A Sister assisting an elderly Sister seated in a wheelchair

A proposed volunteer support program

Serve those who have spent their lives serving others.

An early-stage idea for offering companionship, practical help, and mission support to elderly and retired Sisters in Nkokonjeru.

Learn about the vision How it could work →

Early development This concept would move forward only with the Sisters’ guidance and approval.

Purpose: At the heart of the project

A lifetime of service deserves a community of care.

For decades, the Little Sisters of St. Francis have served others through education, healthcare, social work, and community care.

As the NPR story notes, after a lifetime of service caring for others, many Sisters now face loneliness, solitude, and a lack of hands-on help with day-to-day activities. Volunteers would bring them daily connection, meaningful interaction, and practical support.

Read the story that inspired the idea ↗

An elderly Sister seated in a wheelchair

Small acts, offered with humility.

Activities would be reviewed in advance and chosen according to the Sisters’ needs, comfort, and daily rhythms.

Companionship

Conversation, reading, and spending time together
Music, prayer, crafts, and simple shared activities
Daily connection shaped by what each Sister welcomes

Practical Support

Helping with approved day-to-day activities
Organizing supplies and preparing activities
Light service projects based on current needs

Other Opportunities to Volunteer on Campus

St. Francis Hospital: visiting patients, assisting with meals, and helping with light administrative tasks
Elementary School: reading to children, assisting with classroom activities, and helping with after-school programs

One Sister helping another Sister drink tea

A guiding principle

“Come to listen. Come to learn. Come to serve gently.”

Draft language for the proposed program

Who we’re looking for

Compassionate people, called to serve.

We welcome compassionate individuals of all backgrounds—retirees, professionals, educators, caregivers, faith community members, and anyone called to serve. No prior medical experience is required, though skills in caregiving, teaching, music, crafts, or spiritual accompaniment are especially valuable.

A spirit of humility, flexibility, respect for religious life, and openness to Ugandan culture are essential. Volunteers should be in good health, adaptable to simple living conditions, and ready to embrace the rhythm of convent life.

Your volunteer experience

What to expect—and what is included.

Duration

One-week immersive stays, with longer commitments available by request.

Location

The convent campus in Nkokonjeru, where the Sisters operate a hospital and elementary school and where volunteer opportunities abound.

Accommodation and meals

Room and board are included. Volunteers stay in a small, modest LSOSF home on the convent campus that accommodates six to eight guests, with meals prepared in the on-site kitchen.

Support

Required pre-trip virtual orientation, an on-site host and caretaker, and ongoing partnership with program and LSOSF leadership.

Personalized service

Volunteer activities are guided by current needs and thoughtfully matched with each person’s interests and abilities.

Ugandan culture

Three LSOSF-directed outings with a local guide offer time to experience the beauty and culture of Uganda.

Airport transfers

Arrival and departure airport transportation are included.

An elderly Sister holding a portrait from her youth

Every Sister carries a story

Honor the years behind them. Support the days ahead.

The public site could eventually share approved stories about lives of teaching, healing, prayer, leadership, and service—with permission and dignity at every step.

Get involved

Ready to make a difference?

Come join us.

We would love to learn more about you. Tell us a little about yourself, what draws you to this community, and why you would like to offer your time, care, or experience in support of the Sisters.

Apply now Ask a question

Support from home

Not ready to travel to Uganda?

There are meaningful ways to help from wherever you are. We welcome conversations with individuals, churches, communities, and organizations that share this vision.

Start a conversation

Tell us how you or your community might like to help.

Inquiry form coming soon

Send encouragement

Share a letter of interest or encouragement with the program team or the Sisters.

Letter details coming soon

Give needed support

Donate supplies or funds toward needs identified by the Sisters.

Wish list coming soon

Build a partnership

Explore community partnerships, corporate matching, or sponsorship opportunities.

Partnership details coming soon

Volunteer application

Tell us about yourself.

Thank you for your interest in supporting the Little Sisters of St. Francis. Please share a little about your background, availability, and what draws you to this opportunity.

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01 Personal information

Full name *Date of birth *Nationality / citizenship *Street address *City *State / province / regionPostal codeCountry *Email address *Phone number *

02 Background and motivation

Relevant experience, skills, or background *For example: caregiving, teaching, spiritual support, healthcare, administration, fundraising, or maintenance.Why would you like to volunteer with the Sisters? *Please share what you hope to contribute and what you hope to learn.

03 Availability

Preferred start date or timeframe *Preferred length of stay *

04 Health and accessibilityIs there anything we should know to support your health, safety, mobility, or accessibility?This question is optional. Please share only what you are comfortable providing at this stage.

05 References

Please provide two people who may be contacted as references.

Reference one

Name *Relationship *Email or phone *

Reference two

Name *Relationship *Email or phone *

06 DeclarationI certify that the information provided is true and accurate. I understand that volunteering may involve travel to Uganda and a commitment to the program’s approved guidelines.

Type your full name as your signature *Date *

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