Volunteer and Teach in Kenya

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 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.