Kenya

I traveled to Nakuru last summer for a medical internship. Kenya is an amazing country with beautiful sites, people, and culture. The accomodations were outstanding. My host family and the in country coordinator are among the nicest, most caring people i've ever met. The house had hot and cold water, TV, my own room, breakfast and dinner every day,etc. We visted national parks on weekends, went white water rafting, fed giraffes, and much more. The ELI program was an excellent choice for me and my experience could not have been any better. As far as the medical part goes, I saw and participated in things that I've never seen here. I helped deliver babies, helped stitch injured patients, administered shots, and helped fix and cast broken bones (and i have no formal medical experience). The medical issues they face there are obviously different than from where I'm from (America), and it was really interesting to see the differences in medical treatment.

I spent a total of four weeks volunteering on two separate projects in Kenya; two weeks in Shimoni doing wildlife surveys followed by two weeks teaching primary school in Mombasa. It was a truly memorable experience, allowing me to see a totally different world while at the same time providing me with the opportunity to make a small ...but valuable contribution.

Working daily in the Shimoni forest for two weeks was incredible; a must for lovers of nature and the great outdoors. I can say without a doubt that the work GVI is doing in Shimoni - in partnership with the local organisations - is truly important for the preservation of the forests unqite biodiversity. The residents of Shimoni are also unfailingly kind and friendly, making for a great place to spend a couple of weeks.

Teaching at Olive's and Precious in Mombasa offered similarly unique and enjoyable experiences. Managing a huge class (45!) of 12 year-olds was certainly a challenge - even for two teachers - but the students were genuinely interested in learning and lots of fun. Again, the contribution being made by GVI to both the facilities and the curriculum at these schools cannot be overstated.

The GVI staff were without fault; and perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of the trip was meeting and working with the other volunteers from across the globe. In the short time that I spent in Kenya I made many good friends with whom I hope I can meet again on future travels.

While the projects are certainly challenging - both physically and mentally - this didn't mean that it was all work and no play. Weekends generally allowed us the opportunity to head off on our own travels for a couple of days; be it on safari to Shimba Hills or Tsavo, or to Diani for a weekend on the beach. Beginning a longer trip with such a project is also a great way to meet people to continue travelling with after you finish.

All-in-all it was an awesome experience; and I can't wait to do it all again!

I've been a GVN Volunteer in Kenya on and off since 2006 and I would strongly recommend the program. GVN doesn't actually run the local NGO's and projects, they simply place the volunteers.

I just returned from my third trip to Kenya where I am continually involved in my project and VICDA (Volunteer International Community Development Africa) the local organization I work with when I'm there. In my collective 10 months of volunteering I've seen many volunteers of all type come through this amazing program and I'm 100% convinced that your volunteer experience is what you make of it. People who come with no expectations or secret motives to change the way in which foreign business is run are the ones who have the best experience. People who come and already think that they way things are done in their projects are wrong and that they can do them better are the ones that have a negative experience.

Don't expect to go into your project and change the culture and traditions of the people running it, that's not only naive but rude. Go with an open mind and accept the fact that you aren't going to change big things. Focus, in stead, on the people you wish to help, not on the way the organization is run.

There's a reason GVN subcontracts LOCAL organizations. It's because they understand the way things are in that specific area. VICDA is Kenyan run and comprised of all Kenyans. Their business methods wouldn't necessarily stand up in the US or other western countries, but they don't need to. It's Kenyans helping Kenyans, doing things the Kenyan way.

To read more about my positive experience with VICDA through GVN, please feel free to visit my blog, safarijenn.blogspot.com

For the last couple of years I have been the Kenya in-country coordinator for Global Crossroad. I wish to sincerely thank them for the trust, the opportunity to serve and the huge responsibility of coordinating that they entrusted to me on the ground.
I am no longer with them, and I am now gladly coordinating volunteer programs on the grassroots with a local organization, Internkenya (.com)
With all due respect, I wish to appeal to Global Crossroad to refrain using past volunteer testimonies or feedbacks posted on their websites and which bear my name (Ian) or that of my wife (Edith) since doing so may allege to be the definite position while in fact it isn’t.
I advice anyone planning to cross the borders to go change lives, to try and get in touch with the projects or organizations on the ground. This will guarantee you peace of mind, self-fulfillment and a memorable experience.
“What people hear they forget, what they see they remember, what they do they understand.” - Confucius

Thank you for lending me this platform.

