AIDS Volunteering in Nairobi, Kenya

I couldn’t have asked for more from my trip. My friend and I done 11 weeks teaching in Kenya and now have friends for life; we can’t wait to return and see them again!! IVHQ were extremely informative, helpful and attentive, before and during our trip. We couldn’t have asked for more from our Local Team who met us frequently and took us on excursions. Kenyans are such generous and kind-hearted people which made us feel welcome and like family, instantly. The children are so grateful and always happy to see you. Kenya will hold a special place in my heart, always🤍

Volunteering with IVHQ has honestly changed my life for the better - I feel as though I am much more open-minded as a person and willing to try things out of my comfort zone as the reward, in the end it is so worth it. I felt so welcome and learnt so much about how other people and cultures live their lives and I feel extremely thankful to have been a part of that (even if it was only for a short period of time).

When I was planning my trip, my Program Manager was very helpful and she never made me feel like my questions were silly! The IVHQ program guide was also very helpful and really allowed me to gather the information needed to feel ready and safe for my trip. My accommodation was 100/10 - my host Mum and her children welcomed me into their home with open arms and saying goodbye was extremely hard. The kids I met in the special needs unit will always have a special place in my heart. I feel like I was able to make an impact in their lives and they definitely made an impact on mine. Another favourite moment of mine was teaching the kids and my host Mum to crochet and it was so heart warming to share something I love with them. You'll regret not doing it - the stories I have and the friendships I've made are things I'll cherish for the rest of my life. It can be scary and overwhelming to travel across the world and be thrown into an unfamiliar situation, but you have SO many people who are there and ready to help you. It's an experience of a lifetime!

The time we had a power outage and brought some candles inside to have dinner with my host family at my home-stay was my favourite part of the volunteer experience. It was a very joyful experience and such an intimate, family-like moment. My volunteering experience made the most impact on me when I realised that joy does not come from possessions, regardless of how much or how little I have. Joy comes from connections with people in a meaningful way. If someone is hesitant to volunteer abroad, I encourage them to take the positive risk. There's a whole world within worlds that exist, and being able to see the similarities, differences, and complexities is something that every person deserves to embrace.

I would recommend anyone to do this program if they are thinking about it. It is very daunting at first, but once we knew the area and sank into the program, it was everything and more than I expected.

This program has made me feel truly humbled. I feel like I connected with the people in my program, everyone was helpful and there wasn't one moment where I questioned the program. If you are considering the Special Needs Program in Kenya, or IVHQ in general, I would say sometimes you have to give life a go. Fear stops you from seeing the world. On your trip it is important to be cautious and safe. But I promise you, if you come with an open mind, you will have an unforgettable experience.

The two weeks that I was there I learned many things and grew as a person. I liked being able to help the children of my school to be able to improve their knowledge. It is a very nice feeling to see how the students were taking steps forward and to know that IVHQ helped make that happen. It is a unique, moving and very beautiful experience. I take with me many memories, joys, smiles, friendships and above all, learning. I was delighted to see myself as part of this volunteer program and without a doubt I would go again.

Your life will be changed forever I can guarantee it! The guidance and preparation resources I received from IVHQ were very handy and easy to understand! My host family who I lived with for my duration were super warm and welcoming - I will miss them all very much. On the Special Needs Care project, I was working with a young boy who had a physical disability. He wouldn’t usually play outside and participate physically in class due to his disability, however, we worked on specific rehab exercises to build his confidence. It was insane to see the difference just one day of work could do. He was out playing soccer with the other kids at lunch time, standing up in class and dancing. The increased confidence this young boy had, just with someone taking focus on him, was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever witnessed. I enjoyed my experience to the point where I want to volunteer more regularly now and influence others as well. Volunteering is not an easy thing to do and it was definitely out of my comfort zone, but 100% one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things I have ever experienced. Seeing different cultures, environments, meeting new people from around the world and realising how happy you can be with so little made such an impact on myself and my own personal growth.

