Education Volunteering in Nairobi, Kenya

Hello , My name is Kyoung ju KIM. From South Korea. I had a great time for 3 weeks through UCESCO. Doing volunteer with my daughter and son. We learned a lot from there. We did teaching and cooking for Peggy Lucas School which is located in Kibera slum. It's very safe. Ucesco staff managed everything well if we need something. It was really have a worth that doing volunteer there. Anyone who is afraid of apply, Don;t be afraid. Also, you will meet volunteers all of the world. it's amazing that I can do something for anyone else. It's possible to do volunteer work with teenagers, and it's possible for all volunteers to do what they can do. Three weeks was a really meaningful time in Kenya.

At 54, it was my first time volunteering and my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. With UCESCO, everything was well taken care of. I lived in a building with other volunteers, who were btw just amazing!!! Bonding among volunteers was facilitated by shared meals, prepared by a very special local lady, who also supported us in many other ways. This allowed me to focus 100% on the project (teaching in high school). Most UCESCO people I worked with, used to or still live in the slums, so their involvement is selfless and truly comes from the heart. I have now witnessed firsthand how a small NGO works and can highly recommend volunteering with UCESCO. Their work addresses a major problem in Africa, and seeing this work from the ground was an amazing experience.

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 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🤍

What I felt I gained from the experience was the ability to immerse into a next culture and to develop a teaching style best suited to the children. I would advise just throw yourself into it. It’s the most rewarding and life changing experience you could do.

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!

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).

Join the Sports Education project in Nairobi! It's a great atmosphere. The people are great and I had loads of fun playing football with the kids. They were so happy to have other children visit them as volunteers (they especially loved my Messi t-shirt). I loved their positivity and never giving up attitude.

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.

IVHQ were great, the preparation they gave me was really helpful and the resources I received were amazing. The local team were the best if ever we needed anything they would be there to help. The impact the children and the school have had on me has been huge, the kids were always so happy despite their disadvantages and it has created a new sense of the world for me. My host Mum was amazing and the food was always amazing too. The house was always clean. I would suggest to anyone hesitant about joining a program to just go for it. I was also hesitant about joining and it was the best thing I've ever done. Everyone is in the same position as you and also there for the same experience.

As a volunteer teacher in Maasai, Kenya you will make bonds and memories and there's nothing better than putting yourself out there. The program will also give you joy as you will be making a difference.

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.

I spent 6 weeks in Córdoba, Argentina as a sports volunteer. Even though school was not in session, I was able to attend 3 different sports camps and even volunteered at a soup kitchen. The experience was rewarding, allowed me to practice my imperfect Spanish and I met fellow volunteers from around the world. The local team opened their home and hearts to the volunteers and made us feel welcome, answered our multiple questions to the best of their ability and created a safe and fun environment for all. It was my first volunteer experience abroad and it won't be my last!

We volunteered as a family (children aged 11 and 15) on the Sports Education Program in Nairobi and we had a great experience. We were all stretched in different ways, contributed in different ways according to our strengths, and gained differently from the experience. At the same time it was a superb experience to share and support one another in! Having IVHQ and the local team support gave me the confidence to take my kids to places I would never have dared to take them alone. Playing sports with disadvantaged children was an excellent way to connect across cultures, and we were astounded by how much joy was shared. We were also so impressed and humbled by the energy and commitment of local staff and volunteers from the community setting such a positive example to us all. We gained more than we could have imagined!

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!