Kenya

What an unforgettable experience in Kenya. The week I spent at teaching program was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. The teacher and children made me feel so welcome and appreciated and I felt I got to see the authentic side of Kenya, not the picture perfect postcard side. I’d definitely recommend this experience. I will hold it close to my heart forever.

Volunteering abroad ethically, has been an aspiration for my wife and I and we took a chance after a ton of research. Unfortunately we didn't get what we paid for in IFRE's Kenya placement with Boundless Loves, which didn't match their online description of Cultural Conservation. On top of that, communication issues, cost overrun and lack of direction made us leave our project early.

IFRE didn't communicate costs well, and the money we paid for our program placement didn't have a portion go to the project there as the IFRE website claimed. Boundless Loves’ projects didn't have a lead or any actual projects for us to join, and we had to create our own. They put us in front of cute children, trying to make us feel sorry for them so that we would donate more, and “coordinators” were constantly asking for more money. For any project we wanted to start, we had to make our own plans, fund and direct help for them--which from everything we've read is not very helpful because we're simply forcing our biased fixes that may not fit the local needs or culture. Without leadership or proper oversight, and not receiving useful information, we were left bewildered, frustrated, and unable to help in a meaningful, long-term way.

Finally, IFRE or known as Global Crossroads in EU isn't a volunteer organization, they're a volunteer placement group, so if you can connect with a group on the ground, you can save $300+ per person. Additionally, extra services come at a premium, for example our safari cost twice the going rate in Kenya with no difference in experience for the other safari goers who paid half the cost.

I have just recently returned from doing three and a half weeks at Nakuru Hope in Kenya.
What a privilege and joy it was to be involved in such a wonderful and inclusive program.
I met Susan and Christopher in May2017 but I had heard about their work prior to this. I new once meeting and talking to them that I really wanted to go and visit and within two months I was on my way.
I was not at all nervous or frightened about going on my own because Susan had maintained steady contact with me all throughout helping me with getting organised with vaccinations flight bookings setting up my accommodation on arrival drivers to collect me from airport and my accommodation helping me get my visa online.
There was nothing she wouldn't do for me and always responded promptly to my messages.
My driver Paul collected me promptly helped with all my luggage and we were off first via the Giraffe Park and Elephant Orphanage then on to Nakuru.
Being from moderate rural Australia I'm quite used to quiet roads open spaces and the like, and moderate living most people I know have two cars a house a couple of children pets medical care on demand and so on, nothing can honestly prepare you for seeing just how many people are here, the living conditions they endure the poverty the complete lack of efficient medical care and lack of Government assistance and intervention unless there is money for the government of course!
So to see this amazing orphanage and school rise up out of the slums is truly Amazing! to know that this has been achieved by a passionate lady who will not give up and her wonderful Director who helps to guide and maintain a steady course along the way is simply inspirational.
The home stay is lovely fresh and clean dormitory style and very affordable.
Lucy the house keeper keeps it clean and tidy and serves up a wonderful African menu for dinner.
It is fantastic to be able to participate in some of the classes with the children.
They do maintain a proper educational program here so our involvement within the classes is monitored and in the best interests of the children.
I spent a lot of my time helping Lydia in the kitchen truly one of the most demanding roles there and she completes her work load happy everyday and it was a pleasure to assist her.
I also went to the farm and picked cabbages and planted kale.
I met Clara the cow who will be having a calf soon and then be able to provide the school with milk.
The farm is absolutely amazing the produce they grow is simply outstanding all by hand lots of sweat and backbreaking work and constant discussion on how things can be improved, I sincerely hope they are able to secure another parcel of land to assist them with their goals of trying to feed more people and care for more children.
I also spent time on home visits. Whilst this is a major shock to see it's also where I got a lot of satisfaction assisting those who desperately need a help up not a hand out.
A wonderful service offered by the foundation that not only helps look after the orphans that come their way but the wider community as well. Everything they do they have given a great deal of thought to how they can best help, is this sustainable can we get them work can we assist in other ways. Simply amazing and so thoughtful and wise.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and I'm planning a return visit in 2018.I think its extraordinary what has been achieved so far and I sincerely hope they receive some financial support to achieve the next Phase.
Volunteering what an amazing thing to do you go in feeling like you are giving the gift of your time and knowledge but you come away receiving so much more.
Many thanks Nakuru Hope for your time, inclusion and constant consideration for me and my well being my tears of sadness when I said goodbye will turn to tears of joy when I return. Asante sana Rennae Martin

My experience in Kenya is one I will certainly never forget. From the outstanding staff, to making friends from all over the world; seeing elephants and giraffes, to helping improve the living conditions for less fortunate people, this experience opened my eyes to a whole new world. During my four weeks in Kenya, I stayed at a beautiful home with a welcoming family. The kids in the house kept me on my toes, and the adults provided authentic Kenyan meals.

