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Better Me

4.85 Rating
41 reviews
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Why choose Better Me?

Better Me is a non-profit transforming children’s lives in Kenya by providing education, training and life-skills to co-create a better world.

We are on a mission to provide community-inspired, volunteer-powered long-lasting positive change that unleashes the potential of Kenya’s children to thrive and realize their dreams.

Founded
2015

Community Photos

Spending time in Nyalenda
Kids at nursery
Thank you message
Sunset in Kenya
play time is fun for everyone…😊
Hike to the hill
The elders with their new outfit.
On the fields from the farm with Jane
Tough men!
Say hi!
Cleanup day
Out on a hike
Running a group
Reading together
Artclass
Helping Hands in the Kitchen

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Impact 🌎

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Better Me. Our programs are community-owned and Kenyan-led, built to flourish whether volunteers are present or not. This means projects don’t pause when a volunteer leaves—they continue to grow, guided by local expertise and long-term vision.
Every contribution—time, skills, or funds—feeds directly into lasting systems of education, empowerment, and opportunity. Rather than creating dependency, we strengthen schools, families, and community initiatives so that they remain resilient and self-sufficient for years to come.
We invest in local leadership and capacity building, ensuring that knowledge, skills, and decision-making stay where they belong: in the community. By combining personal transformation with responsible development, Better Me creates impact that endures—an approach where growth today becomes strength for tomorrow.
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At Better Me we believe that true change begins within and grows outward. As a registered nonprofit rooted in Kisumu, Kenya, our work is led by local hearts and minds and shaped by the community we serve. Every volunteer experience and every euro of support flows directly into schools, families, and grassroots initiatives that make a lasting difference.
Our approach is built on respect and authenticity. We reject quick fixes, orphanage tourism, and staged photo opportunities. Instead, we cultivate real relationships and projects that continue to thrive whether volunteers are present or not. This ensures that the impact remains sustainable and never dependent on outside help.
Since 2015, people from more than thirty countries have joined us and discovered that volunteering can be both deeply personal and profoundly communal. They come to share skills and curiosity, and leave transformed—more connected, more aware, and more empowered to shape a better world.
Better Me isn’t about “fixing” Kenya. It’s about walking alongside the people who call it home, learning from their wisdom, and growing together. Through this exchange of hearts, cultures, and ideas, we create change that is ethical, enduring, and alive with possibility.
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Reviews

Jerry
37
Male
Germany
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Volunteer with Children in Kenya | Non-Profit

Grateful and Transformed

Sep 30, 2025

Volunteering with Better Me in Kenya was truly life-changing. I had the privilege of meeting incredible children, experiencing the local culture, food, and way of life, and discovering how much impact can be created with very little. The wonderful staff at Better Me don’t only open doors to volunteering. They open hearts and perspectives! I left Kenya not only grateful, but transformed, carrying lessons of resilience, joy, and community that will stay with me forever. It was journey that reshaped my outlook on giving and what truly matters in life.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The most unfamiliar thing I ate was ugali with omena. Ugali is this thick maize dough that you roll with your fingers and use to scoop up the food. Eating with my hands felt unusual at first, but it made the meal such an authentic and memorable experience.
Pros
  • Direct impact with the kids!
  • Deep cultural immersion.
  • Personal growth and gratitude.
Cons
  • Emotionally heavy at times.
  • Adapting to local conditions (food, lifestyle, infrastructure) can be uncomfortable at first.
  • Sometimes you wish you could do more, but you’re constrained by time, materials or program scope.
Spending time in Nyalenda
Anja
47
Female
Germany
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Volunteer with Children in Kenya | Non-Profit

Impact and memories for life

Sep 28, 2025

Working with children and youth in the local community was incredibly rewarding. Through Better Me, I had the chance to support meaningful educational and social projects, assist local organizations, and be part of something that genuinely helps people on the ground. The team was welcoming, the work felt impactful, and the connections I made were unforgettable. I can wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone who wants to make a real difference and grow personally along the way. Go for it!!

Sabina
39
Female
Germany
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Volunteer with Children in Kenya | Non-Profit

Great volunteering experience in Kenya

Sep 28, 2025

I really loved my time at Korando. Everyone was so welcoming and the kids are amazing there. I would always return and make an impact there. It is a very inspiring place. It is a great volunteering project. Even though I did not go there again and it's been years now, Korando is still in my heart and I keep supporting this unique place full of love and laughter. I encourage everyone to go there and experience this life-changing place. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to come here.

What was your funniest moment?
Making the kids laugh despite their hard life. We sang and danced together and they even learned some German language words. We even had a great time cleaning the class room:-).
Pros
  • Great team
  • Great country
  • Great kids
Cons
  • Nothing
Thank you message
Kids at nursery
Tanya
39
Female
Bulgaria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Volunteer with Children in Kenya | Non-Profit

Great Organisation and a Truly Supportive and Inspiring Community

Sep 26, 2025

I am very happy to have taken part in the BetterMe program. From the beginning, I felt well cared for and supported at every step. The organization frequently asked for feedback and truly uses every opportunity to improve itself. What impressed me most is the strong sense of community—both locally and internationally—where people genuinely take care of one another. BetterMe also works with many local partners to support vulnerable children and young people, which makes the experience even more meaningful. I met wonderful people, always felt supported, and can wholeheartedly recommend this program 100%.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Baobab seeds coated with pink sugar (mabuyu)
Pros
  • Met a lot of wonderful people
  • Travelled across Kenya for 10 days
  • Connected with kids and learned a lot from them
Cons
  • Honestly…no cons
Sunset in Kenya
Fabian
30
Male
Switzerland
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Volunteer with Children in Kenya | Non-Profit

BetterMe

Sep 17, 2025

I spent one month with BetterMe. The team and the kids were amazing and the experience is unique. Molly’s cooking was delicious. As you have a lot of time for yourself, you will also get a taste of Kenya, especially on the weekends. The trips are organised from the Team, so you have no effort.

