Volunteer with Children in Kenya | Non-Profit

Volunteer with Children in Kenya | Non-Profit

4.85 · 41 reviews
Location
  • Kenya
    • Kisumu
Length
1 to 42 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Age Min.
15
Age Max
55
Timeframe
Year Round
Housing
Guesthouse
Groups
Small Group (1-15)
Travel Type
Budget Solo Women

Pricing

$290
Price Details
Volunteer fees vary depending on length of stay. We are a non-profit. All proceeds are used to support our Education Fund.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Equipment Meals SIM cards Transportation Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
Apr 07, 2026
Sep 30, 2025
4 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Volunteer with children in Kenya, teaching English, Creative Arts, Music, Swimming, Life Skills, or Sports.

In Kisumu, many children face limited access to quality education. Poverty and a lack of resources hinder potential. Better Me, a registered non-profit, supports local programs, like the Korando Educational Center, Kisumu Children Remand Home and Nyalenda Youngstars football club in the slums to change their story.

As a Better Me volunteer, you’ll directly impact these communities. You'll teach English to children, lead Creative Arts, Music, Swimming, Life Skills, and Physical Education activities. Your efforts will nurture abilities and confidence that last a lifetime.

You’ll work with different age groups while collaborating with local educators in Kisumu to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Our programs prioritize community engagement and local support.

Join the Better Me family and make a real difference in Kenya.

A Better World starts with a Better Me.

Program Highlights

  • We’re local: Our team lives and works in Kisumu. It’s their home and this work is close to their heart. Every volunteer fee and donation directly supports local people, schools, and community projects.
  • We’re ethical: No orphanage tourism. No staged photo ops. Just real, human connection and community-driven development.
  • We’re experienced: Since 2015, we’ve welcomed volunteers from 34 countries and built long-lasting partnerships with schools, organizations, government departments and local leaders.
  • We’re sustainable: Our programs continue with or without volunteers, ensuring lasting impact that’s rooted in the community, not in dependency.
  • We’re transformational: Our approach combines personal growth with real-world impact, because we believe a better world starts with a Better Me.

Consider your impact: Volunteering abroad can be a rewarding experience for both volunteers and local communities, and at Go Overseas, we believe all volunteers should have the resources to make informed decisions about the type of volunteer project they want to partake in. However, despite best intentions, some organizations offering placements in orphanages may unknowingly place children in danger. You can read about the potential dangers of orphanage volunteering here. Learn more about how Better Me is promoting ethical volunteering.

Video and Photos

Impact 🌎

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Better Me. Our programs are community-owned and Kenyan-led, built to flourish whether volunteers are present or not. This means projects don’t pause when a volunteer leaves—they continue to grow, guided by local expertise and long-term vision.
Every contribution—time, skills, or funds—feeds directly into lasting systems of education, empowerment, and opportunity. Rather than creating dependency, we strengthen schools, families, and community initiatives so that they remain resilient and self-sufficient for years to come.
We invest in local leadership and capacity building, ensuring that knowledge, skills, and decision-making stay where they belong: in the community. By combining personal transformation with responsible development, Better Me creates impact that endures—an approach where growth today becomes strength for tomorrow.
At Better Me we believe that true change begins within and grows outward. As a registered nonprofit rooted in Kisumu, Kenya, our work is led by local hearts and minds and shaped by the community we serve. Every volunteer experience and every euro of support flows directly into schools, families, and grassroots initiatives that make a lasting difference.
Our approach is built on respect and authenticity. We reject quick fixes, orphanage tourism, and staged photo opportunities. Instead, we cultivate real relationships and projects that continue to thrive whether volunteers are present or not. This ensures that the impact remains sustainable and never dependent on outside help.
Since 2015, people from more than thirty countries have joined us and discovered that volunteering can be both deeply personal and profoundly communal. They come to share skills and curiosity, and leave transformed—more connected, more aware, and more empowered to shape a better world.
Better Me isn’t about “fixing” Kenya. It’s about walking alongside the people who call it home, learning from their wisdom, and growing together. Through this exchange of hearts, cultures, and ideas, we create change that is ethical, enduring, and alive with possibility.

Program Impact

At Better Me, we believe that true change starts within—and grows outward into the community. By volunteering with us, you’ll help children and youth in Kisumu gain confidence, creativity, and essential life skills that open doors to a brighter future.

Our programs are designed to last: they continue with or without volunteers, ensuring sustainable impact rooted in the community. Every moment you spend—whether teaching English, leading arts and sports, or simply offering encouragement—contributes to long-term growth, both for the children and for yourself.

Together, we’re not just creating opportunities for today—we’re shaping a ripple effect of positive change that reaches far into the future.

