UCESCO Africa

Program Reviews

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Marja
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Exceeded my expectations

At 54, it was my first time volunteering and my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. With UCESCO, everything was well taken care of. I lived in a building with other volunteers, who were btw just amazing!!! Bonding among volunteers was facilitated by shared meals, prepared by a very special local lady, who also supported us in many other ways. This allowed me to focus 100% on the project (teaching in high school). Most UCESCO people I worked with, used to or still live in the slums,  so their involvement is selfless and truly comes from the heart. I have now witnessed first hand how a small NGO works and can highly recommend volunteering with UCESCO. Their work addresses a major problem in Africa, and seeing this work from the ground was an amazing experience.

Pros
  • Volunteer stay well organized
  • Safe
  • Friendly atmosphere
Cons
  • None
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TROND
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Incredibly humbling experience

I volunteered with UCESCO in January 2023 for 4 weeks. What a humbling experience it was. If I could write a full sized book about it I would.

I had Hands on, intense volunteering experience in Kibera doing mental health and trauma based service for adolescent girls. Honestly speaking it was an extreme culture shock that I had to go through but spending more and more time in Kibera with the girls made me realise how much there is to be grateful for.

The UCESCO program offers all sorts of different fields to help out; teaching, sports, psychology based, farming, etc. They have a very nice home stay location or can help you with other accommodation.

The actual organisation is a little bit unorganised with respect to structure, however with more hands on experience for the organisation it can only get better. Also it’s more in the volunteers hands to make use of their time there, however I believe that this is more of a positive than a negative as it really encourages you to take initiative and truly make your own personalised difference.

I will remember my time with UCESCO forever and it really was an experience that one can only feel once in a lifetime.

Pros
  • Lovely people
  • Good food
  • Good experience
Cons
  • If you don’t truly want to make a difference, you won’t
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Anthony
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excellent

Each member of UCESCO is a fundamental piece for the organization. Thanks to them, volunteers can feel comfortable and make proposals to contribute to the projects. The organic environment is about work. But also about friendship. The UCESCO family is creating long-term sustainable solutions. Through agreements with different schools, orphanages, and organizations. Without a doubt, volunteering with this organization It is a right decision if what you want is to create an impact on the society of this country

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Leonie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great and impactful experience!

I had a really wonderful experience with Ucecso Africa, their projects are amazing and very impactful. Every day was so adventurous and fun. The staff is so nice and takes great care of every single volunteer! I spent 4 weeks there and never felt unsafe. It was a really meaningful time in Kenya, in which I learned a lot about the country, the people and the culture. It is the best way to make an impact and learn about a new country at the same time. I would 100% do it again and will never forget the amazing experience I had with them! I can only recommend doing this project!

Pros
  • Great impact
  • Wonderful experience
  • Sharing the culture
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Remo
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

UCESCO is the best

My volunteer experience with UCESCO in Kenya was simply impressive. They definitely know what they are doing.
The projects are strategic and sustainable, with a clear focus on long-term impact. Collaborating with UCESCO was inspiring. Their dedication to education, health, and community support is incredible and truly makes a difference.
Kenya will always be a place of inspiration and positive change for me, big thanks to UCESCO.
I was excited about the opportunity to participate in this volunteer program. Reflecting back, joining the volunteer program was a rewarding decision. I will never forget the lessons and memories I gained from this opportunity.
I really miss you guys.

Pros
  • Clear impact
  • Inclusive and supportiv community
  • Structured programs
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Valentina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My personal experience in ucesco africa

It was without a doubt the best experience of my life. I had the chance to meet amazing people from every part of the world. I got the chance to work with the most sweet kids. I had the opportunity to travel, to learn about the culture. I always felt safe with the staff, they are amazing. It tought me so much about the world, it opened my eyes. I will never forgot this experience and it wouldn't have been the same without ucesco and without all the people involved. Love love love the ucesco staff, love love love the volunteer group I worked with, loved absolutely everything

Pros
  • Learn about the kenyan culture
  • Meet amazing people
  • Get the chance to help people that need it
Cons
  • It's a little bit hard to see that much poverty
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Mariana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Experience

This was my first time volunteering abroad and it was truly amazing! If you are looking for a hands-on volunteer with a local organization this is it. I did a two week volunteer but I wish it was longer. UCESCO is a local organization and therefore you will get to interact with the community on a daily basis and help directly with their needs. Everything is very transparent and everyone from the organization is always there to support you whenever you need it. They will make sure you feel safe and at home at all times. At the accommodation you will be given a spacious apartment, have the opportunity to hang out with all of the other volunteers. You will also get to meet wonderful people such as Mercy who takes care of all the volunteers at the accommodation. My only recommendation if you want to do this volunteer is to be open to work on whatever is needed. Sometimes you might sign up for a program but when you get to Nairobi the organization has some more urgent needs. Hence, if you want to contribute to the best of your abilities I would recommend being open to work on whatever project is ongoing. I would also recommend taking donations from back home (clothes you don't use, toys, books, notebooks, sports equipment, electronics, etc) because anything you can give them helps.

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JOAN
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Hello! I just wanted to share that the program I participated in was both educative and incredibly fun. I learned a lot while thoroughly enjoying myself. Highly recommended!

I must commend the program for being incredibly educative and enjoyable.
Beyond the educational and enjoyable aspects, I was deeply moved by how this program actively helped communities through its various initiatives and projects. It's heartwarming to see an organization that not only imparts knowledge but also makes a real, tangible difference in the lives of those it serves. The commitment to community development and the positive impact it has had are truly commendable.
I want to express my gratitude for the kindness and support I received from the entire team during the program. From the organizers to the instructors and fellow participants, everyone displayed a level of warmth and camaraderie that made the program feel like a close-knit community. Your encouragement, patience, and willingness to help made the entire experience even more enjoyable.

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Brian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteer experience

this great experience was nothing short of transformative. It enriched my life in countless ways, reminding me of the beauty of our world and the value of human connections. It reinforced the importance of pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to embark on this journey, and I carry its lessons and memories with me as I continue to navigate the path of life.my time with UCESCO Africa was a rewarding and enriching journey. The organization's ethos, holistic approach, and unwavering commitment to empowering communities have inspired me to continue advocating for positive change.

Pros
  • Very transparent
  • Good interactions with Ucesco family
  • Reliable
Cons
  • None
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john
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ngo Management

An essential program which has enabled me to explore the vulnerable communities more so the Slums where majority of people are underprivileged. UCESCO organization have been able to touched the lives of over 200,000 slum dwellers by offering free medical camps every year in different slums in Kenya where people cannot afford $1 per day. As a volunteer the organization has granted me a chance to disseminate my soft and hard skills to ensure the realization of UCESCO's mission. In line with SDGs, i have been abled to volunteer with UCESCO in Maralal, Samburu County a semi-arid part of the country to help solve SDG1 and SDG4 (No poverty and Quality education) respectively. By organizing workshops, trainings and community cleanups i have also added some skills which have enhanced my flexibility in volunteering world. All i can say is that volunteering with UCESCO organization has enabled me to view the world in different perspective.

Pros
  • UCESCO has enabled me to travel in different parts of the country
  • I have disseminated my knowledge and Skills towards the society's wellbeing
  • The program has enabled me to think critically when dealing with Vulnerable population
Cons
  • Limited Fund which act as a barrier to cater for the larger population
  • Adverse weather conditions which makes some places inaccessible
  • lack of proper framework to measure if the goal has been achieved