Kenya

I am volunteering in Nairobi, Kenya for two months. So far it has been an incredible experience that I would definitely recommend for a person who has traveled before and is understanding and patient towards cultural differences. I did feel that prior to leaving I was given little information, but when I asked questions I was always given an answer in a very timely fashion so I would encourage anyone wanting to come to ask as many questions as they can so as not to have any wrong expectations.
I was warned by friends and family to be safe and to be conscious of Ebola, so to anyone worried about traveling to East Africa I can tell you that there are thousands of miles between Kenya and Ebola and despite walking around in the slums I have yet to feel unsafe. It is wise to be aware of ones surroundings but that is true of any city in the world.
My biggest complaint about Global Crossroads was an issue with invoicing. I received my invoice after I had arrived and when I went to go take money out of an ATM, the machine swallowed my Visa Card and the bank would not return it. It was an upsetting situation though a traveler should be prepared for these kind of things happening and not lose their head. I arranged for a wire transfer of the money but a few days after I had arranged for the transfer another invoice appeared with new figures not on the old one. I would hope that for the future Global Crossroads will provide an invoice and an opportunity to pay that invoice well in advance to the person leaving their home country. It would have been helpful for me to know beforehand how much spending money I would have available as well as for the volunteer to know a figure in which to raise the funds either by themselves or with their community. Personally, I would have put off my departure date so that I could have had more time to work.
I gave support an 8 and not a 10, but I feel that it is more of a cultural difference than a lack of caring. Like I said previously, information wasn't amply provided but no questions were left unanswered, I just had to make sure I asked the correct ones. When I arrived at the airport I was told someone would be waiting for me but had to wait an hour before that person arrived due to traffic. Upon spending more time in Kenya, I realized that time is much less punctual than what I'm used to, if something is to start at 8 expect it to start at 9.
My host family provides a healthy balance between independence and protectiveness. The first time I took a city bus was with a member of my host family, but after that I was to do it by myself. Sometimes someone will accompany me to run errands, sometimes not. I think it is the perfect balance so that I can make Kenya my home but have someone provide an initial tour. I feel very much at home here.
Overall, I would recommend this program to someone who has traveled before because it can be a cultural shock if you've never experienced another culture before. And I would also recommend it to someone who is level headed and fairly easy going. Global Crossroads has helped make this experience possible, but the volunteer should make the most out of every experience as well! When the two work together it is impossible not to have an amazing time.

I enjoyed a two month stay at Havilla Children's Center in Kibera Slum. Kenya is an incredible country with a great deal to offer. I arrived at the airport and was picked up by my host, Barnabas Matua, the director of Havilla Children's Center. I was a bit nervous before the trip, but it soon diminished when I knew I would be able to trust my host family. Barnabas lives in the Olympic District of Kibera Slum. His home is extremely comfortable and has everything you need to make food, shower and of course comfortable sleeping situations. We arrived on a Saturday, so we went to church with Barnabas and his family the following day. I am not the most religious person, but his church was extremely welcoming and the music was fabulous. I began teaching at Havilla that Monday and this is what also ensured that I would have a great stay in Kibera. The Staff at Havilla is unbelievable!! Donmatilla is the "principal" of the school, as well as a teacher of 1st class. She will have you introduce yourself to the school in the court yard (94 children) and then she brings you into the office to meet the rest of the teachers. Everyone is extremely nice and you have the option of what class you want to teach in and it is okay to change classes after a few days. Teachers are, Tyson, 2nd class teacher who is amazing at his job. Millar, Barnabas's wife and teacher at the school. She is extremely caring and will go extra lengths to ensure your comfy and involved with the school. Lydia and Esther are the baby class teachers and love when volunteers make copy's for the kids to color. REAL FUN! Winnie is another teacher who teacher's a pre school type class and she is fun loving and willing to joke around which made me feel more at ease. I would totally recommend going to Havilla Children's Center because the Kid's are awesome, the teachers are awesome and Barnabas created an environment for me to learn, teach and travel around Kenya during the weekend's. I love Havilla and I will return some day in the Future!

I am a sixth year medical student, and I did my elective at Coast Province General Hospital in Mombasa, Kenya. I found it an incredible experience, and Kenya is an amazing place to visit. I would recommend Elective International to anyone wanting to visit Africa on elective.

I travelled alone to Kenya and was really looked after by everyone involved. I was so pleased with how smoothly everything went. Everything from the airport, placement at the hospital, accommodation arrangements, and travel arrangements were made for me. I really appreciate how much effort was put into ensuring I had the best possible experience in Kenya!

This is my second times to visit Kenya thru the EI. I did lots of travelling and got to see most of Kenya. The people here are so friendly, and the country is so beautiful. I can’t wait to come back again! I am so glad I chose Kenya as an elective destination. This was such an out of the world experience. It surpassed any experienced I had ever imagined, and the hands-on experiences were unforgettable. It was an eye opener and an amazing opportunity to see interesting medicine, meet amazing people and do some travelling around a fascinating country. Elective International had a lot to do with making this experience so enjoyable. I had such a fulfilling experience, and I thank Elective International for making every aspect of my program memorable.

Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you for helping to organize a fantastic trip to Kenya! It was an unforgettable trip and I really enjoyed it!

Thank you so much! :)

This was my second time volunteering with Nakuru Hope. The last time I was here was September 2013 for 5 weeks. I loved it so much that I had to come back as soon as I could. So here I am again for the second time, this time for 4 weeks.
I heard about the organization through a lady back home who had been here before. She told me all about it and how the money goes directly towards the organization. I'd never even travelled before and so my mother was very worried with a lot of questions. Susan was there every step of the way helping out so much with everything and responding very quickly to our emails. It's great to have someone so caring and understanding being there to help you get everything together. I didn't get to meet Susan the first time I came but she was here this time and I'm so happy I got to meet her. She's so loving and lots of fun to be around. She definitely knows how to put a smile on everyone's face and has the biggest heart in the world doing what she does.
The volunteers now stay directly beside the school and the setup is awesome. We have a big kitchen, living room, bunk beds and two bathrooms and showers. The housekeeper, Lucy, is so sweet and does amazing cooking for us. It's really nice being with other volunteers from around the world too, experiencing it all with them.
There are so many things to be done around here that you're always kept busy as a volunteer and helping wherever needed. Not only do you get to help the teachers in the classrooms but we also do home visits about twice a week and clean houses aswell. We go with Christopher (who is in charge of everything here when Susan isn't here) and get things in town like school supplies and other necessities.
It's really amazing to me coming here and actually bringing the money that I fundraised from home and actually buying things for those in need. You know exactly how your money is being spent and that's the way it should be. A lot of other organizations that I've researched are so expensive and the money you give them is not going towards the kids or anything.
The staff here is amazing overall. Everyone is super friendly and welcoming so it's not hard to fit in.
I came back to this organization for a reason and both times I've brought friends with me who also loved it a lot. This will not be my last time here either as I plan on coming back next year aswell.

After contacting Havilla Children's Centre about volunteering there, I soon had my flights booked and began fundraising ready for my trip. I chose to go to Havilla due to their support and the information they provided when I first contacted them when deciding where to volunteer.
The school is based in Kibera Slums where all the children and staff live. I went over for 4 weeks and lived with Barnabas, the director, his wife, a teacher at the school and their family. On arrival I was made to feel very welcome and everyone was very friendly and understanding when I was a little homesick in my first few days.
I was soon in the school meeting all the teachers and children, they were also extremely welcoming and very appreciative of any work I would do. The children loved all the volunteers from the second we entered the school. I assisted in lessons, taught circle times and sports and assisted with cleaning and cooking.
They were also very keen for us to go out and see the sights and safari's and helped organise the trips for weekends when the school was closed.
My four weeks spent in Kenya has to be the best time of my life, it was eye opening to see how different cultures live, learn and work and the teachers at the school are inspirational and I have found life long friends in them all.
Most importantly whilst I was there I felt safe, welcomed and most importantly a member of the family and part of the community feel.
I was appointed as a trustee of the school and I continue to support their work, and will most certainly be returning very soon.

I went through Volunteering Solutions to volunteer at an orphanage in Kenya. I had never volunteered overseas before so I wanted to find out as much information as possible before I left. Once I signed up and paid, I received the PreDeparture booklet which contained much of the information I needed to know; however, I still had many questions. I e-mailed the support person for this program and though at first it took some time to get a response, as time drew closer to my trip I got very timely answers that were helpful.
Once I arrived in country I was met at the airport by the program coordinator who drove me to my placement. I was met at the volunteer house by a group of amazing people who were anxious to welcome me into the house, and immediately invited me to go out for dinner with them. Our house mom could be quiet at times (and actually we had 2 different ones while I was there) but both would always be friendly if you had any questions or concerns. You have to think that even though you are in a country that is totally new to you, they are in a house full of new people that they have to watch after all the time- this would be a very exhausting job.
I enjoyed my placement as well and though there were some issues we had to deal with at times, it was very worth it to get to know the kids and feel like you were making a difference.
Overall, I had a great experience. Volunteering solutions was very helpful in making this first volunteer trip overseas a memorable and enjoyable one. Yes there are always going to be things that happen that aren't ideal, but it's all what you make of it. I was in a house full of awesome volunteers which made all the difference. Everyone has their own opinion of things, but after reading the previous reviews I almost canceled my trip through Vol. Sol. I'm so glad I didn't though, it was a great experience that I will remember for the rest of my life! :)