Ian Nganga (internkenya@gmail.com)

For the last couple of years I have been the Kenya in-country coordinator for Rustic Volunteer & Travel. I wish to sincerely thank them for the trust, the opportunity to serve and the huge responsibility of coordinating that they entrusted to me on the ground.

I am no longer with them, and I am now gladly coordinating volunteer programs on the grassroots with a local organization, internkenya (.com)

With all due respect, I wish to appeal to Rustic Volunteer to refrain from using past volunteer testimonies or feedbacks posted on their website which bear my name (Ian) or that of my wife (Edith). However, I appreciate the positive remarks by the gracious volunteers, but I feel it is very important to update the site to avoid misrepresentation of facts on the ground.

I advice anyone planning to cross the borders to go change lives, to try and get in touch with the projects or organizations on the ground. This will guarantee you peace of mind, self-fulfillment and a memorable experience.

“What people hear they forget, what they see they remember, what they do they understand.” - Confucius

Ian (internkenya@gmail.com)

Spent 3 weeks working with ivhq in nairobi. Best experience of my life and still upset at having left over 4 weeks later. The country and children i worked with really tugs at the heart strings. already planning my next trip back there in 2012 hopefully. had an amazing host family with grace and her two little ones and james from fadhili ensured we were always happy. cannot speak highly enough of the kenyan people. highly recommend as a destination.

My host family was great and I got unbelievable experience in the hospital. I was led to believe that I would be shadowing a doctor at the hospital, which was not the case, but I still got a ton out of the experience. I was also under the impression based on ELI's website that I would get a formal orientation upon my arrival; this did not happen, I just got a tour of the town. Overall, it was an amazing and unforgettable experience.

My time in Kenya has taught me some very valuable life lessons and I have returned home with a different perspective on life. There are so many people in this world that are less fortunate yet somehow they wake up everyday with a smile on their face and a heart full of kindness and optimism. I know my contributions have helped improve many lives and that is a feeling that is indescribable. I am confident that this has truly been the most valuable life lesson I will ever endure and I will forever hold a very special place for Kenyans in my heart.

Spent 2 weeks in Mahandakini Village, Kenya, Africa July 2010 with Global Vision International (GVI). Outside of having my daughter, it was the single most life-changing event of my life. Gave a new perspective on life, sense of global community that I never knew existed before and completely changed my perspective on what is important in life and how small projects like building a workshop can have an immediate and significant imapct on a community like Mahandakini.
Only downside was the transition back to corporate america after experiencing something that changed my perspective so drastically. Would have liked to have a longer debrief at the end of the project that addressed how to re-assimilate back into our lives back home while also carrying forth any lessons we may have learned.
Overall a tremendous experience!! Would recommend GVI to anyone looking for a great volunteer experience!!

A Broader View provided a very valuable service. My desire was to experience the culture of Africa, and the ability to live with a family while doing volunteer work was an exceptional opportunity. There was ample flexibility while I was there to work as little, or as much, as one wanted. One suggestion that I do have is that someone considering volunteer work come up with a definite plan as to what they would like to contribute. Do not plan to go there and say "What do you want me to do?" You could end up with a lot of spare time on your hands. Find out what is really needed directly from where you want to volunteer, and evaluate how you can help fulfill that need. And forget the generic "teaching English". They have plenty of teachers to do that. You will find you have much to contribute. I was fortunate to be able to do some construction while I was there. A word to the young volunteers. While I was in Africa, I had the opportunity to meet some exceptional young people with a genuine wish to give to the people. I also met those who, apparently, were using the "volunteering in Africa" as an excuse to get mom and dad to pay for a trip to party. If you want to underage drink or get high, there are much safer places to do it than Africa. At some point, you will become a burden to your host who has plenty to handle already.