Street Children Volunteering in Kenya

I enjoyed some of the activites , but not others. The rivre walk and the walk to the koppies was 10/10. No intrenet was challenging , so 7/10. Jane , Precious , Patrick and Lucas were 10/10. I woul recommend this project to anyone who needs a detox from Social media.

New culture, new people, New Life. When we exchange our perspectives, ideas and plans to make a world better place for everyone. It's good to go different places it helps me view life in many directions

Hice 5 años en haiti, me se su idioma, se toda su cultura, me gustaría volver y apoyarlos en todas las dificultades que tienen, ya que ameritan mucha ayuda de todos nosotros, para ellos poder sobrevivir

In the beginning, I wasn’t sure if going to Kenya for a social project was the right decision. But from the very first call with Tom, I felt an instant sense of trust and warmth. I was welcomed with open arms and felt part of something meaningful right away. The experience truly changed my life — whether it was hearing the touching stories of the children, working on the streets, or speaking in schools. Every moment was deeply moving, and I always felt safe, supported, and cared for. I can wholeheartedly recommend this journey.

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🤍

I would really like to volunteer. I am passionate about charity and showing kindness to the world. Please, give me a chance. Kindly provide Certificate of sponsorship too since I'm not able to provide for myself at the moment. Kindly put my request into consideration.

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!

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.

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!

This an increasingly popular way for individuals to make a meaningful impact in communities around the world. With numerous organizations offering volunteer programs, it's essential to review and research these opportunities to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. *Pros:* 1. *Cultural Immersion*: Living and working with local communities provides an immersive cultural experience. 2. *Skill Development*: Volunteers can develop new skills and gain experience in areas such as teaching, conservation, and community development. 3. *Networking Opportunities*: Volunteers can connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. 4. *Personal Growth*: Volunteering abroad can be a transformative experience, fostering personal growth and self-awareness. *Cons:* 1. *Cost*: Many volunteer programs come with a hefty price tag, which can be a barrier for some. 2. *Safety Concerns*: Volunteers may face safety risks, such as health concerns or political instability, depending on the destination. 3. *Cultural Differences*: Adapting to local customs and way of life can be challenging for some volunteers. 4. *Quality of Programs*: Some volunteer programs may lack structure, support, or meaningful work, leading to a disappointing experience. *Recommendations:* 1. *Research Thoroughly*: Investigate the organization, program, and destination to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. 2. *Read Reviews*: Look for reviews from past volunteers to gain insight into the program's quality and challenges. 3. *Choose a Reputable Organization*: Select an organization with a proven track record, transparent policies, and adequate support for volunteers. 4. *Prepare Yourself*: Culturally, emotionally, and physically prepare yourself for the experience to ensure a smooth transition. By being aware of the pros and cons, doing thorough research, and choosing a reputable organization, volunteers can have a safe, rewarding, and life-changing experience abroad.

As a Social worker i often meet with clients to assess their needs, provide counseling, and develop individualized plans to address their challenges. This could involve sessions with individuals, families, or groups.

I had an amazing 3 weeks in Nairobi, Kenya. I went for a volunteering experience working in the slums of Kibera. I was placed at a community outreach center. It was enriching and the best possible way to spend a summer break. I loved the opportunity to not be a tourist, but actually, immerse myself in a culture completely unlike mine. At work, I had a lot of self-direction in what I did, but some of my larger tasks included; researching and drafting a grant proposal, writing a weekly newsletter, overseeing fundraising. I also chose to work with the kids in the Early Childhood Development Center when I had some free time. I was always learning something new at work and felt completely welcomed by the entire staff. I was touched and left in happy tears on my last day of work as the staff gathered to say goodbye and gave me a lovely handwritten letter with notes from everyone at the staff. In my free time I explored Masai Mara with other volunteers, I also visited Mombasa, the Masai markets, surfing. and seeing as many sunsets as possible. All the other volunteers were lovely, it was sad saying bye, but exciting having a network of friends all across the world.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the childcare and welfare project in Nakuru, Kenya. Everyone, volunteers and locals alike, were highly friendly and many locals would attempt to stop on the street to chat with you. The accommodation was basic but suitable. Everyone had their own bed and the food each night was delicious! The tap water was not suitable to drink, which meant that you spend some money on bottled water. The project itself was enlightening, and very worthwhile. Sometimes the work could be hard with the little children, as you would see issues that would be very unlikely to arise in the Germany, but the people /staff made everything worthwhile. The weekends were packed full of tourist-safari trips, and it was very interesting to see the difference between "Locals-Kenya" and "Tourist-Kenya". The project was an amazing and rewarding time of my life, and I made friends with people whom I hope I stay in touch with. The project felt well organized but also was relaxed and enjoyable. Overall, I enjoyed my project and would volunteer with Go Volunteer Africa again in a heartbeat. The staff at GVA, especially Paul was very helpful in making the arrangements.

My family and I want to thank you all at Go Volunteer Africa for the most wonderful experience in Kenya. We will recommend your organization to anyone interested in volunteering and will also consider working with you in the future. You did an excellent job in every aspect and my children loved every bit of the experience. We had some concerns and reservations because of the little children and weren’t sure if they would fit in and love the experience. We really enjoyed working alongside other volunteer families we met. My family will cherish all memories of the people we met and the experiences we had. It was one of the best decisions I ever made for my family. Kenya was amazing, the culture, landscapes, and great hikes all in one trip, and, on top of that, we made several wonderful friends! The local team is doing some amazing work in Nairobi. Thank you so much Paul, for organizing this family trip. You were very responsive to our many questions and gave us useful information.

We had an amazing family experience as volunteers with Go Volunteer Africa in Kenya. We loved the whole experience and we miss the time with the local kids. My wife and I decided to travel with Go Volunteer Africa after reading so many positive reviews from past volunteers. Of course we had a few reservations since this was our first time to travel abroad with our little children 5 & 9. We wanted to visit and explore Kenya but did not want to go as just tourists. While visiting, we wanted to experience the culture and give back if we could. Go Volunteer Africa’s Paul organized everything we were looking for as a family. Cultural immersion, a chance to meet new people and make friends, a great place to stay, and affordable safari deals. This trip was worth every penny! Herbert (the head of in-country staff) is such a wonderful guy and we promised him to leave a positive review because of the fabulous work he does. He was helpful, always a pleasure to be around and he has an amazing touch towards children. Maddie and I cannot thank you enough for such an incredible time. Choosing to travel with you was and still is the best decision that we made last summer and we shall do it again next summer. We highly recommend this organization for family volunteer experiences due to our personal positive experiences with them! They are local, so they know where they need the help. Our kids learned a lot about themselves and the world outside.