2026 Volunteers Trip
We are very excited to announce the details of our 6th volunteers trip to Guinea.
Last year we had a fantastic trip with projects on Girls Health, Education, Dental Hygiene and Basketball. However the biggest event of the 2025 trip was the grand opening of the URBOND school which we spent years building. The school was opened by Drame the URBOND CEO and the British Ambassador to Guinea Daniel Shepherd, with many local dignitaries and villagers from Koutaya in attendance
This year we are building on last years success and tackling our most ambitious set of projects to further develop the school in Koutaya. From powering the school with solar panels to building the Library and Technology Centre.
This years projects
Lighting up the School
A key project for 2026, and one that will change everything. The school currently has no access to mains electricity, the nearest supply is far beyond reach, and has long depended on an ageing diesel generator that is unreliable, costly, and simply not up to the demands placed on it.
This year, we are going to change that. Our volunteers will be working to install a solar powered solution that delivers free, clean, and dependable electricity to the school, not just during the school day, but beyond it. With a reliable power supply in place, the school can open its doors to the wider community in the evenings and weekends, functioning as a true community centre and unlocking possibilities that simply weren’t there before. Light, power, and everything that comes with it.
This year, we are going to change that. Our volunteers will be working to install a solar powered solution that delivers free, clean, and dependable electricity to the school, not just during the school day, but beyond it. With a reliable power supply in place, the school can open its doors to the wider community in the evenings and weekends, functioning as a true community centre and unlocking possibilities that simply weren’t there before. Light, power, and everything that comes with it.
Building the Library
When the school was first built, a library was included in the plans, a room full of possibility set aside for reading and English classes. For now, it remains an empty space waiting to come to life. In 2026, we’re going to change that.
Our volunteers will be putting up shelving and filling the room with books, transforming it into the welcoming, resource-rich library it was always meant to be. We have already collected an incredible 4,000 French books for the children, and the shelves are ready to ship.
Now we need your help. We are actively looking for donations of English books suitable for Years 1 to 4, so that every child who walks through that library door finds a story waiting for them.
Our volunteers will be putting up shelving and filling the room with books, transforming it into the welcoming, resource-rich library it was always meant to be. We have already collected an incredible 4,000 French books for the children, and the shelves are ready to ship.
Now we need your help. We are actively looking for donations of English books suitable for Years 1 to 4, so that every child who walks through that library door finds a story waiting for them.
Equipping the IT Centre
Alongside the library, the school has a dedicated IT centre, and in 2026, we’re bringing it to life too. We already have laptops, chairs, and desks in place, giving us a solid foundation to build on. But to give every child a seat at the screen, we need more.
We are actively looking for donations of laptops and tablets in good working condition, so that no child has to wait their turn while others learn.
In a world where digital skills open so many doors, access to technology isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. Help us make sure every child at this school has it.
We are actively looking for donations of laptops and tablets in good working condition, so that no child has to wait their turn while others learn.
In a world where digital skills open so many doors, access to technology isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. Help us make sure every child at this school has it.
Girls Education
Keeping girls in school is one of the most powerful things we can do for a community, and this project sits at the heart of that belief.
We will be continuing our work supporting young girls through education in menstrual health and FGM, giving them the knowledge, language, and confidence to understand their own bodies and their rights. These workshops, taking place in Koutaya and Dubreka, address the real barriers that so often interrupt a girl’s education. Because when a girl stays in school, everything changes. For her, her family, and her community.
We will be continuing our work supporting young girls through education in menstrual health and FGM, giving them the knowledge, language, and confidence to understand their own bodies and their rights. These workshops, taking place in Koutaya and Dubreka, address the real barriers that so often interrupt a girl’s education. Because when a girl stays in school, everything changes. For her, her family, and her community.
Basketball Camps
Since our 2024 trip, basketball has become something truly special within the communities we serve. We’ve run teach the coach sessions, hosted exhibition matches, and recently had our court in Dubreka fully resurfaced.
In June 2026, we proudly launched the URBOND Basketball Academy, bringing structured coaching and events to players of all ages on a brand new surface. The energy has been extraordinary.
On the 2026 volunteers trip, we’re taking it further. In partnership with the Guinean Basketball Federation, we have an ambitious programme of basketball camps and events planned in Dubreka, a celebration of how far this project has come and a bold statement of where it’s going. From a court to a community, from a game to a movement.
In June 2026, we proudly launched the URBOND Basketball Academy, bringing structured coaching and events to players of all ages on a brand new surface. The energy has been extraordinary.
On the 2026 volunteers trip, we’re taking it further. In partnership with the Guinean Basketball Federation, we have an ambitious programme of basketball camps and events planned in Dubreka, a celebration of how far this project has come and a bold statement of where it’s going. From a court to a community, from a game to a movement.