Only thing to consider is the amount of spare time, it may be too much for some. Some days, there was nothing to do for the volunteers, so we had to look for something to do. As I am a teacher, I expected a little more to do.

What was your funniest moment?
Driving a Piki with two friends and broken brakes
Pros
  • Teamwork
  • Experience
  • Organisation
Cons
  • Spare time
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Programs

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Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Ruth Obilo

Program
Volunteer with Children in Kenya | Non-Profit
Job Title
Deputy Volunteer Coordinator
Ruth Obilo is a passionate community development enthusiast and Deputy Volunteer Coordinator at Better Me Kenya Network, dedicated to empowering youth and adolescent girls through community-driven projects, mentorship, and strategic collaborations. With a background in Community Resource Management, she is also passionate about driving change and fostering inclusive growth at the grassroots level and the world at large.
Ruth and two volunteers together smiling big for a photo

Staff Spotlight: Ruth

What is your favorite travel memory?

My favorite travel memory has been accompanying volunteers on cultural experiences across Kenya. I love the look of wonder on their faces as they discover local foods, traditions, and ways of life. Travel is therapeutic for me, and being part of these journeys makes every trip a learning moment. What stands out most is not just the destinations but the conversations and laughter shared along the way. These moments remind me that when people open themselves to new experiences, they grow. For me, every travel memory connects back to our motto, “A better world starts with a Better Me,” because personal reflection and transformation often begin the moment we step into a new environment.
 

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Since joining Better Me in 2022, I have experienced remarkable growth in many areas of my life. Working as a deputy Volunteer Coordinator has given me the chance to interact with people from different cultures, and through this I have learnt tolerance, patience, and open-mindedness. I have developed stronger communication and leadership skills, especially in listening to others and appreciating their unique perspectives. Before this role, I often hesitated to contribute new ideas, but Better Me has created a space where creativity is encouraged and valued. This environment has made me bolder and more confident in sharing my thoughts and taking initiative. Another area of growth has been adaptability. Learning that every person and situation is different and requires flexibility. Above all, I have come to embrace our guiding motto, “A better world starts with a Better Me.” I now understand that by working on myself whether through confidence, empathy, or new skills I am better equipped to contribute meaningfully to my team and community. My growth is not just personal; it ripples outward to those I work with every day.
 

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

One of the most inspiring stories I’ve heard came from a volunteer who once struggled deeply with self-confidence. When she first arrived at Better Me, she could hardly speak in front of a group. She doubted her ability to lead or even to be heard. But over time, with encouragement and opportunities, she started gaining courage. She practiced, tried again, and slowly grew into someone who could stand before children and volunteers to deliver meaningful sessions. When she later returned, she shared how the experience had transformed her completely. Today she speaks at events, leads presentations, and inspires others through her journey. Her story reminded me that real change begins within.
 

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

If I could go on any program that Better Me offers, I would choose the youth mentorship program. I find mentorship to be one of the most powerful tools for change, especially when working with young people. There is something magical about guiding youth to discover who they are, what they are capable of, and how they can grow into the best versions of themselves. Mentorship provides a safe space where children and young people can ask questions, share dreams, make mistakes, and still feel supported. For me, this aligns perfectly with my personal passion for working with youth and children. Watching a young person gain confidence, discover their talents, or realize their potential is one of the most fulfilling experiences. When young people learn to better themselves, they not only improve their own lives but also become role models and agents of change in their communities. Joining this program would be an opportunity to pour into others while also growing myself. Mentorship is transformation at its most practical and heartfelt level, and that’s why I would choose it.
 

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

What makes Better Me unique is the freedom it gives everyone; staff, volunteers, and any youth to express creativity and contribute fresh ideas. We are not just an organization but a community that values collaboration. I was especially proud of our team during the 10th anniversary celebration earlier this year. Looking back on the networks we built, the lives we impacted, and the global connections we created, I felt humbled to be part of such a dedicated team. The celebration was proof that our motto, “A better world starts with a Better Me,” is alive in the stories of transformation we witness every day.
 

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

The biggest factor in being a successful company is empowering individuals to grow on a personal level. A company is only as strong as the people who make it up, and unless each person is supported, encouraged, and motivated to improve, the larger mission cannot succeed. Success also depends on fostering an environment of trust and innovation where people feel safe to contribute new ideas and know they are valued. For Better Me, success is not just about numbers or achievements but about stories of transformation. When I see someone who once struggled step up and thrive because of the opportunities we create, I know that we are on the right path. Better Me is a home away from home for any individual from any part of the world, and that sense of belonging is what ensures long-term success.