Program Reviews

My time at Better Me was an incredible learning experience, both professionally and in personal terms.

On a professional level, the team was very open and supportive in taking into consideration my learning goals and assigned me tasks targeting my interests, which eventually shaped my present career in the humanitarian sector as a project coordinator. On a personal level, living in a stimulating environment, in a wonderfully welcoming community, and with an incredibly fun team, makes it still today, the best period in my life!! I would suggest this experience to someone who is flexible, wants to explore social work in the field, or is interested in how an NGO works. The strength of Better Me is that they have plenty of local partners who are always happy to have extra help; therefore, it's possible to work on a single project or multiple projects, depending on personal preferences and goals. Kenya and the city of Kisumu is also great places for a first experience abroad, the city is really safe, is not a huge overwhelming metropolis like Nairobi, but still offers fun, and any service one might need. However, one can still have a strong connection with the local community through activities on the field or simply by hanging out with the team. Lastly, I would suggest this experience to someone who is proactive. The magic in this organisation happens thanks to the synergy between the team and the volunteers, meaning that one has to be fully engaged and motivated to work hard and contribute to the projects, so don't expect people tell you all the time what to do. On the contrary, the more you engage yourself in the projects, the more you will take from the whole experience.

Hey my name is Ben im 22 and from Munich in Germany,

I had one of my coolest and most interesting times in Kenia with BetterMe. I learned so much and really started to trust myself again ... this trip gave me the courage to dive into things without hesitation. It was grounding to see communities working together, and I loved exploring, stepping into different people’s surroundings, and playing football with BetterMe, Coach Billy and the boys from Kisian and Korando. The BetterMe team was super great ... every one of them has their own superpower. Also all of them are meaningful people that are willing to support you and also to help and guide you through everything. I’d recommend anyone who wants to see another part of the world and help out to volunteer with BetterMe. Big greetings from Munich, Germany.

I arrived to Korando when the project was in the beginning, and once i set foot in that place i got abducted by the energy of the people and the place. I still remember how the children arrived in the early morning to the school and the sense of community they have helping each others and greeting to me with a big smile, i feel like i could stay every morning there, just seeing that scene for the rest of my life and would be enough to be happy. Thanks Korando for one of the best weeks of my life

Being part of this family is such a unique experience that words are not enough to express the impact that volunteering with them has had on my life.

Better Me program is designed to give you a full immersion, is flexible, and guided by local people with a lot of experience. I value how hard and honestly they work to improve the lives of so many children and families.

To stay in the beautiful dome home, to eat authentic Kenyan food cooked by the Kenyan mamas, to share time with the children and other volunteers, to feel the love and the care that erase all boundaries and differences, is something that you should experience by yourself. Don't miss the opportunity to join this wonderful team.

I have stayed two times with Better Me: once for 10 weeks (in total 2 weeks longer than planned) and again for 6 weeks (for dedicated purpose). Both times it was a great time.

Better Me as an organisation is well connected with the communities, does have a measurable impact on communities and schools and is very supportive and caring to all the volunteers as well as its staff, supporters and communities. The volunteer home is super inviting. Better Me also supports Mama Dolfine, an outstanding lady taking care of many children by giving them a safe place and providing them the ability to go to school. These children were always part of my days and they have now a special place in my heart. ❤️ There's not much more that one could need.

Thanks to Better Me's excellent network I got involved many different projects and local schools such as the St. Williams school and Kudho Secondary school. Also the Kisumu children's remand home is of a high importance to us to either teach English or discuss life skills.

At all times Better Me is willing to grow and to improve and also this is visible. Better me is very open to new ideas and ways to teach. Specifically with the Kudho School which is one of the few schools to offer German classes. I had the opportunity to build a special bond with a class of ten highly talented young women and its teacher. Those I have supported primarily during my second stay. In fact have promised this during my first stay, to come back to help them with their preparation for their national exam at the end of the school year. As a native German speaker it was a great honour and pleasure to assist. This is an unforgettable part of my life, not at last since we have build a special friendly relationship with each other.

