Volunteer and Teach in Kenya

It was my first time joining a program through IVHQ, and it turned out to be one of the most wonderful experiences I've ever had. The program manager was incredibly caring, always responding quickly and efficiently to any questions or concerns. When I arrived in Kenya, the local team was very supportive and friendly, making me feel welcome from the start. My homestay experience was also fantastic — the host family was always smiling and kind to me, which made me feel right at home. I truly enjoy traveling the world in this meaningful way, as it allows me to connect deeply with local cultures and give back at the same time.

I recently took part in a volunteer program in Kenya, for which I paid $300 in administrative fees and an additional $300 for accommodation and food. What I experienced on the ground was a far cry from what was advertised, and falls drastically short of what any organization claiming to support ethical volunteering should consider acceptable. Accommodation & Safety Upon arrival, we were told we would be in temporary accommodation for two nights before being moved to our permanent homestay. These first 2 nights we were not even housed in the main home, but in a 5-square-meter outside shed next to the dog shelter, with no window, no mosquito net, no light in the bathroom, and no basic hygiene items such as towels or hand soap; etc. At the second (permanent) homestay, the conditions were not only unhygienic but dangerous. The bathroom wiring exposed us to electric shocks, and one volunteer ended their experience early due to this ongoing safety risk. Misleading Orientation & Program Focus The orientation program lasted half a day, and instead of offering any valuable preparation for our roles, most of it was used to promote safari tours and excursions. Throughout the week, the program representatives spoke almost exclusively about money — how to fundraise, where to donate, and sharing links to GoFundMe pages. This was highly inappropriate and felt more like a commercial operation than a humanitarian initiative. Inadequate Food & Living Conditions Despite paying $300 for food and lodging, our breakfasts were often just dry bread and margarine, and dinner was very basic. Lunches were just leftovers from dinner. The house was filthy, without basic necessities. (There were cockroaches in the kitchen) Thankfully, I had brought my own toiletries, towels, and bedsheets — otherwise, I would not have been able to stay there at all. The conditions were substandard and unsafe, and not in line with even the most basic expectations of a paid accommodation experience. On Thursday night we checked out earlier as we went to a hotel for the night to take an early flight Friday morning. We only paid the hotel 60 dollars for 2 people. So literally a hotel was cheaper than the money we paid for accommodation in the slum. Ethical Concerns Our placement school had teachers asking us for iPads, while children had no pencils. It became clear that the volunteer experience was being used as a tool to create emotional pressure, rather than to genuinely assist the community. This scheme seems intentionally designed to expose volunteers to hardship, not for cultural immersion or service, but to guilt-trip them into donating money.

We were very happy with the support and response provided by IVHQ, and all members of the local team were very helpful, friendly and supportive. Nothing was too hard and they helped with our holiday organisation after we finished volunteering. Can not praise them enough!

Kenya is beautiful as are its people. What an extraordinary experience! Do not hesitate to travel there and volunteer. You will make a difference. The people were so grateful for any help in the schools and everywhere really. I met volunteers from all over the world and that in itself was wonderful. Teaching in Maasai was an extraordinary experience and I was happy that I was able to withstand the difficulties of primitive facilities. My host family could not have been more helpful and kind to us. I have sweet memories of them that will last forever. To immerse yourself in another culture is the best education and to do it by helping in so many ways, is utter joy. IVHQ supported me in every way and I am grateful for this amazing opportunity!

Both IVHQ and the local team were amazing in the preparation phase of the volunteering. Both teams had a very professional approach to how they communicate information. I volunteered at the Maasailand project and I feel our presence did provide impact. Understand that no matter what the project people do, there will be challenges no matter what. Instead of trying to battle against these challenges, chose to embrace them. Embracing the cultural differences and traditions is what makes these experiences so unique.

Our group gained so much - we are now more educated, more aware, and more grateful. Our host family, especially Mumma, were absolutely brilliant and will be forever friends. We would love to go back! Thank you!

If you are thinking about it just go for it! The opportunity is amazing and IVHQ provides a great service for support networks and is always available to answer any queries. IVHQ puts you at ease before you even get to your destination as they provide you with way more than you need to know.