My volunteer experience working with the special needs students at Kimuchu Primary School in Thika was extraordinary. Although I only volunteered for a week I felt an immediate connection and bond with my students and teachers. The in country support and orientation was invaluable and James served as a trusted contact who helped me adapt to my new surroundings. My homestay was wonderful and my host, Faith, was welcoming, friendly and always willing to provide support. She shared insights into her life and culture and the food she prepared was amazing! I highly recommend IVHQ to anybody thinking about volunteering abroad. Transformative journey from the application process through my departure home.

Through volunteering with IVHQ I gained lots of confidence and self-esteem. Also I improved my patience. I was always thankful for the things I had. But I learned to live an easier lifestyle with not much sweets, cold showers, bucket showers, and washing my clothes by hand. So I would advise every newcomer to be flexible and open minded and not at all arrogant or picky. Be open for a new culture.

I'm so, so grateful for my time volunteering in Kenya. After feeling a bit stuck and lacking that spark in my heart, I decided to sign up to go to Kenya... It's been a dream of mine to do a trip like this since I was 16 (I'm 39 now). I'm so glad I did!! I was, of course, nervous before going, but once I arrived and was greeted by the local team, all of those nerves melted away and I was able to immerse myself in the experience. The entire experience was eye opening, humbling, heart warming, and wonderful. That spark I was seeking has certainly been ignited and I can't wait to volunteer more and find more ways I can help. Thank you IVHQ for providing such a professional and safe avenue for this kind of experience! To anyone hesitant, those are normal feelings. There's always nerves and fear when stepping into something you've never done. But the only way to experience the great things in life is to feel the fear and step out and do it anyway! Great things never come out of comfort zones. Go for it and book the trip... you absolutely won't regret it!

I previously participated in a trip abroad to represent my country abroad in the field of art and music, and we got third place in singing. I am a girl who loves to travel and help others, especially since I am a doctor. I am used to caring about the health of others. I strive to volunteer in many fields

Creating friendships that have continued outside of IVHQ has been wonderful as I feel they are my soul family. Getting to know others from all over the world, their personal goals in life, reasons for their volunteer work, their families, education, goals and wishes in life, etc made the experience much more memorable! Most importantly, the children whom I was privileged to have met and assist in their daily education in their school. It is in immersing myself and maintaining an open heart, and getting to know the children, their school life, activities outside of school, and overall atmosphere of the town, along with having a great host family that I can easily say that THEY changed me! I understand they may think we helped them by our volunteer work, but in the end it was them that helped me with my journey back to who I truly am and rediscovering my purpose! The trip and all the amazing people I learned from and had the pleasure of communicating with have been the best gift!!

My favorite moment was the evenings with the women from Women's Education and the discussions about the culture and traditions in Kenya. Also, the activities with the children were the moments when I was recharging my batteries with positive energy. I learned that people can have a simple life and should be grateful for every single thing they have. It made me more understanding, less judgemental, humble, and appreciative. It was the best thing I've ever done for myself and I will probably do it again next year. This is an experience you will remember forever.

I went to the Teaching programme in Nairobi and it was the best experience in my life! Some people said that they were amazed that I am doing this with just 18, but I think it helped me a lot to grow and see beyond my little home town in Germany. All the kind people I met there, the volunteers, my host family and all the kids at the school… I have already decided to visit them before I go to University and I will definitely take part in even more IVHQ programmes!!! My only regret is that I only signed up for a month, so I definitely recommend to sign up for two or three months!

The absolute best volunteer travel organization! The programs are responsible, safe, affordable and sustainable. I have volunteered in two counties through IVHQ and cannot wait for my next service trip!

