What inspired you to go abroad?
I was inspired to volunteer because I wanted to experience a different culture while contributing to a meaningful community project. I have always believed that volunteering allows you to learn from people’s real-life experiences while also sharing your own skills and time.
The opportunity to work with women in Kisumu who are building their livelihoods through tailoring and entrepreneurship was particularly inspiring. I was excited to be part of a program that focuses on empowerment, learning, and community support while also allowing me to understand daily life in Kenya.
It was not just about traveling, but about making a positive impact and building connections with people from different backgrounds.
Why did you choose Kar Geno-Center for Hope, Kenya?
I chose Kar Geno - Center for Hope because of its strong focus on women’s empowerment and community development. The Women’s Interest Project in Kisumu stood out to me because it equips women with practical tailoring skills that can help them become financially independent.
I was also drawn to the grassroots nature of the organization, where volunteers work closely with the community and see the real impact of their contribution. It felt like a genuine opportunity to support women who are building better futures for themselves and their families while learning about the local culture and daily life in Kenya.
Exploring the local market with fellow volunteers—a true taste of community life.
What was your favorite part about Kisumu?
My favorite part about Kisumu was the warmth of the people and the strong sense of community. Everyone was welcoming and eager to share their culture, which made it easy to feel at home. I also enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the city and its beautiful surroundings near Lake Victoria.
Visiting local markets, interacting with families in the community, and learning about daily life in the area were memorable experiences. It was inspiring to see how people support one another and work together to create opportunities for the future.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience abroad extraordinary was the deep connection with the local community and the opportunity to see the direct impact of the work being done. Working alongside the women in the tailoring project, supporting their training, and seeing their determination to build better futures for their families was truly inspiring.
The experience was not just about volunteering, but about sharing stories, learning from each other, and building genuine relationships. Being immersed in the culture, interacting with the children, and experiencing daily life in Kisumu made the journey meaningful and unforgettable.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff was very supportive and welcoming throughout the entire program. From the beginning, they provided clear information about the project and helped me understand the daily activities and how I could best support the women in their training. They were always available to answer questions, offer guidance, and make sure I felt comfortable and safe in the community.
Their encouragement and friendliness made it easy to integrate into the program and connect with the women and other community members. It truly felt like being part of a team working toward a shared goal.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
One thing I wish I had done differently during my time abroad was to stay longer in the program. The experience was very meaningful, and the more time I spent with the women and the community, the more I understood their stories, challenges, and strengths.
With a longer stay, I feel I could have contributed even more and built deeper relationships with the people involved in the project. The experience taught me that community work and cultural learning take time, and the longer you stay, the more rewarding and impactful the experience becomes.
Sunset over Lake Victoria, live music in the air, and great company — unforgettable moments at Dunga Hill Camp.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day started in the morning with breakfast and preparation for activities at the women’s training center. During the day, I helped the women with their tailoring training by cutting materials, assisting with measurements, and supporting them at their workstations.
Some women came with their children, so I also helped keep the children entertained while their mothers focused on learning. There were also moments to talk with the women, learn about their experiences, and understand the impact of the program.
In the evenings, the environment was relaxed, giving time to reflect on the day, interact with community members, or explore the local surroundings.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
During my free time, I enjoyed exploring the local community and learning more about the culture and daily life in Kisumu. Visiting local markets, walking around the neighborhoods, and spending time near Lake Victoria were some of my favorite activities. I also enjoyed interacting with community members, sharing stories, and trying local food.
Sometimes I would spend quiet time reflecting on the day’s experiences or planning visits to nearby attractions. These moments allowed me to better understand the community and appreciate the beauty and simplicity of life in the area.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in comfortable volunteer accommodation provided by the organization. The place had running water, a warm shower, reliable internet, and access to a modern kitchen where volunteers could also prepare their own meals if they wished.
The accommodation was clean, safe, and conveniently located close to the community activities. What I liked most was the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. It was a good balance between comfort and experiencing local life, and it provided a peaceful space to rest, reflect on the day’s activities, and connect with other volunteers.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing every future participant should know is that this program is very community-focused and works closely with local women and families. Being open-minded, flexible, and respectful of the local culture will make the experience much more meaningful.
It is not just about volunteering but about building relationships, learning from the community, and sharing everyday moments with the people involved in the project. If you come with a positive attitude and willingness to learn, you will find the experience both rewarding and inspiring.
Would you recommend Volunteer to Empower HIV-Affected Women in Tailoring to others? Why?
Yes, I would definitely recommend this program and organization to others. Kar Geno – Center for Hope provides a meaningful opportunity to engage directly with the community and support women working toward economic independence.
The program is well organized, the staff is welcoming and supportive, and the work allows volunteers to see the real impact of their contribution. It is also a great cultural experience where you learn about local life while making genuine connections with people.
For anyone interested in women’s empowerment, community development, and cultural exchange, this program is a very rewarding experience.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. It allows you to step outside of your usual environment and see the world from a new point of view.
Traveling also helps build empathy and appreciation for communities that live differently from your own. Through experiences like volunteering, you not only learn about local traditions and challenges but also develop personal growth, adaptability, and meaningful connections with people from around the world.
Trying out a traditional local game—laughter, dust, and great memories.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Now that I am back home, my time abroad continues to influence how I see the world and the role communities play in supporting one another.
The experience taught me the value of resilience, cooperation, and empowerment, especially seeing how the women in the program were determined to improve their lives through learning new skills. It also gave me a deeper appreciation for cultural exchange and the importance of grassroots initiatives that create real change.
The experience has inspired me to stay engaged in community-focused work and to continue supporting projects that empower people and strengthen communities.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means more than simply visiting new places; it is about connecting with people, understanding their culture, and learning from their everyday lives. It involves being present in the community, respecting local traditions, and contributing in a positive way.
Through volunteering and cultural exchange, meaningful travel allows you to build genuine relationships and gain a deeper appreciation of the challenges and strengths of different communities.
It becomes a shared experience where both visitors and locals learn from one another and grow together.