The opportunities to contribute are plenty, the hospitality is extraordinary, the Better Me team and all the staff can only be described as amazing and caring people. It was a real pleasure to stay with them and to work with them. And I am looking forward to meet all of them again. Not at last, because of some organised weekend trips such as to the Maasai Mara National Reserve Park and Uganda. Just to see something more of that beautiful country. Thanks a lot Better Me! Tunaonana tena! ;-)

A truely unforgettable experience - I spent 6 weeks with BetterMe and it was amazing! The team are lovely and supportive and I created lasting friendships with the other volunteers. The programme itself includes a variety of activities so each day looks different with swimming, teaching English or life skill lessons at local institutions, teaching art classes as well going to deliver talks at local high schools - my highlight was teaching a musical theatre dance class! The dome home where you stay is clean and the food is nice too. The social side outside of programme was great too with many occasions to go out and experience culture by trying new foods and going out for a drink as well as being able to book additional trips such as a safari and a weekend trip to Takawiri. I really can’t recommend it enough as a 19 year old female from England on a gap year!

Better Me Kenya does incredible work at Korando Educational Center in Kisumu, Kenya. I have been volunteering there for 10 years and I can say with absolute certainty that thanks to them the lives of so many children change every day. Thanks to them many children have the possibility of being able to study, something that would otherwise be unattainable. They also help with food, teachers' salaries, medical coverage, uniforms and many other things. Thanks to them the operation of this center is much easier on a daily basis. In short, it is an NGO that you have to go to if you want to try the experience of volunteering and you are thinking about going to this area and do work related to education. It is a wonderful team, with professionals who are very close, friendly and open and willing to help and facilitate things. Also, the whole Korando family is amazing: the incredible Mama Dolfine (who is the person who started the project and is in charge of the school and orphanage), the teachers, the students and all the people who live there. If you go there, you will never regret going

Spending one year as the volunteer coordinator at Korando in Kenya has been one of the most valuable and memorable experiences of my life.

As the coordinator on site, I had the privilege of living alongside the volunteers and working closely with the children, teachers, and local staff. One of the most rewarding aspects was the time spent with the children outside of class, whether it was playing, helping with homework, or simply being there for them. The joy and energy they brought into every moment was unforgettable. I also formed deep friendships with fellow volunteers and people in Kisumu, the nearby city, which made my experience even richer.

The program itself is a beautiful balance of cultural exchange, community support, and personal development. Volunteers not only make a tangible impact by funding essentials like new school uniforms and supplies but also bring fresh energy, ideas, and talents to the children.

A program like this also comes with its challenges. High turnover of short-term volunteers means children often have to adjust to new faces. Sometimes volunteers are not fully prepared for local conditions and the emotional challenge of leaving after building strong bonds is real.

Looking back, I wouldn’t have missed this opportunity for anything. It was not just a year of service but also of friendship, discovery, and growth.

I was part of the program for a few months and to this day, I can confidently say that I’m still touched by how far this Organisation has come. I’m very greatful to have found an Organisation that deeply cares about its children (and it’s social workers as well as volunteers). The aim, to really help and support children and children really does come through with this. I felt very safe, very much guided and connected with all the people there and I hope that many other people can experience that too.

Spending six weeks at Better Me in Kisumu was truly one of the most inspiring and rewarding experiences of my life. At first, I had a lot of respect and even a bit of nervousness about working with the children, but they turned out to be absolutely amazing. The community life at the Dome was incredible: all volunteers living together under one roof, with the perfect balance of connection and freedom. If I wanted to spend time with the kids, help out, or join activities, I could. And if I needed some space for myself, that was just as possible.

I was even able to continue my online work in the evenings and occasionally at a local coworking space without any issues. Everything felt safe and welcoming, from jogging alone to going to the gym or exploring the market. Highlights included football training sessions in the slum, unforgettable evenings at karaoke, and simply sharing daily life with the children and other volunteers.

The atmosphere, the people, the food, and the overall spirit of the project were amazing. It was eye-opening, heart-expanding, and something I can recommend to anyone considering volunteering. If you’re still in doubt, just do it. It’s an experience you’ll carry with you forever.