Volunteer Programs in Nairobi, Kenya

My time volunteering in Kenya through IVHQ was an unforgettable and truly meaningful experience. From the moment I arrived, everything was well organised and I felt safe and supported by the local team. Working in childcare was incredibly rewarding, as I was able to connect with the children, support their learning, and be part of their daily lives. Even though it was nerve racking at first being in a completely new environment, I quickly adjusted thanks to the welcoming community and other volunteers. The experience opened my eyes to a different culture and way of life, and it helped me grow in confidence and independence. Overall, it was a lifechanging journey that I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to make a positive impact while also learning so much about themselves and the world.

All my journey in Kenya was Safe and secure. I made a real impact from day one. Local team was helpful and always available. Teachers at school were clear in their expectations of volunteers, flexible and open to new ideas. Host mom was welcoming, open minded and easy to speak with I highly recommend it!

They say home is where your heart belongs to. Ucesco-Africa is a beautiful family, with amazing personalities that made sure i enjoyed my stay in Kenya. I want to thank, Kingsley: I would really love to thank fate whom made me pass across your phone number, it was an honor an a privilege meeting you, stay humble as you are. Ethan: He will grow into a handsome intelligent young man Anita: oooo Anita speechless, you are my 5th sister i will miss our night laughs and your enthusiasm, i loved every single second with, you made the trip so much more. Elissia: I am happy to have found another edition of me, it makes it much easier we will see each other soon. Akram: I knew you for a few days but you were the last puzzle piece to complete this trip into the perfect picture, you were the smell of home, thank you. Felestas: My mama i will surely never forget the Nike and i will miss you. Nancy 1: Stay as you are sweet and childlike, great things are on your way. Nancy 2: I will for sure send you job applications to come and be my colleague. Job: hmmm i really don't know what to say about you, you are a brother that i know and can rely on. Zhanne: Without you Kingsley will be lost stay strong as you are. Neema: The Queen of beauty, i will miss your smile every morning. Carol: The next spokesperson for Kenya, will be seeing your reports. Jane: Keep Job alive don't kill him yet we need him. Edna: I did not have the chance to spend time with you as i really wanted but these few days we were together meant so much. Maureen: Keep the high spirits, check social media and post funny things This is my family away from home. Thankyou for the wonderful experience. I will miss you. See you soon.

Just finished 1 week of volunteering in UCESCO´s medical program. We spent the days in 2 different clinics: 1 private and 1 communal clinic, both located in the Kibera slum. The communal clinic is a container with very limited resources. It's free for the patients to come there, and therefore most patients were very poor. The private one is a bit more equipped, but still lacks a lot of the medical technology and treatments we have in Europe. The doctors let us participate a lot in their work. We talked to the patients about their problems, took part in basic surgery and discussed the different cases with the doctors. I would definitely recommend the medical program for those who wants to better their practical skills and learn how a clinic in Africa´s biggest slum work. You decide yourself how long you want to stay in the clinic every day, the doctors are usually there ""all day"". When we were not in the clinic we stayed in an apartment about 40 mins from Kibera. The apartment is relatively modern and we were 4 people staying there. We were served dinner and (a simple) breakfast here every day, and were offered cooking classes. Joy did an amazing job preparing the meals and making sure that the volunteers were alright. On 3 occasions I also got to visit a rescue center in Kibera. There are around 50 children living here in very basic conditions. Everyone I met in the rescue center were very welcoming and warm, and we spent our time playing, dancing and having rewarding conversations. You are always accompanied by UCESCO´s security staff, Bryson and Joseph, when walking in the slums, and I never felt scared while being there Before starting my week of volunteering I also spent a weekend visiting Maasai Mara, something I would 100% recommend. Seeing lions, leopards, elephants, cheetah, giraffes etc. in their natural habitat is something extraordinary that should be included in everyone´s Kenya-itinerary Some things to be aware of - The drive from your apartment to the slums takes about 40 mins. The volunteers need to pay for the transport themselves (about 5$ per car) - The breakfast offered in the apartment were a bit simple, so all volunteers ended up buying food themselves to have a big breakfast before a long day of working - UCESCO has a project in Mombasa that gives you the possibility to also volunteer here while in Kenya. - I will encourage everyone to donate to the rescue center when doing the program. When we were here the kids didn´t have food for some days, and all volunteers therefore donated food (rice, veggies, beans, candy) directly to the center. In conclusion, I would recommend this program to those who want to volunteer in Kenya in several different kinds of ways. I wish all volunteers coming to UCESCO will have a similar fantastic experience like I had this week!

