The Golden Eagles Network Foundation

I have just completed two weeks of volunteering through The Gen Foundations’ Street Children project in Lodwar, Turkana, Kenya and the experience far exceeded all of my expectations! As a first time solo traveler I was very nervous going into this, however from stepping into the airport I was warmly greeted by David and a fellow volunteer and my anxieties vanished. There were a number of volunteers staying at the accommodation, for different periods of time and a variety of ages, which greatly helped as those that had been staying longer helped the newest to settle in and showed us the ropes. I have made some amazing friends from all over the world. The staff have all been very lovely and friendly, giving specific advice whenever needed and helping me to settle into the programme. The project itself was incredible. The children were full of energy and so eager to learn, and it has been truly eye opening to have had the experience to work and play with them. As one of the volunteers said when I first arrived, you come into a volunteering programme like this expecting to provide help, however what you don’t expect is that by the time to leave they have helped you on your own journey just as much if not more. I would like to thank all of the staff for providing me with the means to have the best time and make the most amazing memories. God bless The Gen Foundation Team!

This is a life time experience that I will live to remember working right in the interior communities hard survival. It was amazing work as a volunteer in Kenya because I could see the Big five of Africa working in a reserve. Also I could learn a lot of things about the friendly community, wildlife and the plants. Even The staff of the reserve worked with a school where you can go and play with the kids. It was one the best experiences of my life. I would like to do it again and again!

Photos

I recently attended the medical internship in Lodwar, Kenya, and it was one of the most life changing experiences that I have ever encountered. Not only did I learn a lot from the hospital but I got to visit so much of Kenya than I expected. Thanks to the help of The Gen Foundation, I was able to do the golden triangle tour, in which everything was planned out and I didn't have to worry about a thing. For those who want to attend I would definitely recommend it as The Gen Foundation did an amazing job of making me feel safe and giving me an amazing experience.

Woow I love Kenya! It is an amazing place to be. We spent most of our time at The Gen Foundation Women Empowerment programs, a little bit in the rural villages, and of course traveled to the Masai Mara for a safari. The work experience, compared to others I have done, was well planned, and keenly followed up on. I comment Benson, our program coordinator, for the great job well done. Many of the volunteers went to a mall all afternoon. We were going out in the community to meet and empower women groups from 9 AM to 4 PM. most days. It was amazing, real and I am glad I had that experience. The volunteers take care of each other in that way, in Kenya. Benson was reliable in – site seeing adventure travel, hiking, picnics and other weekend experiences that were included. It is an amazing place and I had an amazing time. I loved the food, the accommodations were fine and I would like to positively recommend The Gen Foundation to any volunteers who are planning their next trip in Kenya! Kudos.

My experience in Lodwar Kenya was both very hard and very beautiful. The conditions in which they live and, therefore, in which you live are difficult to assimilate at first, but that is also part of the experience and the learning. On the other hand, all the love and respect of children makes up for everything. His smile when they see you arrive and how happy they are all the time is the most beautiful thing I've ever experienced. I’ve learned that the one that has the most is not the happiest but the one that needs the less. And in this sense, this is what made me change as a person. Experience takes you away from the “first world problems” and teaches you the value of what really matters in life: basic needs such as food, energy or water. Friendship, family, health and to be happy above all things. It also opens your eyes and teaches you to respect others despite being, thinking and living differently. The boys of the theatre troupe pleasantly surprised me. They are very good team players! They also have an enviable discipline. They take it very seriously and respect their coaches very much. Before going forward I thought that maybe they wouldn't listen to me for being a girl. But I was wrong. They listened to me and did perfectly all the exercises I taught them. Also, the school experience was incredible. There are many girls wanting to learn and overcome. And best of all is the joy with which they receive you, the love they show you and their ability to help you at all times, make you really love them. They are all amazing girls.