I recently had a disastrous experience with International Volunteer Headquarters (IVHQ) and their partners in Kenya (NVS). The program was advertised as supporting local schools, but I discovered that none of the volunteer fees actually benefit the community. Instead, the money seems to be retained by the organization. I was misled about the school schedule and left my 7-week trip early due to unforeseen school closures. Mr. Boniface promised a refund for 1 week, but disappeared and blocked my number. I traveled to Nairobi to meet him and he blocked me, waste of time!! Cleo also ignored my messages on WhatsApp. The only honest person I encountered was Johnson, who no longer works there, unsurprisingly. I strongly advise against using IVHQ or NVS in Kenya. They are SCAMS that EXPLOIT volunteers and local communities. If you’re considering international volunteering, stay far away from IVHQ. BEWARE!!

I loved the program checklist on the MyIVHQ profile which felt personable, easy to navigate, and helped me prepare for my volunteering trip. The local team were amazing, thoroughly professional, attentive, and ensured we were well looked after and safe during my time there. My accommodation was comfortable and my host family was very welcoming and lovely. The meals were absolutely delicious and cooked with a lot of love and care. I have gained new life-long friends and contacts in Kenya for when I visit there again. I have learned a lot about their culture and their way of living. It has also taught me a lot about myself and I am so very grateful for this experience. My advice would be to not hesitate, go book that trip, and make the best memories because it's rare to get an experience like this!

This volunteering experience was a chance to immerse myself in a different culture and lifestyle, learn from a local community and challenge myself by going out of my comfort zone. Choosing the right program and doing enough research in advance was key to make this experience successful and significant. The process was made easy and safe thanks to the support of IVHQ and the local team in Kenya.

The local team was amazing! They played a huge role in making me feel safe and allowing me to truly enjoy my trip. I gained a lot of awareness and I would recommend to anyone to sign up with IVHQ and visit Kenya! Kenyans are very friendly and helpful.

I enjoyed working in the school - the staff were all very nice and the children were great. They were really motivated to learn and appreciated all of my lessons. My home-stay accommodation was fantastic. The family accepted me warmly and made me feel like part of the family from day one, they always kept me safe and comfortable. Their kids were fun loving and very respectful. I remember a few occasions when the little boy waited in school for hours so I wouldn't have to walk home alone! Their sixth grade son, was a fantastic student and had a real thirst for learning. We spent hours in the evenings working on math puzzles. I would certainly recommend the Maasai experience to any of my friends and I look forward to returning to Kenya soon.

I had the most amazing time on my 2 week trip to Kenya. It was much more than I could've anticipated. I have been following IVHQ for over 10 years now. I knew when I was younger that volunteering abroad was something I wanted to do but when you are young, having the time and money plays a major part. So when I finally got the time during the pandemic, I booked before I could talk myself out it (nerves of the unknown)! And I'm so glad I did. Between the culture, the people and the children I met (I taught children from PP1-grade 8) this experience left me nothing short of humbly appreciative. Down to my host family and the food that was prepared for us (I had two roommates also volunteering and we became fast friends!) daily was such a joy. I was awaiting such a big culture shock (and please don't review my experience, and think that you won't have one. Everyone is different!) but it never happened. It was all very comfortable and enjoyable. Again, everyone's experience will be different, even my next program may be very different but if you go in with no expectations except to give back to a community that needs helping hands, then you will love IVHQ. I came back on such a high, that I already signed up for my next destination!

I had a wonderful experience in Kenya with IVHQ. I was there for four weeks and volunteered with the special needs program. While it's not required on the website or through IVHQ to have experience, I highly suggest only doing the special needs program if you do as there isn't specific training for working with kids with special needs during orientation and some of the placements are very challenging. The classroom I taught in had 43 students with moderate to intensive special needs and only two teachers! I am a special education teacher, so while I was definitely overwhelmed the first day, I was able to jump in and adapt quickly. Others who were in the special needs program without any prior experience were very overwhelmed and ended up switching placements. There isn't any training as it relates to teaching during orientation. Overall my time with IVHQ was incredible! My placement was AMAZING and the kids absolutely stole my heart! I still keep in touch with the teacher at the school as well as others I met in Kenya. The staff on site in Kenya were so kind, personable and easy to reach for any sort of help. I would definitely travel with IVHQ again.

I'm so blessed to have taught children in different cities of Kenya. They said I impacted them, but really they impacted me with their hard work, kindness and love more than they'll ever know. All the staffs and volunteers helped and taught me a lot so that I can have a wonderful time there. The three months memories will be cherished for my lifetime. Plus, I seriously would love to come back again!