A More Personal Experience than I Expected!

I chose to volunteer through Flying Kites Oasis because I have a friend who works with the Program and because you choose from a variety of different children's programs within the Oasis network. I got to find a program that fit what I wanted to do, rather than being placed at a random location.

I was nervous on arriving in Kenya but from the start I felt welcome and safe with the Oasis staff. They made sure that the transition from their program to the volunteer site was easy and that I felt comfortable. Everything was taken care of - a cell phone, transport, hotel, breakfast. It made the first day so much easier.

My volunteer placement was very challenging. The home has so many projects and not enough funds, but I was happy to know that the money I paid for room and board was going to help with those projects. I grew to trust and respect the staff at the home, so I felt comfortable there.

The room where I stayed was a shared homestay. It was a bit weird at first just living in someone else's house, but once I got into a routine with volunteering and coming home in the evening I felt comfortable. I even went out to clubs in the city a few times with my roommates.

I don't have the personal money right now to be donating large amounts to the home I worked at, but I would highly recommend the Oasis Program to others who want to help at schools or children's homes.