Staff Interview with Samambo Johannes Ingosi

What inspired you to join Better Me, and what keeps you motivated?

The desire to make a difference. Better Me gave me a chance to work directly with communities, particularly children and families who need support. Seeing tangible changes in people’s lives gives me a real sense of purpose. What keeps me going is knowing that our work contributes to lasting change in my community.

Can you share a moment from your work that has stayed with you?

Yes, Joshua’s* story. Shortly after the COVID pandemic, someone from his community referred him to us. I visited his family at home to understand his situation and assess what support he needed. He struggled to hold objects, could barely stand and had difficulty moving independently.

Together with my colleague Kelvin, we explored what support could help him. We supported him through the necessary assessments, found him a child sponsor and helped him enroll at a special-needs school in Kisumu. I have stayed closely involved in his progress ever since.

Today, he is in Grade 1. He can walk, hold a pen, interact with others and participate in lessons. Seeing how much has changed for him means a lot to me.

But what has stayed with me most is his younger sister. She had taken on a lot of responsibility for him. On the day we took Joshua* to school, I could see the happiness on her face.

She kept saying just one thing: “Thank you.”

That moment showed me how the right support for one child can also change life for a whole family. Joshua gained access to the care and education he needed. His sister gained more space to simply be a child and focus on her own schooling.

Whenever I think about Joshua’s* journey, I know: This is why I am here. This is why I do this work.

*child’s name changed to protect his privacy

How do your different roles contribute to Better Me’s mission?

Our mission is to ensure that every child in western Kenya has the chance to shape their own future. As a social worker, I work directly with children and families to understand their challenges and help them access support. As safeguarding officer, I help make sure children are safe, listened to and treated with dignity.

I also coordinate our programs and lead the team, bringing that understanding into how we plan and deliver our work. We listen to young people, parents and community leaders so that our education, sports, life skills and mentorship programs respond to what they need.

What does a typical day look like for you?

My days are quite dynamic. Some days, I’m in the office coordinating the team, planning activities or working on reports. On others, I’m out in the community, facilitating mentorship sessions or visiting families at home to offer support and guidance. The balance changes depending on what the team and the people we work with need.

What makes Better Me special to you?

The people and what brings us together. Our team, volunteers and supporters really care about the children and families here. We see ourselves as one big Better Me family. Together, we support the children’s education, mental health and personal development because all these things are connected.

Every day I see what that support makes possible.

How do you support volunteers, and what do you hope they take home?

We offer workshops, guidance and regular check-ins to help volunteers learn and feel supported. We make space for open conversations, where they can ask questions and share challenges or successes in a safe environment.

I have seen first-hand that they leave with more confidence, new friendships and a stronger sense of community. I hope they take what they’ve learned into their own lives and communities.

What does ethical volunteering mean to you?

It starts with listening. The people who live in a community understand their needs, and their voices should guide the work. Volunteers need to respect that knowledge, understand their role and consider how their actions affect others.

As a safeguarding officer, I also believe children’s safety and dignity must come first. Meaningful partnerships grow through trust, clear responsibilities and shared goals.

What advice would you give someone coming to volunteer with Better Me?

Come with an open mind and take time to prepare. Learn about the place, its customs and some of the language. Even a few words can help you connect with people.

Be ready to learn and accept that some experiences will challenge you. Don’t plan every detail. Leave room for the unexpected. Stay curious, patient and adaptable, and take time to enjoy the people and moments along the way.

 What are your hopes for Better Me’s future?

I hope we can reach more children and families while strengthening the support we already offer. That means listening to our communities, building stronger partnerships and helping our staff and volunteers keep learning.

My greatest hope is to see the young people we work with gain the confidence and opportunities to shape their own futures.