Kenya Volunteer Programs from $23/day | Most Affordable & Trusted

Thanks to the help from an amazing organization like IVHQ I can say that I have learned more about myself in one month than I have in the past 21 years. I can't say that I won't take the luxuries I have at home for granted anymore but I have a new appreciation for ALL that I have. I wish I could take these children home with me but they will always inhabit a special home in my heart. I thank them for showing me how to be happy with less than the minimum, sharing their contagious laughs and allowing me to love them. ASANTE SANA IVHQ !

To anyone who is sitting at home or in their office reading this review and saying to themselves - "I really wish I could volunteer in Africa" - well, it is only a few clicks away, and IVHQ is the organization to make it happen. From the moment I registered with IVHQ they were brilliant to deal with, and the ease in which I completed the whole process really made me ask myself why I hadn't signed up to volunteer earlier.

Once I had arrived in Kenya, NVS, which is IVHQ's local partner organization, were equally great to deal with. Joe, James, Chomlee, and John were all lovely, genuine guys, and although they sometimes did run on "Kenyan time", I will forever be indebted to them for placing me at Blessed Hope Primary School.

Blessed Hope is located in Kibera slum, and the school is currently operating out of a leased church hall. The school is owned and operated by two of the most selfless and generous women I have ever encountered - Director Elsa and Teacher Garret. Their passion and commitment to the students at Blessed Hope was infectious, and I had never felt more motivated to help. I signed up for the Sports Education program with IVHQ, so I would take various classes to the show-grounds (dirt field) for about an hour each day to play soccer. To ensure I maximized my time while at Blessed Hope, I also taught Maths to the Standard 2 and 3 classes. As much fun as I had playing soccer with the children, I found the teaching aspect to be a lot more rewarding as I could constantly see and document the progress being made.

After school had finished on most days, I would sit down with Director Elsa to review our 'urgent project list' for Blessed Hope. With the help of the NVS team, it was hugely satisfying to be able to complete all of the projects on that list while I was in Kenya. My focus has now shifted to raising enough money to purchase land in Kibera for Blessed Hope to establish a permanent base. (I will add the link to our fundraising page at the end of my review for anyone who is interested in checking it out)

As my placement was located in Kibera, I spent the duration of my time in Kenya staying at the main volunteer house with Miriam and Sarah as my hosts. Again, I can't say enough positive things about my experience here. Miriam and Sarah were both extremely caring and considerate, and they were always available to help volunteers in whatever way was needed. Sure, we endured some difficulties at the house from time to time with water and electricity, but isn't that the kind of experience you're prepared for when going to Africa?? I never once felt like my safety was in danger while at the house or at any other time during my placement, and I will really miss walking through the slum everyday. It is a very grounding experience.

I'll wrap this up by telling a story from my Standard 3 Maths class - as I was setting homework during my first week at Blessed Hope, one of my students asked me if I could give a prize to the student who scores the highest. I said to him that I'd collate the weekly homework results and then give a prize to whoever had the best overall performance. I asked him what he wanted the prize to be - Lollies? Snacks? Things a typical 9 year old child might want. He replied, "a pencil".

These children want to learn, and they want to have a chance to succeed in life. They are rarely without a smile on their faces, and in the short time that I spent in Kenya, I can honestly say that they changed my perspective on life. I would recommend the Kenya program to anyone who is considering it.

Sincerely,
Michael

www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/blessedhope

Volunteering in Kenya was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I had the opportunity to teach English in a Maasai community and the two weeks that I spent there were absolutely amazing. The family made me feel at home since the very first day that I arrived. I learned about their culture and traditions, their language, their food and many other things. I was very lucky because in my placement I had the opportunity to begin my day teaching English to children at Olmaroroi school, and to end it by teaching adults at Ewangan (a night-school program started by former volunteers). Both, kids and adults were eager to learn. It was just the perfect combination!
The IVHQ staff were very helpful since I started planning my trip and the local staff were always making sure that we were comfortable and happy. I had the chance to travel around a bit with some other volunteers which made the experience even more complete.
Overall, it was a wonderful experience that I will never forget. The only thing I regret is not having stayed for a longer period...

The local staff were great from the get go. I had no problems with my airport pickup.
Orientation was thorough and I met the entire team with a warm welcome.
Because of the conflict that has happened in the past and media portrayal in Nairobi Kenya, there was less and less volunteers compared to other African Countries Ive been to. But after being there and working in the Nairobi for 2 weeks I felt completely safe and would highly recommend Kenya for volunteering. The locals do really appreciate our help and there are some dire living standards right amongst the rich and classy that need attention in terms of livingstandards, medical aid and most importantly, education.
My placement was right in the biggest slum in Africa, Kibera and it was at New Beginnings Special needs school. I enjoyed every minute of it and felt I was doing my part in making the student smile and bringing a different vibe and learning experience for the students.

Wow! What a rewarding experience my volunteer work has been. I opted to volunteer in Kenya as a teacher and was placed at a primary school in a struggling Nairobi neighbourhood.

Everyone - from the local NVS staff, to the principal and teachers at the school to the adorable kids - touched my heart and soul to the core. In the process of teaching others, I came out rich with life lessons and memories that to this day puts a huge smile on my face. It has opened up my heart!

My suggestion to anyone considering to volunteer is DO IT. But come prepared. Do your research beforehand, take time to complete the IVHQ modules and read the brochure. You will by the end of it have a realistic idea of what to expect and how to go about your volunteer work the best way possible.

My volunteer work in Kenya truly triggered a passion in me. Even upon my return back home, I started a fundraising campaign to raise funds to set-up a scholarship program for my beautiful and bright students in Kenya. And with that, I have promised them to return and set everything up on the spot. And I can't wait, to see their wide smiles and joyful spirits again!

To check out my fundraising, here is the link: https://www.youcaring.com/students-at-bright-star-primary-s…

This was the best company for me. It was affordable, showed me greatly how my experience would be, the local staff is amazing (and the host mums!) and the help there was needed. Kenya is an amazing place to do your volunteering, the smiles and appreciation given from teachers, children, students and locals are overwhelming, and you feel you're time there was appreciated. The local staff will go out of their way to make it the best time for you as well!

I had an amazing experience volunteering with IVHQ. I am already looking into the next trip I'll take with them. From the second we got out of the airport to when we went back to come home the staff made me feel welcome and safe. They were excited to share their culture with us. I have learned so much! When we got settled in they told us all about the things we could do at night and on the weekends. It was really easy to sign up for safari and take visits to fun places like a giraffe centre and an elephant orphanage. I loved seeing all the animals... It's an experience I'll never forget! Also, the teachers at the school I was volunteering at were so nice and helpful. But the best part of the trip had to be the children I had the honor of working with. They were so keen to learn and to play games! Overall, this was an incredible experience and I recommended to everyone to volunteer with IVHQ! :)

The countries of Africa are very often perceived as politically unstable and unsafe for young woman travelers.The security that IVHQ offered me (and my family) during my trip was invaluable. My parents had the reassurance of a NZ contact if they could not contact me and we knew what to expect in terms of being collected at the airport and being placed in a relevant role within a reputable organisation.

The Fadhili and Marafiki community welcomed us with open arms and kicked off our orientation with a song. My friend and I were placed in the orphanage program and enjoyed every minute of it. We helped out with cooking, homework, entertainment of the children and cleaning of the house (african-mumma style!). We even had the chance to teach at the local school.

Through the partner organisation we even went on safari at a seriously discounted 'volunteer' price.

We had a private room and bathroom and had lots of opportunity for sightseeing during the day when the children where at school.