Make a difference in Kenya with Love Volunteers!

Before I left, I held a talent show, cause I really want to see what they have inside. To my surprise, nearly each of them could sing and dance, some with comedy which I had never seen before.

There was a boy who danced a little bit “ different”, so many people began to laugh. But dancing had no boundary… thinking of that, I just saw him keep dancing, in the sea of laughing. Normal people would choose to laugh, not to mention children, but he didn't seem to step back, he just kept telling us "yes, I am dancing one dance."

So when he finished and gained many recognition, I gave him more presents. He was a brave boy!

Initially, given this years terrorist events in Kenya, I was hesitant to go to Mombasa to volunteer. I had considered changing the location to volunteer.

I'm very happy that the Love Volunteers staff convinced me to make it to Kenya. This experience has been life changing. The kids have amazing energy and are fun to be around. For as little as they have, their zest for life they carry is truly inspirational. Mombasa is located on the beach, sitting right on the Indian ocean. The weather is perfect year around. The kids and I went to the beach almost daily.

A night, I was able to venture off and join in on some of the beach and club parties that are common place.

A great mixture of volunteering and having a little fun for myself. Highly recommend this opportunity. The kids are so appreciate of the time I could spend with them. They need more volunteers to come. I have plan to go back and visit in July of next year.

I've spend one month in Nairobi, Kenya working as an English language teacher. The whole experience was fantastic and very eye-opening! The local partner staff was very nice and supportive. I could especially mention the team leader -- I haven't seen such an enthusiastic and energetic person before! My school wasn't far away from my placement so it was easy and safe to travel. Food was great, very simple and nutritious. African people are very friendly and easy going. I fell in love with Africa!

To tell the truth, I had some stereotypes about Africa before this trip. But it seemed exciting to go there because everything there is absolutely different from the places I have ever been. I have made a great decision to participate in volunteer program in Mombasa, Kenya.
At the beginning I had some worries about our accommodation, environment, children, schools, etc. i was afraid of being useless there because I am young and not experienced enough. Finally, these concerns turned out to be groundless.
The family became a second home there, they treated us the same way. At school I realized that it is so easy to be important for someone even due to your presence. Every rather small help can turn into great one. Indeed the ocean consists of billions drops, we can make an ocean with each drop. I am endlessly grateful for this opportunity to get such a life-time experience.

I spent 2 weeks volunteering at an orphanage in Nairobi which unfortunately I did not feel was not enough time to really make a big impact, but even still, it was very eye opening. I recommend spending longer if you can, but if you only have 2 weeks, go for it!

The program was well organized from the pickup from the airport to the ongoing support and phone calls from the staff and I felt surprisingly safe taking the public transportation on my own,

Kenya itself is such an interesting country. If you have never been to Africa, you can expect it to be overwhelming at first, but it is SO worth it. After only 2 weeks I left with a completely changed perspective on life and Africa in general and I cannot wait to come back and spend some more time helping out!

I spent 7 weeks in Kenya in 2012 and loved every second of it. I meet amazing people, both Kenyans and other volunteers from around the world and felt that the work we helped with was extremely worthwhile.

I spent most of my time with the host family about an hour our of Nairobi near the IDP camp. The 'mama' of this family looked after me like my Mum would and I was welcomed into her family completely.

I volunteered at the IDP school and spent my time working on a reading programme 1:1 with the kids and running small medical clinics for any children that had wounds etc that needed looking after. After school finished we spent time playing with children or visiting families who lived in the IDP camp - seeing how they live was an eye opening and life changing experience.

The pogramme set up is amazing, the country coordinator and the staff from Love Volunteers kept in touch the whole time I was there making sure everything was ok. I was able to help with some special feeding programmes in Kibera, Nairobi and around the IDP camp, a big free medical clinic at the IDP camp and also fit in a safari, trip to a Massai village and a few trips to the Massai markets for souvenirs.

My trip to Africa was something I had been wanting to do for a very long time and through Love Volunteers and the people in Kenya it was even better than I imagined it would be, I can't wait for another trip back to see my 'Kenyan family'.

Since my first visit, I have since returned to Kenya and the Love Volunteers program 2 more times. I believe my actions can be more powerful than words. I took the time, energy and money to return because the program is well run, and the work you do makes a difference. When I first arrived at the IDP camps (that is the program I chose) almost 3 years ago there was no hope whatsoever. Families were going hungry, kids were not at school, and these families had little hope. Visiting the camps today you will see a stark difference. Children are in school, crops are planted, families are employed, and there is a new sense of life. Without the organization and wonderful people involved, none of this would have been possible . I recommend this placement to anyone who is willing to bring ideas and make a difference.

The best experience ever, it really opens the eyes but also makes you aware that even as an individual you can contribute and make a difference. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. I was met at the airport by the Love Volunteers representative and stayed the first night with his family. After that I was in the volunteer house with several others and a wonderful house mum. I was given several options for work but for me caring for the very young children in the orphanage was best. This was an experience that will stay with me for life and will make sure I do it again. Love Volunteers were really good with their organisation and communications and I felt supported and safe all the time.