Better me= Second family

Travelling to Kenya with Better Me has truly been life-changing. I still remember stepping on the plane at 19, completely on my own, excited but also overwhelmed. Yet, from the very first moment, I never felt alone. At the airport and later at Korando, I was welcomed with such warmth by the team, the children, the volunteers, and basically by everyone I met. It instantly felt like I had arrived in a familiar place, even though I have never been here before.

During my first stay, I experienced more you could ever wish for as a volunteer: I was teaching in the Remand home, caring for babies at Mama Ngina, joining spontaneous hospital visits as a medical student, and spending time with the kids at Korando, whose kindness touched me deeply! Not to forget the countless activities in our freetime, such as Karaoke, sunrise hill walks, nature walks…. What stood out most was how Better Me makes everything personal. Nothing ever feels “too crazy” or “too much” – whatever your passion is, someone will stand beside you and make it possible, without judgment, only with encouragement.

Leaving after four weeks broke my heart. Back in Austria, not a single day passed without me thinking of Kenya. I never thought it was possible to miss a place – and the people in it – so intensely.

That’s why I returned in 2025 for six weeks, this time with three of my friends. Additionally, I had the chance to take a spontaneous trip to Tanzania – another adventure I wouldn’t have had without the people behind Better Me.

My friends and I did our medical internship at the Kisumu County Referral hospital, and once again Better Me took care of every detail. Even though this wasn’t part of the standard program, it was created just for us. That flexibility, that willingness to shape the experience around you, is what makes Better Me unlike anything else.

Saying goodbye again was just as hard.
Especially the children have carved a permanent place in my heart. I know I’ll return again and again, because Better Me isn’t just a program – it’s a home away from home. It’s a place where you are accepted for who you are. Where you are supported in becoming the best version of yourself.

For me, Better Me has been the best time of my life. It gifted me not only with unforgettable experiences and new friendships, but also with a second family. And that’s something I will carry with me forever.

To my second family: Asante sana!!!!