) Support community meetings, dialogues, and group activities
d) Learn about stigma, access to services, livelihoods, and inclusion
e) Observe and support ongoing HIV, TB, and disability-focused interventions
6.3 Community-Led Project Development and Implementation
Each intern or volunteer (individually or in small teams) will:
a) Work closely with community groups or selected households
b) Engage communities, other stakeholders, and ADPHA members in participatory project identification
c) Co-develop a small livelihood or social improvement project based on community priorities
d) Support implementation using local resources and community leadership
e) Document lessons learned and outcomes
Examples of projects may include:
a) Small income-generating activities
b) Skills development and vocational initiatives
c) Savings and financial literacy support
d) Nutrition and household resilience activities
e) Disability inclusion and stigma reduction initiatives
7. Supervision and Management Structure
7.1 Supervision Framework
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Direct Supervisor: Membership Focal Person – ADPHA Uganda
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Reporting Line: Membership Focal Person reports to the Head of Programs – ADPHA Uganda
7.2 Roles and Responsibilities
Membership Focal Person
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Provide day-to-day supervision and mentorship
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Assign communities and field activities
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Support development and approval of intern/volunteer work plans
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Monitor performance, conduct, and safeguarding compliance
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Compile progress updates for the Head of Programs
Head of Programs
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Provide overall program oversight and quality assurance
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Review reports and outcomes
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Address strategic, operational, or safeguarding issues
Interns and Volunteers
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Follow ADPHA Uganda policies and code of conduct
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Respect dignity, confidentiality, and community leadership
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Participate actively in field and learning activities
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Submit weekly reflections and a final report
8. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
1) Individual learning and activity plans developed at placement start
2) Weekly supervisory check-ins
End-of-placement report including:
1) Activities undertaken
2) Community project outcomes
3) Learning on disability, HIV, TB, and community-led approaches
4) Recommendations for ADPHA Uganda
5) Community feedback will be encouraged to inform learning and improvement.
9. Safeguarding, Ethics, and Inclusion
a) Mandatory safeguarding and code of conduct agreement
b) Informed consent for all community and household engagements
c) Strict confidentiality regarding HIV, TB, and disability-related information
d) Zero tolerance for discrimination, exploitation, or abuse
e) Strong commitment to dignity, inclusion, and respect
10. Logistics and Support
10.1 Support Provided by ADPHA Uganda
a) Program orientation and supervision
b) Placement with community groups and households
c) Technical guidance and local coordination
d) Support letters for visa or institutional requirements
10.2 Responsibilities of Interns and Volunteers
a) International and local travel costs
b) Accommodation and meals
c) Health insurance and medical expenses
d) Personal living expenses
11. Application and Selection Process
1) Submission of:
a) Curriculum Vitae (CV)
b) Motivation letter
c) Preferred dates and duration
2) Review by Membership Focal Person and Head of Programs
3) Virtual interview (if required)
4) Placement confirmation and onboarding
12. Expected Outcomes
1) Improved livelihoods and resilience of PWDs-LHIV and TB-affected households
2) Increased knowledge and practical experience among international interns and volunteers
3) Strengthened community-led and disability-inclusive programming
4) Enhanced documentation, learning, and visibility of ADPHA Uganda’s work
13. Sustainability and Partnerships
The program promotes:
a) Long-term collaboration with international institutions
b) Skills transfer and mutual learning
c) Scalable, community-owned livelihood initiatives
d) Strengthened global advocacy for disability-inclusive HIV and TB responses
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