Training Centres
Opportunity changes everything. This year, we’re proud to have formed a partnership with NCC Education, a globally recognised awarding body for British qualifications, to bring certified training directly to the communities we serve.
Through workshops and seminars, URBOND Training Centres equip both young people and adults in the community with the skills and credentials they need to open doors to better opportunities. It’s about investing in people, giving everyone regardless of age the chance to learn, grow, and build a brighter future.
Through workshops and seminars, URBOND Training Centres equip both young people and adults in the community with the skills and credentials they need to open doors to better opportunities. It’s about investing in people, giving everyone regardless of age the chance to learn, grow, and build a brighter future.
English & IT Classes
Language opens doors. During our trip, volunteers will spend time in the classroom, not just supporting local teachers to develop their English programme, but sitting alongside students as learners too. Working hand in hand with the teaching staff, we’ll be sharing ideas, resources, and approaches that help strengthen the English curriculum in a way that lasts long after we’ve packed our bags and headed home.
But this is never a one-way street. Our volunteers will also take their seats as students, learning alongside the children and experiencing the warmth and rhythm of the classroom from the inside. It’s a genuine exchange of knowledge, laughter, and humanity, and one of the most connecting experiences the trip has to offer.
But this is never a one-way street. Our volunteers will also take their seats as students, learning alongside the children and experiencing the warmth and rhythm of the classroom from the inside. It’s a genuine exchange of knowledge, laughter, and humanity, and one of the most connecting experiences the trip has to offer.
Activity Classes
Every child deserves the chance to run, play, and simply be a kid. During our trip, volunteers will introduce outdoor activity sessions for the children, bringing a range of physical and creative challenges to the school day, much like the PE classes many of us grew up with back home. Designed to support both mental and physical wellbeing, these sessions give children a space to move, laugh, and express themselves freely outside of the classroom.
Because when children feel good in their bodies, they show up differently everywhere else too. These sessions are about more than exercise. They’re about joy, confidence, and giving every single child a moment to shine.
Because when children feel good in their bodies, they show up differently everywhere else too. These sessions are about more than exercise. They’re about joy, confidence, and giving every single child a moment to shine.
School Lunches
A child who is hungry cannot learn. During our 2025 trip, construction was already underway on a dedicated kitchen and dining area for the school, a space that will make one of the most fundamental differences to the children’s day. Many of these children arrive at school without a meal and won’t eat again until they return home.
On the 2026 trip, our volunteers will be working to ensure the kitchen is fully up and running, with a consistent and reliable supply of food so that every child receives a proper meal during the school day. It sounds simple, because in many ways it is, but the impact on concentration, energy, and physical wellbeing is profound. Feed a child, and you give them the foundation for everything else we’re trying to build.
On the 2026 trip, our volunteers will be working to ensure the kitchen is fully up and running, with a consistent and reliable supply of food so that every child receives a proper meal during the school day. It sounds simple, because in many ways it is, but the impact on concentration, energy, and physical wellbeing is profound. Feed a child, and you give them the foundation for everything else we’re trying to build.
Meet the team
None of the above projects would happen without the dedicated hard work from our volunteers who give up their time and money to make it happen.
We have now confirmed our team for the 2026 trip with the following Volunteers.
Ousmane Drame
6th Trip
6th Trip
Our 'Chef du Mission' and the man whos vision and passion has got us to where we are today. With the same passion and drive the team will go on to achieve even more.
Very partial to the local coffee and chicken wings!.
Very partial to the local coffee and chicken wings!.
Kingsley Digby
6th Trip
6th Trip
A Guinea Volunteers Trip wouldn't be the same without "The King".
There from the very start, totally committed to cause and a bit of a local celebrity.!
There from the very start, totally committed to cause and a bit of a local celebrity.!
Alec Chapman
5th Trip
5th Trip
Alec too is no stranger to Guinea with multiple trips completed.
As well as documenting the trip on through images and videography, Alec will be setting up media training sessions in our new studio.
As well as documenting the trip on through images and videography, Alec will be setting up media training sessions in our new studio.
Rob Milner
3rd Trip
3rd Trip
3 years ago "Captain Bob" was the driving force
behind establishing a basketball programme in the School in Dubreka. This year we have a full programme for the newly established URBOND basketball academy.
If he is invited he likes chicken wings as well!
If he is invited he likes chicken wings as well!
Dreen Chestnutt
2nd Trip
2nd Trip
After coming on the 2025 trip Dreen so inspired by the work of URBOND she wanted to come back and make her mark.
Dreen will be running the Library and Kids Education projects. She will also be impressing the locals with her work rate!
Dreen will be running the Library and Kids Education projects. She will also be impressing the locals with her work rate!
Andrew Chestnutt
2nd Trip
2nd Trip
After convincing Dreen to come on the 2025 trip Andrew was similarly inspired. On the 2026 trip Andrew has been running the Solar Power Project which will be transformative for the school.