My name is Mary Stuart Wannamaker. I am a 22 year old from Charlotte, NC who lives in Madrid, Spain studying international relations, political science and foreign languages for my Bachelor’s degree. Yet, this summer, I am happily living in Nakuru, Kenya with the International Humanity Foundation family as a Work-Study Volunteer for 2 months (just shy of 9 weeks). Knowing that I am interested in a career goal concerning international development, human rights, and NGO organizations, when I heard back from IHF Kenya, it was an opportunity I could not pass as a summer internship. Upon my arrival to Nakuru, I was loved and greeted by many kids home from school on a Sunday and a handful of my co-workers. It was a great start to what is a great summer – or should I say winter as I am now in the Southern Hemisphere? I knew that Kenya deals with famine going into it, as each IHF center (centers are also found in Thailand and Indonesia) declares a focus on the particular issue within its country. Yet, I have learned much more of all the work that the center embodies since my arrival. As many of the children are from a Kenyan region known as East Pokot, a handful of our IHF team recently traveled out to the homeland for a famine feed, and from this, I was truly able to better understand what famine conditions exist with valuable second-hand stories as I stayed behind with the kids (yet, I hope to embark on a similar trip as well in the future to the communities so special to IHF Kenya). Though food is semi-plentiful in Kenya’s fourth largest city, still at the center, we depend on generous sponsorships to continuously feed the children through the weeks and send them to school with everything they need. Thus, play-time and study-time with the children is equally important during one’s time at the center to guarantee and maintain their fortune as happy, healthy, and loved by continuously focusing the attention on them, the reason why I, and all of us, are here in Nakuru. Though, as a work-study volunteer, I am involved less in all of the obligatory local tasks and more with the online international work to maintain volunteers and directors in all of the centers (including Thailand and Indonesia), I find that my time with the kids, helping around the center’s farm, and aiding as well as building relationships with our local ladies who help and cook and clean are all equally important in not only making a difference, but becoming a part of the Kenyan family. Though I seek to be involved in large-scale global issues regarding human rights and development, the personal connections between persons-to-persons and grass-roots movements are where real change begins for the individual when it comes to an improved and fair lifestyle, and I am very thankful to IHF Kenya for granting me the opportunity to embrace all aspects of local and international work, learn the ins-and-outs of how an international NGO runs, and continue to grow more loved ones around the world with an improved sense of cultural competency and leadership as well. I know already, that IHF Kenya is not only allowing me to love and learn from the Kenyan children and community, but it is also shaping me for great work in the future.

I initially chose IVHQ to volunteer with as they were the cheapest company around for the length of the programme. I also liked that half of my programme fees would be going directly to the African charity I would be working for and not into IVHQ admin. All my emails to the company were responded to with 24 hours and they even put me in touch with other volunteers going out at the same time.
In 2008 I spent 3 months in Kenya working in an orphanage; this was the best time of my life, the charity in Nairobi NVS, I would be working under were so welcoming, caring and friendly. They checked in on us every day and we were made very welcome in their offices and their own homes. They took us to a lot of local areas and introduced us to local cultures and life. Any extra activity we wanted to go on such as safari/ Mombasa trip/giraffe safari/Kenyan zoo, they helped arrange all the activities and for a very reasonable price. They put all the volunteers’ in touch with one another and made plenty of opportunities to meet up and socialise. NVS staff were available 24/7 and never seemed to have a day off. If there was anything you wanted to do whilst in the country they would make sure it happened for you. IF you wanted to change your programme schedule mid trip they would make sure that this would happen, so in effect you can get more than 1 experience for very little if any extra costs. They took us out to their Masaii programme and arranged regular trips out there for volunteers who wanted to experience living in the ‘outback’.
Whilst out in Africa, I came across a group of street boys that we helped put into an orphanage and the charity helped me to set up a sponsorship programme for these boys to get them through school, this programme is running and the boys are doing really well. This could not have been achieved without the hard work of this company, they went above and beyond to help us volunteers out and we cannot fault them.
I can’t fault NVS or IVHQ, the staff were absolutely lovely. Dan Radcliffe, the head of IVHQ also came out to Kenya whilst I was there and he met up with all his volunteers and all the programmes to check everything was running all ok.
If I could relive those 3 months over and over I would! Absolutely brilliant experience and one I would strongly recommend.
5* Experience all around!!

My experience in Kenya, Orphanage Program, and associated Outreach Programs, was amazing. I travelled to Kenya, alone, and stayed through Nov, Dec 2011. I cannot speak more highly, nor recommend this program more generously than I do. The locals, the children you share your time with, and other volunteers make this experience one that will always be in your heart. The people, the land, the memories will be with you 24/7.

I went to Kenya in December 2013 and had the time of my life. The staff with their partner organization, NVS, were professional and helpful throughout our time volunteering. My husband and I felt safe the entire trip and truly enjoyed the activities that were available. While we were stationed with an orphanage that we loved, we still had the opportunity to engage others in other activities such as outreach weekend, the Maasai walkabout, and even a safari through NVS partners. The staff were terrific at responding to any questions or needs and became like family away from home. Their level of professionalism was excellent and we give them so much credit considering they manage so many people from so many different countries, including some who have never traveled before and have the first time travel concerns. The projects and placements are very well organized! Some things are beyond their control such as the congested traffic downtown (which some try to blame them for) but everything was terrific! We look forward to returning to this particular country with IVHQ and NVS as their partner. The work and experience has been the most meaningful to us, as well as the new family we have! THANK YOU NVS for all you do your community and the volunteers! We love you!