I worked for 3 weeks at Gabriel Learning Centre, which was founded two years ago by an Australian woman of great vision and spirit. Volunteers may help doing everything from kitchen work at the Centre to building latrines in the Kaptembwa slums of Nakuru, but as I am a teacher, I spent my days teaching basic reading and math to the "nursery" age children and conversational English to the adults who were learning to sew. Gabriel's staff carefully chooses its adult students, who learn tailoring (on a treadle machine) and business skills so that they may later support themselves and their families. The program is run through Susan Saleeba's rigorous fund-raising back home in Australia, and under the careful on-site direction of Christopher Makokha. Volunteers are encouraged to do what they do best--whether they prefer working with the adults (sewing and embroidery experience are sought-after), or the children (ages 3-7). Christopher says we must "go with the strength that we have."
Many of the other ELI volunteers chose to work at the hospital, but came to the Centre to be with the children in the afternoons, and to help support the families in the slum. Last year, one American volunteer raised money and sent (by new volunteers) four iBooks to the Centre. I used these to teach English vocabulary and beginning computer skills to the adults; the possibilities are endless if you are a computer adept.
Your time at Gabriel's will be rewarding and appreciated. Rosemary Njenga Wangui is the volunteer coordinator and will guard you like a bulldog (her real dog is also great!). All of the staff are sympathetic and kind-hearted. Boundless energy is not necessary; compassion and open-mindedness are better tools to carry. Those, and picture books for the children if you're going. The children also need chalk, white boards, dry erase markers, pencils, erasers, and sturdy composition books (there are twenty children currently and about 75 adults).
Go. You will make a difference to many, including yourself.

I volunteered in the emergency room of the public hospital (as an EMT) for 5 weeks and took a Spanish immersion course for 4 weeks. The emergency room work was very challenging and probably not for the squeemish. Working with Sarah and Oliver Ehlers of A Broader View on the logistical aspects of my time in Honduras was a pleasure and I found them to be responsive and efficient. My host family was accommodating and friendly. The volunteer program - like many of the programs out there I suspect - depends on what you, as the volunteer, make of it. If I could afford to spend my life volunteering I would and I wouldn't hesitate to volunteer again through A Broader View.

Unlike my peers, I had not traveled all over the world. This was my first abroad trip and it was amazing. The two guys that pickied me up at the airport were kind and spoke great english. I stayed overnight at a hostel in Guadalajara. There I met three of my peers that would be going to the turtle camp. The staff was fun and took us out to eat at an Outback Steakhouse! I thought it was hilarious that my first night in a foreign country we went American!
The next day we set out early for Tecoman. The bus ride was approx 5 hours but the scenery was great. When we got to the camp after stopping in town, i was blown away by the ocean and the two Black turtles. I affectionatly dubbed them Gimpy and Peaches. Even though they only provided lunch there was stuff for dinner and breakfast. Even though the showers were saltwater, no one was really trying to bathe everyday anyway. :)
I absolutly got what I paid for. Everyone on staff was funny and personable. One favorite past time is to get together and play Volleyball. They are nice even if you do suck. lol.
I would recommend anybody travel through Projects Abroad, especially parents worried about their 17 year old girl traveling alone. This was absolutly an experience I will never forget!