What inspired you to go abroad?
I have always believed that travel becomes more meaningful when it is connected to learning and contributing to communities. As a public health lecturer and researcher, I was interested in understanding how grassroots organizations work to empower women and improve health outcomes in developing communities.
The opportunity to travel to Kenya and engage with a local program supporting women through skills training and community development inspired me greatly. I wanted to experience firsthand how community initiatives operate and how small efforts can create real change in people’s lives.
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 program works closely with local women who are learning tailoring and entrepreneurship skills to improve their livelihoods.
As someone working in public health, I appreciate initiatives that connect economic empowerment with health and social well-being. The organization’s grassroots approach and commitment to supporting vulnerable communities made it a meaningful place for me to contribute while learning more about local challenges and solutions.
A simple walk to the stream, a deeper understanding of daily life.
What was your favorite part of Kisumu?
My favorite part about Kisumu was the warmth and friendliness of the people. The community is very welcoming, and people genuinely care about making guests feel comfortable and safe. What stood out most was the constant smiles on people’s faces, even as many navigate daily challenges with resilience and optimism.
Kisumu is also a beautiful lakeside city along Lake Victoria, which gives it a relaxed and scenic atmosphere. I especially enjoyed interacting with the women in the program, who were very cooperative and supportive of one another. Exploring the local streets and tasting the delicious street food was also a memorable part of the experience.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made this experience extraordinary was the opportunity to work directly with women who are determined to improve their lives through education and entrepreneurship. Supporting them with simple business skills such as basic mathematics, calculating profits, and discussing online marketing was very rewarding.
Beyond volunteering, exploring the region—visiting places like Maasai Mara, Mfangano Island, Kit Mikayi, and Lake Victoria—added a rich cultural and travel experience that made the entire journey both meaningful and unforgettable.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff was extremely supportive from the beginning of the program. They provided clear information about the activities and made sure volunteers understood how to contribute effectively.
They were always available to answer questions, provide guidance, and ensure that everyone felt comfortable and safe. Their dedication and passion for the community created a welcoming environment that allowed volunteers to integrate easily and feel part of the team.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
Singing together, celebrating community and friendship.
If I could change one thing, I would have stayed longer. The experience was deeply rewarding, and the more time I spent interacting with the women and the community, the more I understood their stories and challenges.
A longer stay would have allowed me to contribute even more and build stronger relationships with the people involved in the program.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day began with breakfast and preparation for activities at the training center.
During the day, I worked alongside women participating in the tailoring and empowerment program. I helped them with basic arithmetic, understanding profit calculations, and discussing ideas such as selling products online. Sometimes I also helped organize materials or interacted with the children who came with their mothers.
Evenings were more relaxed, allowing time to explore the local area, reflect on the day’s experiences, or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere near Lake Victoria.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
During my free time, I enjoyed exploring the beautiful surroundings and cultural sites around Kisumu.
I visited the Maasai Mara, Mfangano Island, Kit Mikayi Rock, and the ancestral village of former U.S. President Barack Obama. I also spent time at Dunga Hill Camp enjoying live music and stunning sunsets over Lake Victoria.
Other activities included visiting the Kisumu Museum, taking boat rides on the lake, fishing with locals, and exploring local markets.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I was fortunate to stay in a private studio that was comfortable and well-equipped. It had a kitchen where I could prepare my own meals and reliable Wi-Fi, which made it easy to stay connected and work when needed.
The accommodation offered a good level of independence, which I appreciated. At the same time, there was also a main house with a shared dining area where volunteers could gather for meals together. Often, we would have dinner in the main dining room, which created a nice sense of community.
I liked having the flexibility to either cook for myself when I wanted a quiet evening or join others for shared meals and conversation.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Trying the local way — walking a mile in their everyday life.
Future participants should know that English is not the first language for many of the women in the program, and some have had limited formal education. Because of this, communication works best when you speak slowly, clearly, and with patience. It is important to make sure everyone understands before moving on, and to be comfortable repeating explanations or answering questions several times if needed. With a little patience and flexibility, communication becomes much easier and more meaningful.
You may also notice that the local accent can be different, so taking time to listen carefully is helpful. If something is not clear, it is perfectly fine to ask someone to repeat or even write it down. Being patient, respectful, and supportive makes the interaction very positive and rewarding for everyone involved.
Would you recommend Volunteer to Empower HIV-Affected Women in Tailoring to others? Why?
Yes, I would definitely recommend this program. Kar Geno – Center for Hope provides an authentic and meaningful volunteer experience where participants can directly engage with the community and support women working toward economic independence.
The organization is welcoming, the programs are impactful, and the cultural exchange makes the experience enriching both personally and professionally.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
As a senior public health lecturer, traveling abroad offers far more than simply visiting another place. It provides an opportunity to observe how health, social systems, and community structures work in different cultural contexts. Working directly with women in community programs allowed me to see how economic empowerment, education, and health awareness are closely connected.
Experiences like this broaden professional knowledge, strengthen global perspectives on public health, and highlight the importance of community-based solutions. Traveling and volunteering abroad also help build meaningful human connections and deepen empathy, making it possible to better understand the real challenges and resilience within communities around the world.
Together with the women and the next generation.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Now that I am back home, my time in Kenya has had a meaningful impact on both my personal and professional life. As a senior public health lecturer, the experience gave me deeper insight into how global public health challenges are addressed at the community level.
Working closely with women in the program helped me understand the strong connection between health, economic empowerment, education, and social support systems. It also reminded me how resilience and community cooperation play an important role in improving well-being.
This experience has enriched my teaching by allowing me to share real-world examples with my students about global health systems, community-based solutions, and the importance of culturally sensitive public health approaches.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means going beyond simply visiting a place and truly engaging with the people, culture, and everyday realities of the community. For me, it involves learning from local experiences, sharing knowledge, and building genuine connections.
As someone working in public health, meaningful travel also means understanding how communities address health and social challenges in their own context. It is about listening, respecting cultural differences, and contributing in a way that supports local initiatives while gaining deeper insight into the interconnected nature of global communities.