Another shutterbug... he will probably take a few photos as well!
Another shutterbug... he will probably take a few photos as well!
Dave Owen
1st Trip
1st Trip
When we came up with the idea of powering the school we needed a solar power expert and we were delighted when Dave answered the call.
As well as running the solar installation Dave will be teaching the team of local electricians how to install and maintain the system.
As well as running the solar installation Dave will be teaching the team of local electricians how to install and maintain the system.
Ruby Plato
1st Trip
This may be Ruby's first Volunteer trip, but Ruby has been working for URBOND for 5 years and is passionate about supporting the childrens education in Guinea.
Ruby will be in charge of providing online updates of our work throughout the trip and increasing awareness both in Guinea and the UK
Get involved
Everything we do in Guinea is made possible by the generosity of people who believe, as we do, that small acts of support can change lives. Whether you have five minutes or five hundred pounds to spare, there is a place for you in what we're building.
MAKE A DONATION
All donations are gratefully received and the following are just some examples of how your donation would be spent. Click on the image to make a donation and change a life.
Menstruation Kit
£10
For only £10 you can buy a reusable Menstruation kit which along with an education and awareness session will ensure that a young girl will not miss any classes.
Back to School
£25
For £25 you can prepare a child for the years education ahead covering school uniform and all materials required to help them make the most of school.
Feeding Hungry Kids
£50
Most of the kids come to school with no lunch. We have built a kitchen and canteen and for only £50 (for a week) you can ensure that the childern don't go hungry.
Donate Equipment
Many of our projects depend on equipment that is donated by supporters like you. We are currently collecting the following items and would love to hear from you if you can help.
If you have any of the items on our list and would like to donate them, please get in touch and we will arrange collection or delivery.
English reading books from reception to year 3
Chairs and desks for the library and the IT room
Childrens shoes up to aged 10
Laptops and computers for the IT room
Play equipment, balls, hoops, beanbags for playtime lessons
To support our vital work with children's education in Guinea please call us on +44(0)2392293765, Email us on childeducation@urbond.org or simply make a donation
Make a commitment
There are so many ways to get involved with URBOND beyond donating. From fundraising and volunteering to spreading the word in your school, workplace, or community, every bit of support helps us go further. Below are just some of the ways you can support our charity on the 2026 trip and beyond.
Sponsor a Child
At URBOND, we have significant experience connecting sponsors and families in underprivileged communities. We build relationships between donors and those their kind-hearted funds supports, so you can see the true impact of your donation.
Fundraising Events
Want to make a difference? Support URBOND with your fundraising or event – click here for support and inspiration!
Become a Volunteer
Come and join the URBOND family through our rewarding volunteers programme. Find out more here!
Corporate Partnership
See the benefits of working alongside URBOND as a corporate partner and see your business make a world of difference.
Grant Givers and Funding Partners
Get in touch with URBOND today to support and fund our incredibly vital work overseas.
The 2026 trip sponsors
The 2026 trip would simply not be possible without the incredible support of our sponsors. These are not just businesses that write a cheque. They are organisations that believe in what URBOND stands for and give their time, expertise, and resources to make our work a reality. We are deeply grateful to each of them.
GRP Solutions have been with URBOND from a number of years, and their support has been nothing short of transformational. From playing a central role in the initial build of the school to providing the water pump that serves the whole community, their commitment to this project goes far beyond sponsorship. They are part of the URBOND story, and we are proud to call them long-standing friends and partners.
Getting equipment from the UK to Guinea is no small undertaking, and for the 2026 trip, Portico Logistics are taking on that challenge. From library shelves and laptops to sports equipment and beyond, Portico are managing the entire shipment process, making sure everything we need arrives safely and on time. Their expertise and generosity are absolutely essential to bringing these projects to life.
The solar power project is the most ambitious undertaking of the 2026 trip, and Owens Electrical Solutions are the team making it happen. From initial design through to installation, the owner Dave Owen is driving the entire solar solution, bringing his professional expertise to a community that has never had reliable electricity. Daves involvement will transform what could have been a dream into a reality.
Rather than just sending out a team to install the solar equipment we will be using local resources and trining them so they can maintain the equipment and have the potential to take on other similar projects locally. As part of this Circuit Supply have generously donated a set of tools for each local electrician.
Follow our Journey
The best way to experience the 2026 trip is to follow along as it happens. Our volunteers will be sharing updates, photos, and stories from the ground every day, giving you a real and unfiltered view of life on the trip and the impact your support is making. Follow us on our social channels and come with us, every step of the way.
Whether you've donated, given equipment, or simply cheered us on from home, this is your chance to see exactly where your support goes and the smiles it creates. We'd love to have you with us for every moment of it.