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Program Reviews

4.85 Rating
based on 41 reviews
  • 5 rating 85.37%
  • 4 rating 14.63%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.8
  • Support 4.75
  • Fun 4.85
  • Value 4.65
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 17 - 24 of 41 reviews
Zehra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best adventure at Better Me

Volunteering with Better Me in Kenya has been nothing short of a fantastic adventure one that has touched my heart and broadened my horizons in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Working with the children was the highlight of my journey. Their energy, laughter, and curiosity were truly inspiring, and every day I felt that I was learning just as much from them as they were from me.

Beyond the meaningful work with the kids, this experience was also a deep dive into Kenyan culture. From sharing meals and learning local traditions to exploring the vibrant community, I gained a new appreciation for the warmth, resilience, and generosity of the people. Each interaction felt genuine and welcoming, and I was constantly reminded of the power of human connection across cultures.

The program itself was very well organized, with the Better Me team offering guidance, encouragement, and opportunities for growth. I always felt supported, while also having the freedom to bring my own ideas and creativity to the projects.

Looking back, my time in Kenya was not just volunteer work it was a transformative journey. I return home with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a deeper understanding of both the world and myself. Hope to come back again for sure! Thank you team Better Me

39 people found this review helpful.
Tiago
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My experience with Better Me

I loved working with Better Me, even though I only worked there for 2 Weeks! I can only recommend helping them with the education and the integration of children in Kisumu, it is a very fun but demanding experience, which makes it more rewarding. I hope someday I can return after I am done with university :)

I would really love to know how some kids have evolved in the Program!

My only problem would be the price since you are paying for voluntary work, but I would say the great experience you will make up for most of it!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
After working some weeks take some days off to do a safari it was one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever had
27 people found this review helpful.
Annabel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The first time was so nice, I had to do it twice

My experience with Better Me is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

I was nervous going alone the first time, but once I arrived, it became apparent that I had nothing to worry about. The warm reception from the staff and the children truly set the tone for the best adventure of my life.

Of course, working with the children each day was the highlight of the experience, but being able to enjoy other activities that Better Me offers—like exploring the local area—made the trip unforgettable.

The programme provides volunteers the freedom to be creative when preparing life skills lessons for the children. Volunteering at the local remand home was a standout part of my experience with Better Me.

My time in Kenya really allowed me to detach from my worries back home and fully embrace the busy yet peaceful way of life at Korando, surrounded by beautiful people.

I would encourage everyone considering the Better Me programme to take the opportunity with both hands. I hope I can return home to Korando someday soon!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would stay for longer !!!
Pros
  • The people
  • Karaoke Nights
  • Improving self confidence
Cons
  • The noisy dog next door
  • Losing Luggage
36 people found this review helpful.
Eduardo
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experiencia en construcción Nairobi

Ha sido una experiencia impactante en Nairobi. Durante el primer día se explicó el problema y te dieron la opción de elegir en qué quieres ayudar. Obviamente depende de las capacidades económicas de cada uno, pero aunque sea poco, ya es algo comparado con no ayudar nada.

En mi caso participé en los proyectos de construcción que tenían programados con la asociación, pudimos construir algunas mesas, armarios y aportar alguna solución a la organización de algunas habitaciones.

Ánimo a todos aquellos que quieran tener una experiencia nueva en su vida. ¡No se arrepentirán!

In English:
It was a powerful experience in Nairobi. On the first day, the problem was explained, and you were given the option to choose how you wanted to help. Obviously, it depends on each person's financial means, but even if it's a small amount, it's still something compared to not helping at all.

In my case, I participated in the construction projects they had planned with the association. We were able to build some tables, cabinets, and provide some solutions for organizing some rooms.

I encourage everyone who wants to have a new experience. You won't regret it!

37 people found this review helpful.
Alessia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Super

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)

What was your funniest moment?
I love to be called Mzungu :)
Pros
  • Love
  • Community
  • Helping each other
Cons
  • None
  • None
  • None
33 people found this review helpful.
Elena
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Internship with BetterMe

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.

What was your funniest moment?
Honestly, simple moments in exchange with the kids. They know how to make you laught! Be prepared to do the same;)
Pros
  • Friendships
  • Future Shaping
  • Cultural Sensitivity
Cons
  • Fee is pretty high, may exclude suitable volunteers and interns
32 people found this review helpful.
Isabela
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Choosing Better Me for my Internship

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.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Definitely Ugali, which is a dry, cooked dough that goes with everything for some reason.
Pros
  • International experience
  • Learning
  • Housing
29 people found this review helpful.
Bekim
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Better Me – More than Volunteering: A Journey That Touches My Heart

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.

34 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers