Volunteer
with Children in Kenya
Transform Your Life While Making A Difference
OUTSIDE
THE BOX
EXPERIENCE
to become a Better Me
Do you dream of
➤ traveling to Africa,
➤ experiencing a new culture
➤ and making a real difference in the world?
Then look no further.
Our volunteer program is tailor-made for open-minded individuals who are eager to expand their horizons, challenge common misconceptions and gain invaluable knowledge, skills & real-world experiences.
At our core, we believe in the transformative power of volunteerism to create positive change in ourselves, others, and the world. Our programs are designed to inspire and accelerate inner growth, helping volunteers develop new skills, gain cultural understanding, express their talents and create lifelong memories.
We know that each of us holds the power to start a ripple effect of change by growing ourselves first and then sharing that growth with others. That’s why we’re creating supportive and empowering environments where volunteers can learn, share, explore and thrive.
Come join us!
A Better World starts with a Better Me.
Danielle Fahey
Student, United States
“Better Me is an amazing organization! Torsten is so helpful and the Korando Educational Center is incredible; extremely welcoming and caring people all around. This project changed my life and I cannot wait to go back!!!”
The Volunteer Program
➤ Whom we are looking for
At Better Me, we believe that everyone has something to contribute – no matter their background or expertise. Whether you’re a high-school graduate, a teacher, social worker, child psychologist, coach, athlete, or just someone with a passion for learning and growth, you can be an invaluable asset to our programs.
But even if you don’t fit into any of these categories, don’t let that stop you. Our programs are designed to be inclusive and welcoming, and we believe that education and mentorship can take many different forms. As long as you’re open-minded and willing to follow the lead of our local team, you can add value and make a meaningful impact.
➤ Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
We believe that the most powerful way to learn and grow is through hands-on experiences and mentorship. By joining our volunteer programs, you’ll have the opportunity to work with children in Kenya and make a lasting impact on their lives.
But this isn’t just about helping others – it’s also about challenging yourself to step outside your comfort zone and expand your own horizons. Our non-formal teaching methods and focus on personal growth and cultural exchange will push you to grow and develop in ways you never thought possible. Our past volunteers have returned home with new skills and perspectives, lifelong friends, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Popular Volunteer Activities
Tutor English, Creative Arts, Music, ICT, PE & Swimming
You’ll have the opportunity to tutor a variety of topics including English, Creative Arts, Music, Computer skills, Swimming, and Physical Education as part of extracurricular activities at Korando, Kisumu Children Remand Home and the Mobile Library in the Nyalenda Slums.
Whether you’re helping children improve their language skills, sparking their creativity, or encouraging physical activity. You’ll work with different age groups, from young children to youth, and have the chance to bring your own creative ideas while gaining hands-on experience.
Coach Football to Youth in the Slums
You’ll coach football for the Nyalenda Young Stars, a club founded by two former Better Me volunteers for the children and youth of the Kisumu Nyalenda slums.
Working alongside the team’s coach, you’ll help guide players in developing their skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Additionally there are opportunities to work with kids in other communities and at the Korando School, allowing you to expand your impact. Whether you’re assisting with beginners or more advanced players, you’ll support training sessions that promote both athletic growth and personal development.
Facilitate Life Skils Sessions in High-Schools
You’ll use a curated library of life skills training materials to deliver interactive sessions at local schools and institutions. From small group workshops to full-school presentations with over 500 children, you’ll teach vital topics like communication, stress management, problem-solving, self-confidence and much more. You’ll also have the freedom to curate your own topics and materials in collaboration with your supervisor.
Along the way, you’ll gain valuable experience in public speaking, classroom management, and cross-cultural engagement, all while making a lasting impact on the students’ lives.
Other Activities
Fun fact! We tailor your volunteer experience to your interests. Mix and match any activities to shape your own unique program.
Baby Care at Mama Ngina
Every week, our volunteers support Mama Ngina, a government children’s home caring for many infants. With staff stretched thin, their extra hands make a real difference.
They feed, hold, comfort, and play with the babies—giving caregivers a break and the little ones the attention they deserve.
It’s tender, meaningful work that leaves everyone a little lighter.
Nursery Class at Korando
Volunteers working with our nursery pupils partner closely with the nursery teacher. The children are 3–6 years old and grouped into baby, middle, and final class, all sharing one classroom and teacher until they start primary school at age six.
With so many children and mixed ages, one teacher faces a big challenge. A volunteer’s support makes a huge difference—helping split the class into smaller groups, adapt activities to different ages, and add outdoor learning. This extra attention is invaluable for the children’s growth and learning.
Participate in Social Work
Volunteers can expect to participate in case work, conduct household visits, and provide crucial support to beneficiaries, including managing bursary programs for students in need. Additionally, volunteers assist in family tracing efforts, helping reunite families and strengthen community ties.
This hands-on experience not only supports vulnerable populations but also fosters personal growth and development for volunteers, creating lasting positive change for all involved.
Facilitate Wellness Sessions
You’ll facilitate health and wellness sessions designed to promote physical and emotional well-being. From leading yoga classes or outdoor games for children and youth at the Kisumu Children’s Remand Home and Korando Educational Centre, to organizing Chapati Festivals that uplift children and youth in institutions, you’ll help to create engaging activities that nurture both body and mind.
Additionally, you’ll support the emotional wellness of first responders from the Red Cross, Kisumu Fire Department, and other local organizations, offering them a safe space to decompress and rejuvenate.
Woman Empowerment
Together with our local partner organizations you can contribute to programs that are specifically designed to educate, uplift and inspire woman of all ages.
The progams also allow for you to bring your own ideas and or organize your own workshops. Let us know if you have something special to share.
Countless Ideas/ Your Own Project
We are very keen on any new idea that can add value to the children in our programs, the teachers, our partner organizations and ourselves. Having in mind the length of your stay and the possibilities of others volunteers to continue with the activity, we invite you to propose anything innovative, educational and fun.
In the past volunteers organized cooking, sports and music lessons, little adventures into the surrounding nature, a visit to the Kisumu museum, work in the garden, a special lesson about nature or about your country, an art exhibition related to any subject of your interest and much more. You get the idea!
Also experience in fundraising, building, environmental protection, health care, financial sustainability and more is welcomed.
Location: Kenya
➤ Where is the program based?
The Better Me Volunteer Experience is situated at the Korando Educational Centre, just 20 km outside Kisumu. It is the third biggest city in Kenya and situated on the shores of lake Victoria, in the West of the country, close to the border with Uganda.
➤ How do I travel to Kisumu?
Kisumu has its own international airport, just 15 minutes from our project site.
For volunteers from Europe we are recommending a direct flight with KLM / Kenyan Airways from Amsterdam to Nairobi and a short connection flight with Kenyan Airways to Kisumu. Our team is happy to assist you in finding the best airfares from anywhere in the world.
Country: Kenya
Capital: Nairobi
Population: 43.18 million
Official languages: Swahili and English
Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Time zone: UTC+03:00
Kenya enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the country.
Home is where Your Heart is
➤ The Volunteer Dome Home
Volunteers all live on the premises of the Korando Educational Center in our comfortable Volunteer Dome Home. The building was designed as a symbol of hope and has been constructed with local materials assembled by local craftsman. You can read our story here.
Two of the domes are split into two bedrooms and a shared bathroom each, while the central dome accommodates the spacious social and chill area, where we host celebrations, workshops and all kinds of activities. The smallest dome is a 360-degree open kitchen and the ablutions are in the castle-like tower, with a rooftop balcony on top.
Grey water from the kitchen and bathrooms is used to irrigate the surrounding food forest (bring organic soap!), water is solar-heated, and all of the home’s LED lights are highly efficient and energy-saving. And strategically placed large windows combined with skylights ensure optimum natural light and ventilation.
➤ The Korando Educational Center (Our Home)
The center was first established in 1997. Its beginnings were humble and its journey long. Today it is responsible for the care and education of 300+ children who otherwise couldn’t afford basics in life. In 2019 the center received support to open its first permantent 6-class school building and in 2020 new dormitories were added. The focus is only toward the best education with the means available. With no help from the government, the center survives from agriculture, donations and the strength of its creator: Mama Dolfine.
2012
2016
2016
2020
A Typical Weekday
Imagine waking up in the colorful dome house, the morning air is crisp, filled with promise, and the first rays of sun filter through the trees, casting a golden light onto the skylight. Outside, you hear the cheerful voices of kids starting their day at the Korando Educational Centre.
8 AM – Breakfast
You step out to join the other volunteers and our team for breakfast, where the conversation flows easily over warm tea and fresh fruit.
9 AM – Project Work with Lunch Break
After breakfast, the real adventure begins where you’ll join your chosen projects.
4 PM – Free Time
By the afternoon, you’re back, unwinding with fellow volunteers, maybe playing soccer with the kids or sharing stories from the day.
7 PM – Dinner
As the sun sets, a delicious dinner is served, and the day wraps up with laughter, bonding, and a sense of purpose.
Note: This schedule is flexible and varies depending on the needs of the projects and volunteers.
Volunteer Weekends
During the weekends, you have free time to relax or take the opportunity to explore Kisumu, wider Kenya and Eastern Africa.
The Lake Victoria is at our door step, as well as the Impala Park where some of the big five can be seen. Also Kakamega Rainforest, Kenyas last remaining rainforest and Mt. Elgon National Park are within 2-3 hours drive.
Long weekends can be taken to travel further afield (i.e. Mombasa, Uganda or Tanzania), or to embark on a safari (i.e. Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru) with the tea farms on the way offering perfect cultural breaks.
You can also initialize workshops or excursions with the kids, the staff or the wider community, or just spend time with us and the children, play football, volleyball and so on.
Our program is transparent and all inclusive
Accommodation in our sustainable Dome Home
INCLUDED
Utilities like Wifi and electricity
Contribution towards our Programs
INCLUDED
Airport pick-up and drop off
Transport to Project sites
INCLUDED
Pre-departure and Visa support
Homemade Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
INCLUDED
Drinking Water, Coffee, Tea, Snacks & Fruits
In-country 24/7 volunteer support
You choose your Volunteer Period
You can stay for as long as you wish!
Choose YourVolunteer Period |
Volunteer FeeEUR per Week |
TotalEUR |
2 Weeks |
485 |
970 |
3 Weeks |
408 |
1224 |
4 Weeks |
335 |
1340 |
5 Weeks |
321 |
1605 |
6 Weeks |
314 |
1884 |
7 Weeks |
308 |
2159 |
8 Weeks |
290 |
2320 |
9-12 Weeks |
275 per week |
|
13 Weeks + |
248 per week |
Better Me e.V. is a registered non-profit organization.
All proceeds are used to implement our charitable purpose.
How we use the Volunteer Fee
~ 58%
directly contributes to our programs.
Some examples: School fees, school materials, social work, infrastructure, maintenance and so on.
~ 38%
goes directly to cover your upkeep and volunteer coordination.
This includes food supplies, transport, salaries and all utility costs.
~ 4%
is used for administrative purposes.
This includes paper work, money transfers and so on.
58% Program Support
Some examples: School fees, school materials, social work, infrastructure, maintenance and so on.
38% Volunteer Upkeep
This includes programs coordination, food supplies, transport, salaries and all utility costs.
4% Administrative
This includes compliance, transfer fees and so on.
Volunteer Reviews
Malea H.
Switzerland
“Volunteering with Better Me was a truly life-changing experience. The local team was professional, supportive, and deeply committed to their mission. From day one, I felt welcomed and guided, while still having the freedom to contribute meaningfully. The projects were well-structured and impactful, focusing on the needs of the community rather than quick fixes. I especially valued the emphasis on teamwork and the respectful collaboration with local staff, which made the work sustainable and authentic. Beyond the project, the organization provided excellent support with logistics, cultural integration, and opportunities to explore the country. I always felt safe, cared for, and part of something bigger. I would highly recommend Better Me to anyone seeking not only to give, but also to learn, grow, and connect across cultures.”
Davide Casavecchia
Builder, Italy
“Even when the day was wearisome, because there is always something to do, in the evening, when you sit around the table with everyone, you feel happy. And it’s amazing to share this experience with those other extraordinary volunteers, which don’t hold back on anything, even helping me with my English just like those 2 wonderful women, Tania and Georgia, are doing.”
Tess E.
Student, United States
“My experience with Better Me has been life changing. I have gone the past two summers and plan to continue returning because of how incredible it is. The people you meet here are so kind and supportive. The children are so beautiful and I am inspired by their courage. If you love working with children and traveling… THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO!!!! My favorite part of the whole experience is those little moments you have where you just feel so connected to the kids. Reading, swimming, and painting with them are just a few of the many ways that I developed such close bonds with the children here.”
Angela Frial
Teacher, Spain
“Without any doubt, “Korando Educational Center” has changed my life forever. I will never be the same after my experience there. August 2015 has been and always will be a before and after in my life. I went to Kisumu with the idea of helping, teaching, and giving the children as much as I can, and I came back to Madrid with more things learnt than I taught. I have been a student of the subject of life. I would never have thought that someone can learn that much in only 4 weeks.”
Mareile Thies
Scientist, Germany
“I recommend everyone to try what I’ve been doing – it is fantastic! Teaching the Children in the Korando Educational Center is an experience that I will cherish forever.”
Georgia Bagnell
Student, Australia
“At first I found it odd that Torsten and Simon only responded to Torsty or Simmy (haha). But looking past that, my 4 weeks at Korando was the best experience. From the moment you wake up your day is filled with love, happiness and of course a little bit of chaos (the good kind). The friendships and memories I have because of Korando are ones I’ll cherish forever.
If you’re tossing up your decision between Better Me and other projects, I’d definitely recommend Better Me! You will get a real insight into the ‘African culture’ and the friendships and relationships you build with Mama, the teachers, the children and other volunteers will inspire you in many ways. Missing you all, love Cho Cho.”
Celeste Botha
Team Manager, South Africa
“Had the most wonderful time here. I felt home immediately, and the love received felt unconditional. Mama Dolfine is one amazing woman and I was inspired by her story and words of wisdom. So proud of Toto and the volunteers for helping her achieve her dream of helping the community. Would visit again in a heart beat!”
Nicky Gabriels
Student, Belgium
“Amazing project with great, inspiring people and unbelievably sweet and respectful children. It’s a small organisation, which means that your personal contribution will make a difference. Although this is Africa and you have to be flexible, you will sure have an unforgetable experience here!”
Pablo Penin
Student, Spain
“I hadn’t gone and i was missing them already. I had one of the best experience in my life with the children, mama Dolfine and my friend Toto who is doing an amazing labour there! Everyone was so nice with me that now i have a piece of Africa in my heart forever! Miss you all!”
Elisa Eb.
Germany
“My time in Kenya was truly unforgettable. Caro and I came to Kenya with curiosity and a desire to work with children, and we leave the country with hearts full of memories and gratitude. From teaching and organizing activities to laughing with the children during swimming lessons, every day brought new experiences and emotions. The warm welcome from the team, the energy of the children, and the meaningful conversations we had will remain with us forever.”
Natanja K.
Switzerland
“In the beginning, I wasn’t sure if going to Kenya for a social project was the right decision. But from the very first call with Tom, I felt an instant sense of trust and warmth. I was welcomed with open arms and felt part of something meaningful right away. The experience truly changed my life, whether it was hearing the touching stories of the children, working on the streets, or speaking in schools. Every moment was deeply moving, and I always felt safe, supported, and cared for. I can wholeheartedly recommend this journey. ”
Start your Application
Space is limited.
We recommend you apply at least 6 month in advance.
Step 1 | Fill the form below:
How does the 4-Step Application Process work?
Step #1
Enter your info above and click “Apply Now“. You will get access to our Preparatory Ebook, Volunteer Portal and Application Form.
Step #2
Carefully read the eBook, watch the Orientation Course and fill out the Application Form. You will be able to submit all the details such as dates, length of stay, area of focus etc.
Step #3
Once you get into the next round we will arrange a WhatsApp/ Video call with you. We do this to get to know each other better and to answer any questions.
Step #4
If your application was successful, we will assist you to find the best flights. Your spot will be reserved for a limited time and only when your Volunteer Fee is paid your placement is confirmed.