Very Meaningful time serving at Masayo Visionary & Empowerment Training Institute (MVETI). I have some formal Counseling Training, but not a Licensed Counselor or Psychologist. Passed on Biblical Principles / Promises and Examples of Women who overcame adversity throughout the Bible to encourage the young ladies who were in the Hairdressing Training. This dovetailed in with some other volunteers providing Management and Marketing skills to start their own businesses. Also visited the New Horizon Primary School where students had a fair amount of questions about the United States and great interaction with the teachers after their lunch break. Appreciate all I learned from the experience and would highly recommend since the students just appreciate someone taking an interest in them. Two weeks is recommended to give you a chance to see some what Kenya has to offer on the weekends. I traveled to Masi Mara National Reserve Friday - Sunday (volunteers can take a Friday - Sunday or Saturday - Monday trip to experience the country) and thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of this country and close up visits with animals which I have only seen in a zoo previously. I also enjoyed the One Day Safari at the Nairobi National Park (50 square miles of open area for the animals to roam), the Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Center (separate venue) before leaving for my departing flight. A great mix of getting to know fellow volunteers and encouraging the students who live in difficult situations.

Volunteering with UCESCO means becoming part of a larger vision — one that believes in human potential and works every day to create lasting change. It is an experience that leaves a mark, not only on those who receive, but also on those who give.UCESCO Africa is a committed, grassroots organization working daily to support vulnerable children and women through education, training, and concrete aid. Its projects reach deep into underserved communities, offering not just help, but real opportunities for growth and dignity. Thanks to my friends and family we were able to provide desks, chairs, food in Samburu, and scholarships. In Nairobi, at the Peggy Lucas School, uniforms and meals were distributed with the support of the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy. At the Masayo Visionary & Empowerment Training Institute (M.V.E.T.I), young women from the slum are offered vocational training in beauty and wellness. Recently, a fully equipped training room was opened and new uniforms were provided, enabling students to learn in a safe and professional environment. I also introduced new courses in italian and in marketing, communication, and fundraising. I met lovely people and I still have all their loughs and smiles with me. My homestay at Kingsley's place was fantastic. I felt at home since the first days. Thanks everybody for all the love you gave to me, my life changed after all we shared and exchanged. Asante!

After the first second when I get picked up at the airport the feeling of the unknown flew away. I was impressed about the care and the way how I was guided though the familiarization process with all the things that must be considered to manage the stay. A good balance between self-responsibility and care, fast responses in case of questions but most important: There is lot of room to support and get things done. As a volunteer I could bring in ideas and useful things from my experience in various occasions. It’s about bridging worlds and cultures to create value. I feel still deeply connected with the people and the organization.

My 15 year old and I took part in the sport coaching programme. It was well organised, with excellent support from staff. We were given a lot of autonomy on how to plan our programme but the staff was there to help us manage sessions. We taught rugby to a group of around 20 children who were really enthusiastic and fun to work with - with some very accomplished athletes. We stayed in the programme organiser’s apartment with his family which was lovely. There is also a second apartment for volunteers. The accommodation was of good standard and the meals were good - we bought our own food for breakfast because it suited our tastes better but there was plenty on offer. Working in Kibera felt very safe as we always had accompanying staff with us. Our main person was Bryson, the coolest guy in earth and we had a great time with him. Because we were doing sport with children and it was quite intense, we chose to buy them simple snacks and drinks to share at the end of each session as they didn’t always have water or food for breaks. We had the impression that many of the volunteers chose to make those small gestures although there is no pressure to do so. At the end of our stay, we and another set of volunteers bought a big lunch for everybody involved (around 40 people including children and staff) and it was a great way of thanking everyone for all their efforts and to mark the end of our stay. Again, it was purely voluntary but it was a special moment. We volunteered in August which was still the summer holiday so children were not at school. This means we had daily 3 hour sessions with the kids (10am-1pm). Timings would be different when they are at school. Because it was the summer holiday, there were limited volunteering options in the afternoon so we were generally free by 2pm and went out for a shopping trip in one of the numerous shopping malls, a museum visit, a forest walk or a big lunch. We could have done a bit more volunteering but at that point it wasn’t possible. The staff was very attentive which was good. There were opportunities to do things with other volunteers or to be more independent. We only stayed a week but for volunteers who stay longer, there are opportunities to visit other locations around the country and to stay there for a few days, to find out more about other projects Ucesco is involved with and to do some sightseeing. It was a good experience and I would wholeheartedly recommend Ucesco Africa

A wonderful program with lots of opportunities to improve the lives of kids and communities in Kenya. Hard-working and kind staff who are always open to suggestions and feedback. Definitely coming back ASAP to continue working on some of these projects closest to me. The country and the people are simply wonderful. Thanks, UCESCO for giving me this opportunity, and thanks to all the amazing volunteers I've met and become friends with. Many of my future holidays will consist of visiting Kenya and UCESCO.

