Program Reviews

My experience with UCESCO Africa was deeply impactful and humbling. Through the program, I worked with local schools in Kibera—an area facing extreme poverty but filled with warmth, resilience, and joy—where I served as a computer teacher for high school students, many of whom had never used a computer before. Despite having only two working computers for 200 students, we were able, through fundraising, to provide additional computers, a printer, internet access, food for the school, and chargeable lightbulbs for families without reliable electricity. Beyond the classroom, local residents welcomed me into their community and homes, sharing their stories and daily realities, and their gratitude was overwhelming and moving. The week showed me how even small acts of support can make a meaningful difference, while also underscoring how much more is needed to help these students build better futures through education.

UCESCO was a previously unknown organization to me, which I did research before booking the trip. I have volunteered before, but this was my first trip to Kenya. It completely exceeded my expectations. I felt welcome from the first moment I stepped out of the airport. The staff does their work with love and passion. It shows. They have many projects in the area and you can get to know them flexibly and choose a project that suits you best together with the staff. I was given the opportunity to be involved in many projects and enjoyed every moment. Their style of operation also created a sense of security, which contributed to ease of doing things. The accommodation was in a nice area and the arrangements worked. I was impressed by their work for the community and as a volunteer I became a part of it. Experiences that last a lifetime. I definitely recommend choosing Ucesco!

Thank you for what you do with love, compassion and understanding that made a great impression on me.
Jukka Kilpijärvi

Volunteering with UCESCO Africa was an unforgettable experience. We volunteered for a week with my partner and my mum and the only thing we could say is we wish we had stayed longer!

From the moment we arrived, we felt truly welcomed, supported, and inspired by the amazing work this organisation is doing in the local communities.

We were hosted with such warm and friendly hospitality by Kingsley and his beautiful family. Nothing was too much to ask.

We spent most our time supporting schools in Kibera. We helped in classrooms and spent time with the children. The kids’ energy and kindness was inspiring.

The UCESCO team is passionate, dedicated, and deeply connected to the people and community they help. We’re so grateful for the chance to contribute in meaningful ways, connect with incredible individuals, and experience the warmth of Kenyan culture. Thank you again!

If you're looking for an authentic volunteer experience where your time and heart make a real impact we recommend UCESCO Africa.

It wasn’t just volunteering, it was a beautiful, transformative experience 😊

I volunteered here in the summer and found the experience amazing. You are so well looked after and feel safe at all times. The contact with the other volunteers also makes the whole experience better and makes you feel even more at home, knowing you have people around looking out for you. The people there are so welcoming and friendly, making the whole experience feel that more surreal. I was only 16 at the time of going but regardless of my age I felt safe and really looked after. I was also really able to do some hands-on work, which was exactly what I was looking for in a program. I will 100% be doing something like this again in the future.

Thanks to Ucesco for their work in Kenya and Uganda. I went to Nairobi to help on the school and the staff of Ucesco they were very helpful and kind. The kids on the school they were so funny and educated. The guesthouse have all the accommodations that someone would need and also the host, Caren she was so kind and her food was delicious. Brenda organize excursions on the weekends and she help me a lot organizing a safari and also that helps Ucesco so win win. I would love to go with Ucesco in my next volunteering program in Uganda.

I am thrilled to be part of UCESCO -Africa family where I have learnt alot from the experience, activities involved and the love for mankind. I have been looking for a place where I can involve myself in helping people from vulnerable communities where I finally landed here and I'm looking forward to spreading love, care and humanity to people. As a volunteer I'm happy to be in UCESCO -Africa team. Thank you.
Meeting different people of African communities and overseas is such a pleasure and waiting to enjoy the opportunities coming after.

During my time as a volunteer in Kenya, I got to help out with different projects that aimed to make things better for people there. I worked with teams on stuff like education, healthcare, and taking care of the environment. It was cool to be part of such important work and to meet lots of different people. Sometimes things were tough, like not having enough resources or dealing with problems, but I learned to keep going and find solutions. Being involved in local projects showed me how working together can really make a difference. And besides all that, my time in Kenya was super fun and taught me a lot about the world and myself. Facing challenges like resource limitations I developed resilience and creative problem-solving abilities. Through grassroots involvement, I witnessed firsthand the impact of collective action and the power of community-driven solutions. My time in Kenya enriched my perspective, fostering lifelong connections and inspiring a continued commitment to service and global citizenship. I really recommend this project.

During my time in Kenya, I gained extensive experience that encompassed both work and cultural immersion. I worked on a development project, collaborating with local communities to promote sustainable agricultural practices. Through this work, I gained a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within Kenya's development sector. I also had the opportunity to immerse myself in Kenya's rich culture and history through interactions with local people and by exploring the diverse communities and traditions of the country. Participating in traditional ceremonies and festivals helped broaden my horizons and deepen my understanding of Kenya's cultural diversity. During my time in Kenya, I also developed valuable interpersonal skills by working in a multicultural team and effectively communicating with people from diverse backgrounds. It was really strong experience to work in Kibera and see how people live there. The staff was really nice and the fact that I was able to also go to a different project on the country side made the whole adventure more wonderful. I really recommend this project!

I was so nervous going in because I was travelling alone but I had the best time ever. I made a bunch of friends, learned from the amazing community and culture, and boosted my resume for college. I would definitely recommend going for at least 10 days and bringing a friend or significant other, but if you decide to go alone you will still have a good experience. Elizabeth and Edna will ensure that you have an amazing trip, all while keeping you safe and happy. The people at UCESCO are truly incredible at their jobs.

I went to Kenya for 3 weeks in June 2023. I taught/ helped out in primary schools in the slums. It was such a valuable experience. The staff are amazing. So helpful and really care about everyone (the community and the volunteers). The accommodation they give you are nice and clean. Breakfast and dinner are made for you. To get to the slums you can take an Uber. If you ride share with other volunteers it will be even cheaper but it’s cheap anyway. It’s a really valuable experience. I met so many amazing people and would love the chance to go again. 10/10 recommend.