These past 2 weeks at Positive Life Kenya has been nothing but an unforgettable experience. Leaving the United States for the first time at age 20, all alone, to come to Kenya was the best adventure yet. I came to Positive Life Kenya with open arms from all the ladies in the office. They taught me a lot about the women and children of Mlolongo and surrounding areas, their culture, and so much more. The memories I have had in Kenya and at Positive Life will be cherished forever. My favorite a part about Positive Life Kenya were the home visits. Seeing the mothers and grandmothers of the surrounding slums and hearing their story was truly impactful. I hope that everyone who volunteers at Positive Life Kenya has as great of an experience as I have because these women didn’t disappoint. To all of the women and children I have met along the way, thank you for making my trip life changing. Hope to come back in the near future!

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] responded to this reviewJuly 23, 2019

Hi Audrey - I'm so glad you felt supported during your pre-departure experience as well as during your time on the program in Kenya. We would love to have you join IVHQ again in the future and look forward to facilitating another fulfilling volunteer experience for you soon! Kaila - IVHQ Program Manager

I had a time of my life i just want live the real life, compartir my time in this moment with real people. See other culture, expand my mind, compartir saberes, be a friend and connect with people a través the universal awareness.

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewMarch 24, 2019

Hi Rebeca,<br/>Thank-you so much for this enthusiastic review of our programs. We completely agree that volunteering is a fantastic way to connect with people and travel around the world doing humanitarian work.<br/>Thanks again for being a part of what we do here at Love Volunteers.<br/>The Team @ Love Volunteers

Tirana is a safe, interesting city with lots of places to visit and eat. The people are very respectful and friendly and transportation in the city is excellent. Albania is country full of history, with a variety of museums to visit, from history to art. There are a variety of restaurants, cafés and bars where you can eat and relax. The people are very relaxed and polite. Altin was very friendly and kindly provided airport pickup and departure. He also recommended places to visit. Maria is a lovely lady who cares deeply for animals and there is some really crucial work being done at the shelter such as sterilisation, rehabilitation and adoptions. There are too many animals at the shelter and not enough people to ensure all the dogs for example have enough environmental enrichment and exercise but of course I understand this is difficult and differs from country to country and hopefully will begin to change as the attitude improves toward animal welfare in Albania. TIPS: Make sure you go out into the city and sample traditional Albanian food, visit the attractions such as the museums. As for the project don't be afraid to suggest doing certain things, such as taking the dogs in the clinic outside for exercise as well as interacting and spending time with as many of the dogs as you can. Maria is very open and will listen to suggestions. Cleaning the shelter takes up a lot of time, however there are staff employed at the shelter which gives volunteers time for this crucial interaction.

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewMarch 28, 2019

Dear Rhys,<br/>Thank-you for this amazing review of our Animal Welfare program in Tirana, Albania. Your care for animals is so apparent in this account and your contribution on the program was highly valued by the local team.<br/>Reading reviews such as yours provides future volunteers an invaluable insight into volunteering and the crucial role that they can play in areas where help is so desperately needed.<br/>How amazing to be involved in such a rewarding project whilst staying in a city as historical and beautiful as Tirana! Great tips btw!<br/>Thanks again for your contribution to the program for being an amazing Love Volunteer!<br/>From all of us at The Team @ Love Volunteers

I feel like I got the perfect blend of insight on everyday life and tourism. I loved Kenya. It was very peaceful and the people were very friendly and hospitable. I loved working at the Wema Hospital. Dr. George and the nurses were very nice and I got a lot of hands on experience. TIPS: My housing ran out of water while I was there. It would be helpful to make sure you have enough clothes for the whole time, because you might not be able to wash them.

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewMarch 28, 2019

Hi Dana,<br/>Volunteering certainly puts you behind the scenes in a way that being a tourist can never match. It's fantastic to hear about our volunteers embracing the opportunity to be involved with families and communities and getting the very most of their placements - whilst providing much needed hands-on support in return.<br/>Many thanks for sharing your insight and tips to help future volunteers.<br/>The Team @ Love Volunteers.