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.

Volunteering with this nonprofit organization for two weeks has truly been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. During my time working with the children, youth, and wider community, I came to realize just how blessed and fortunate I am—not because of what I have, but because of the opportunity to give, to connect, and to share meaningful moments with others. As part of our time there, my friend and I had the joy of sharing something very special to us: theater and improvisation. Back home, we work with young people through theater, and it was incredible to bring that passion to the schools we visited. We led theater and improv classes, and seeing the kids and youth fully engaged, laughing, creating, and expressing themselves was truly magical. Through these classes, we wanted to not only spark joy, but also to encourage them to dream big—to discover their passions and pursue the future they imagine for themselves. One particular school left a lasting impression on both of us, and we felt a strong calling to return. We are now planning to come back and start a library project—a space where imagination, learning, and curiosity can continue to grow. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone seeking personal growth, deeper human connection, and a new perspective on life. It will open your eyes, touch your heart, and change the way you see the world. Also, Nairobi is a vibrant and fascinating city to explore! From its rich culture and warm people to its lively streets and breathtaking surroundings, it offers an unforgettable adventure that beautifully complements the volunteering experience. I am filled with gratitude, and I cannot wait to return. #UCESCOAfrica

I participated in the program for two weeks, supporting the women's training center in creating different types of designs. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the training center and am very proud of the progress and the learnings that were exchanged during my stay. Overall, UCESCO is a great organization to be a part of, especially due to the flexibility it offers to take part in different projects and connect with its wonderful people. I was somewhat surprised by some additional expenses I encountered during my stay; Uber rides from the accommodation to the project site seemed to be the only mode of transport, which turned out to be quite expensive. Additionally, be prepared to spend extra money if any particular materials are needed for the ideas you'd like to realize for the project. I didn't find this aspect fair, as I believe it should be included in the initial fee or mentioned in the project description. I discussed this inconvenience with the UCESCO team, and they were very responsive and immediately helpful in finding solutions to ensure that I felt listened to and understood. I highly appreciated their quick response to resolving these issues. I feel confident in recommending an experience with them, as they are constantly working to improve on every project and guarantee a better experience each time. Overall, I highly recommend the organization and its amazing team.#UCESCOAfrica

I joined UCESCO for two weeks to be engaged in Women’s empowerment program in one of the slums in Nairobi. The program takes place at a training center supporting many single mothers start up their small businesses either in tailoring or hair salons. The students are all motivated to gain their better and i independent life in the future. UCESCO staff were very supportive and flexible for my idea and proposal to make my social impact meaningful. They also committed to follow up my program going forward. I truly recommend UCESCO to join and experience enriching stay in Nairobi.

I spent a week in Nairobi working for UCESCO with my 15 years-old daughter. I was especially interested in women empowerment projects. I knew that this experience would have a lasting impact on her young mind, but before I left, I wasn't sure of how much we would be able to help in a short week. The reality is that even in one day, volunteers can make a difference. We come with different perspectives, and conversations with the beneficiaries of the organization are enough to brighten their day and open up their minds. I highly recommend UCESCO as an organization to volunteer with. Their passion is incredible. We always felt safe even in the middle of the slums. Our hearts are now full of emotions and our heads full of ideas to continue to help remotely.

My son Kohshi and I had an amazing experience at #ucescoafrica and in Kibera teaching beauty school students (mostly young single moms) how to start business and elementary school kids how to play origami. Thanks to Kingsley, Edna and our Kenyan mom Joy ❤️. Kibera is known as the largest urban slum in Africa with population of 500k to over 1m living in extreme poverty. While I’m already back in Singapore, Kohshi is staying there for 2 more weeks to help clean beaches in Mombasa and build schools in Samburu. #ilovekenya #ucescoafrica

This was an emotional and eye opening experience. I am very glad I done this even for a short time. The lo oka team made me feel so safe and went above and beyond to cater to our needs . Our home stay was so welcoming .

For sure it would be getting to witness a hunt in the wild, not once but twice by the same Cheetah in the span of 3 days. It brought me face to face with the well known “circle of life”. I dare to say the second hunt was easier to watch, I was more content with the events unfolding. I still struggle to find the words that can capture the magic behind witnessing that. It honestly felt like I went hunting together with that cheetah, like we were partners. Definitely goes in the bucket of once in a lifetime chance and I am forever grateful for this experience.

By living at the College in Kenya, I was able to interact with the Massai students and staff. I felt I was part of the Community. I also learned a lot as a member of the Big Five Research Team. It was a great 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.