Program Reviews

Better Me Kenya and Korando Education centre become my family from the first day I volunteer with them!

I’ve been volunteering with them already 3 times and I promise I’ll go back million of times more!!

Very trusted organisation, amazing local community and fantastic vibes, what those guys and the volunteers are doing over there is such as an impressive, inspiring and important project for all the community!

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world"( Nelson Mandela)

I came here as a student and left as a student with a backpack full of experiences. I have made wonderful connections and was able to explore my field of interest and was able to shape the direction of my future. Other than the educational aspect of my internship, this was by far the most wonderful emotional rollercoaster I‘v ever been on so far. You won‘t experience a fairytale and neither will you get the princess treatment: you‘ll be one of the team and you‘ll get treated as an equal, even if you‘re skill set is yet not as evaluated as you wish. This is what I‘ve been able to strengthen: my skill set, my ability to bond, my cultural filter and sensitivity and a mind that is not shy to question and think. The kids make you reevaluate your point of view and your experiences will shape your personality. That‘s why I would choose BetterMe again. Be careful how you think certain topics through and evaluate your role as an intern or volunteer. Question your motives and be humble. You‘re the foreigner. Observe and dive in. BetterMe will guide you through this process.

As a psychology student, Better Me gave me the opportunity to explore different areas of psychology where I could develop my abilities and knowledge, as well as helping me define what I wanted to do professionally. I was able to work in school, hospital, fieldwork and criminal system sectors. On the other hand, I felt right at home since the first day thanks to the kind and welcoming community, staff and other interns and volunteers from all over the world. Days are filled with adventure, laughter and learning.

My time with Better Me in Kisumu was simply unforgettable. From the very first moment, I felt welcomed and part of a big family. The projects I was involved in not only allowed me to help but also completely broadened my perspective.
Particularly moving were the stress management workshops with the local fire department – seeing how open and grateful the people were left a deep impression on me. Another highlight was serving as a referee at the first football tournament of the volunteer-founded Nyalenda Youngstars FC club – the joy, the enthusiasm of the children, and the energy of the whole team were truly touching.

What really makes Better Me special is the genuine connection to the community: you don’t just participate superficially; you are part of projects that truly make a difference. Each day brought new challenges, new learning moments, and countless unforgettable encounters.

I am incredibly grateful for this experience – it shaped me personally, gave me friendships for life, and showed me how much joy it brings to positively impact others together. Better Me is more than a volunteer project – it’s a journey for the heart, mind, and soul.

My time in Kenya was truly unforgettable. Caro and I came to Kenya with curiosity and a desire to work with children, and we leave the country with hearts full of memories, inspiration, and gratitude. From teaching and organizing activities to laughing with the children during swimming lessons, every day brought new experiences and emotions. The warm welcome from the team, the energy of the children, and the meaningful conversations we had will remain with us forever.

There was always someone to talk to, and you never felt alone. I learned a lot about the culture and the people, but I also heard some sad stories about the children. It was wonderful that they still brought so much joy to our everyday lives.

I spent 6 weeks with Better Me in 2017 and it was a wonderful experience - to learn, grow and share. At this time the organization was just at the beginning. I helped at the school and in the community. The children and organization became like a second family for me. I also met a lot of nice people in the community. With some of them I still am in contact. I visited the project several times since. It is always very welcoming and heartwarming. I cant wait to bring my daughter to Korando one day.

I had a great experience staying with Better Me, it was an introduction to social work and the impact ngo's can have for local communities. There is a general positive energy. The experience also gave me a peek into Kenyan culture and customs, for example by adressing people with their last name, washing clothes, cooking with firewood... Faremost, the team members value volunteer safety while also allowing the freedom to explore the city by yourself. During both day and nighttime the team members make arrangements to enjoy the city of Kisumu while also keeping an eye for possible hazards to safety. This allowed me to make personal connections outside of the program for which i am forever grateful.

Travelling to Kenya with Better Me has truly been life-changing. I still remember stepping on the plane at 19, completely on my own, excited but also overwhelmed. Yet, from the very first moment, I never felt alone. At the airport and later at Korando, I was welcomed with such warmth by the team, the children, the volunteers, and basically by everyone I met. It instantly felt like I had arrived in a familiar place, even though I have never been here before.

During my first stay, I experienced more you could ever wish for as a volunteer: I was teaching in the Remand home, caring for babies at Mama Ngina, joining spontaneous hospital visits as a medical student, and spending time with the kids at Korando, whose kindness touched me deeply! Not to forget the countless activities in our freetime, such as Karaoke, sunrise hill walks, nature walks…. What stood out most was how Better Me makes everything personal. Nothing ever feels “too crazy” or “too much” – whatever your passion is, someone will stand beside you and make it possible, without judgment, only with encouragement.

Leaving after four weeks broke my heart. Back in Austria, not a single day passed without me thinking of Kenya. I never thought it was possible to miss a place – and the people in it – so intensely.

That’s why I returned in 2025 for six weeks, this time with three of my friends. Additionally, I had the chance to take a spontaneous trip to Tanzania – another adventure I wouldn’t have had without the people behind Better Me.

My friends and I did our medical internship at the Kisumu County Referral hospital, and once again Better Me took care of every detail. Even though this wasn’t part of the standard program, it was created just for us. That flexibility, that willingness to shape the experience around you, is what makes Better Me unlike anything else.

Saying goodbye again was just as hard.
Especially the children have carved a permanent place in my heart. I know I’ll return again and again, because Better Me isn’t just a program – it’s a home away from home. It’s a place where you are accepted for who you are. Where you are supported in becoming the best version of yourself.

For me, Better Me has been the best time of my life. It gifted me not only with unforgettable experiences and new friendships, but also with a second family. And that’s something I will carry with me forever.

To my second family: Asante sana!!!!

I still think about my stay in Kisumu with BetterMe. As a volunteer, you get treated so well by the whole team. I think our help definitely makes a difference; you can help with money, time, our talents, kindness, and teaching skills.

I do think the organisation has to work a bit on its social media. The posts are not always up to date, and I feel like some pictures are taken/chosen without permission.

But overall, the organisation is doing amazing! Everybody really cares and also wants the volunteers to have an amazing time. I love what the organisation does, and I hope it can accomplish even more in the future.

My experience with Better Me has been life changing. I have gone the past two summers and plan to continue returning because of how incredible it is. The people you meet here are so kind and supportive. The children are so beautiful and I am inspired by their courage. If you love working with children and traveling… THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO!!!! My favorite part of the whole experience is those little moments you have where you just feel so connected to the kids. Reading, swimming, and painting with them are just a few of the many ways that I developed such close bonds with the children here.