Programme details

Build brighter futures while building your own! Play Action International offers university students the chance to construct life-changing playgrounds in disadvantaged communities, like those in Uganda, Kenya or Tanzania. By volunteering, you’ll directly create spaces where children can play, learn, and thrive. Develop hands-on project management, teamwork, and leadership skills, all while immersing yourself in a new culture. This experience doesn’t just boost your CV; it expands your perspective, confidence, and global outlook. 

The programme will include:

• building a playground at a local primary school, supported by a build team
• implementing play based education with onsite Playworkers through sports, arts, crafts, games and challenges
• working and living alongside a local community
• language and cooking classes
• exploring Uganda, Kenya or Tanzania in your weekend free time
• in Tanzania, you can climb Mouth Kilimanjaro!
• developing employability skills through not only a global outlook, but the fundraising element prior to departure
• meeting like-minded people
• making an impactful contribution to a UK registered charity, and an international NGO
• Get first hand experience in the international development, education and charity sector

Dates

4 weeks between June and August 2025

Location

Kenya, Uganda or Tanzania

Eligibility

The University of Bristol has limited Turing funding for students on the Play Action International programme.

To apply for Turing funding, you must be a current undergraduate student at the University of Bristol and not in your final year. 

If you are not eligible for, or do not receive an offer of, Turing funding, you may still apply directly to join a Play Action International programme.

Language requirements

There are no language requirements for this programme.

Academic requirements 

You do not need to meet any academic requirements to take part in this programme.

Costs

The total cost to pay to Play Action International is £2,045. This is made up of: £250 registration fee (reduced to £195 if you attend an information session) + £1,850 fundraising target. 

70% of your target goes towards Project Play and the playground building materials. 19% of your target goes towards other charitable activities, including those in refugee settlements and hospitals. 11% is your in-country volunteer cost, which includes the following:

• • accommodation and 4 daily meals on your project
  • local transfers in Uganda, Kenya or Tanzania
  • 5 – 10 fundraising workshops throughout the year
  • Access to fundraising resources including card machines, buckets, collection tins, raffle prizes & bucket collection permits
  • pre-departure support
  • Safeguarding and volunteering certification
  • Ethical & cultural training
  • 24/7 emergency support

You will need to organise and pay for all other costs, including:

• • return flights to Uganda, Kenya or Tanzania
  • visa
  • vaccinations
  • personal spending
  • personal clothing and equipment
  • optional extra activities (and if necessary, insurance)

Funding

Turing funding 

There are limited places on this programme that will be supported by Turing funding. 
There are two rates available:

Standard rate (formerly Turing rate A)

Cost of living grant: £476 for a 28-day programme.

• Eligibility: All undergraduate students not in their final year.

Enhanced rate (formerly Turing rate B) 

• Cost of living grant: £588 for a 28-day programme.
• Travel grant: £745 (evidenced by receipts).
• Readiness to travel costs: reimbursed at actual cost (evidenced by receipts). 

Eligibility: please see Enhanced Rate criteria for details.

Information session

5-6pm Thursday 26th January (online, via Zoom). Register here.

Play Action International will also have a stand on the LG floor of Senate House on 21st January 11-2pm, please drop by!

How to apply

You must apply for a place with Play Action International directly through their website. You can apply for Turing funding via the button from 28th November. You do not need to have a place confirmed with Play Action International in order to apply, but priority will be given to those who have registered their interest with them (e.g. have registered to attend an information session). 

Applications for Turing funding will close at 11.59pm on 26th January 2025.

Applications closed 26th January 2025.