When I wasn't at home, I was spending an average of 6 hours a day at a school called The Fountains. There, I was working alongside a teacher to help 2-4 year olds learn English. This, being my first real experience as a teacher, helped me to build up my confidence being in front of a class. I learned how different schools work in Africa, and was able to give suggestions based on what I have learned in college as an Education major.

To be honest, I was quite nervous going into this experience. I have never really left the country before, so this was a big step for me. My mother was even more worried, but those nerves got put to rest when I told her how outstanding the staff was. There are four main coordinators in Nanyuki, Kenya, and they all exceeded my expectations. This experience wouldn't have been nearly as great without their hard work, dedication, kindness, and perseverance. They were constantly catering to our needs, and making sure we had the best experience possible. They organized medical outreaches, a day to teach a kindergarden in the slums how to properly wash their hands and brush their teeth, a soccer day with an orphanage, a renovation day, and much more. We even ended up getting so close that all of the volunteers and volunteer coordinators went to dinner before we all had to leave. Overall, I would highly reccommend this experience, and push for you to choose Kenya as your destination!

Traveling overseas for the first time by yourself can be a very overwhelming scary experience. The Projects Abroad staff helped make my pre-departure, arrival, time in Kenya and departure as smooth as possible. The staff opened me with welcoming arms and made sure that each day I was in Kenya was a positive experience for me. They constantly checked in on me and made sure that I was happy in my placement, happy with my host family and happy with the overall experience. I was not 100% happy with my first care placement so they helped find me a placement where I found my true calling. I would not have made it through my time in Kenya without them!

Also with the support of my host family, I had the most amazing experience in Kenya. My host family was so caring and loving which helped make me feel even more comfortable with them. They always had breakfast, lunch and dinner ready for me. They always asked about how my day was and listened to all of my stories, just like my own parents would have. They asked questions and helped me understand why some of the people do what they do in Kenya. When I left I truly felt like their home was mine and they were my own family. They were incredible.

The other volunteers I met in Kenya soon became close friends. They helped make my time in Kenya even more memorable. We constantly shared adventures and stories and helped push each other to reach our goals.

Projects Abroad helped make my life time dream come true.

I volunteered for 2 weeks in Kibera town, Nairobi. My project is a medical and health project working in a clinic. A lot of volunteers may be confused who will pick you up and where you stay. The coordinator from Kenya which is my host is a responsible person. He will contact you before the project started to make sure you have everything set and ready, and he is always ready to help you if there is any questions regarding the project and the country. Kenya is truly safe when you are with the local. Then the host will arrange accommodation and transport for your project unless you have special request.

Throughout my volunteer week, I really learnt a lot from the doctor and manage to see the malaria and TB cases from patients. I also experienced to do a public screening for students in the school. In the meantime, I have visited a few primary schools in this town to see their environment of study. The school will be recommended by the host for visit. These schools definitely need some support in term of foods, books and stationaries. From this 2 weeks, I have seen the culture and people living in Kibera town which is different from the Nairobi city center. This place is mainly populated by the poor living people called slum. This is something could open your eye when you have seen the reality on how these people living as compared to your home .Moreover, you could really interact with the local, tasting the local foods and learn a few Swahili words. Everyone is really friendly in this town that I really had a hard time to say goodbye to my host family and my project team.

There are also a few other projects offered in Kenya. I have seen other volunteers teaching in the school either in Nairobi or in the Machakos county. Some were doing cultural exchange in Masai mara and wildlife conversation in national parks. I was lucky that I could spend my weekend in Mitaboni, Machakos county where my host used to lived there. This is an unexplored village where you really can live in nature and livestocks. All and all I really had an amazing time in Nairobi and Mitaboni.

In terms of cost, personally I would think that the registration fee is too high for usd300. The program fee is still reasonable as stated in the website. Other expenses you might consider to cover is your phone data, cost for tour to national parks and spend on some snacks you might miss from home.