Since its inception, UCD Volunteers Overseas (UCDVO) has been committed to nurturing active global citizens by providing transformative education and responsible volunteer programmes. Open to the entire UCD community, including students, alumni, and faculty, UCDVO offers a platform for members to engage in impactful international projects. With applications now open until 18 November, UCDVO is inviting the UCD community to participate in its 2025 volunteer programmes, which promise to build on the organisation’s 20-year legacy of change and community support.
In 2024, 51 UCD participants ventured to Uganda, Tanzania, and Cambodia, collaborating with UCDVO’s partner organisations to contribute to essential health, education, and livelihood programmes. The projects made significant impacts, including physiotherapy assessments for 160 children with disabilities and their families in Uganda and Tanzania, over 800 hours of informal English language teaching in Cambodia, and community workshops on sustainability and plastic upcycling in Uganda.
Reflecting on these experiences, it is evident that UCDVO continues to uphold its commitment to responsible volunteering, ensuring that the impact goes beyond short-term assistance. UCDVO’s work is meaningful for the communities it serves and the volunteers who take part. The programme fosters a deeper understanding of global challenges, intercultural collaboration, and the importance of sustainable, community-led initiatives.
Looking ahead to 2025, UCDVO is set to expand its activities, offering new opportunities for those eager to make a difference. The upcoming volunteer projects include a sustainability initiative in Uganda, community health and paediatric disability programmes in Uganda and Tanzania, informal education projects in Tanzania and Cambodia, and a pilot Sports in Development project in Uganda. These projects build on UCDVO’s commitment to responsible and sustainable volunteering, empowering communities and volunteers alike to create lasting, positive change.
One of the standout experiences from UCDVO’s 2024 programme is that of Phoebe Horgan, an international student from Australia completing her Master of Architecture at UCD. Phoebe participated in a pilot volunteer project with UCDVO’s partner EcoBrixs, an innovative Ugandan NGO transforming plastic waste into eco-lumber. Founded in 2017, EcoBrixs is now one of the most extensive recycling facilities outside Kampala, Uganda’s capital, and is a UK-registered charity. The organisation’s core mission is to support environmental and social goals, offering an accessible pathway out of poverty for individuals through recycling.
EcoBrix’s model is simple yet highly effective. Residents, including youth, women, and people with disabilities, are paid for every kilogram of plastic waste they collect and recycle. The plastic is then processed into eco-friendly products such as lumber, pavers, and fence posts, which are sold to generate revenue, making the entire operation self-sustaining. EcoBrixs has created over 3,000 income opportunities for Ugandans through its work, making a significant difference in the environment and local communities.
For Phoebe, the experience was life-changing. She gained hands-on skills in carpentry, teamwork, and intercultural collaboration, profoundly influencing her approach to architecture. “The most valuable lesson I learned was the power of community-driven design,” she reflects. “EcoBrixs is a testament to what can be achieved when design is guided by the needs and aspirations of the people it serves. As I continue my studies and move into professional practice, I want to remain committed to designing with purpose.”
Phoebe’s experience is a testament to the transformative power of UCDVO’s volunteer programmes. Her time in Uganda was not without challenges—adapting to a new environment, working with unfamiliar tools, and facing tight deadlines all tested her resilience and adaptability. However, these challenges were also what made the experience so rewarding. Phoebe offers advice for anyone considering volunteering with UCDVO: “Just take the leap. The experience will not only challenge you but will leave you with skills and perspectives that extend far beyond the classroom.”
The growth of organisations like EcoBrixs highlights the importance of sustainable, community-driven development. UCDVO’s commitment to responsible volunteering ensures that the projects its volunteers take part in are beneficial to the communities and sustainable in the long term. By empowering individuals through education, health initiatives, and environmental projects, UCDVO is helping to create a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond the initial volunteer efforts.
As UCDVO continues to expand its programmes, it remains dedicated to inspiring active global citizens who understand the importance of sustainable, community-led development. The organisation’s 2025 volunteer opportunities provide an exciting chance for UCD students, staff, and alumni to contribute to meaningful change while gaining invaluable life experiences. Whether it’s teaching in Cambodia, working on sustainability projects in Uganda, or supporting health initiatives in Tanzania, the UCDVO volunteer programme offers participants a unique opportunity to make a real impact on both a local and global scale.
Get Involved
Applications for the 2025 programme are open online until 18 November. Now is the perfect time to get involved and be part of a global movement working towards a better, more sustainable future.
For more information, visit www.ucdvo.org or email info.ucdvo@ucd.ie.
By Jack Donlon
