Volunteer in Kenya
FOOTBALL
Transform Your Life While Making A Difference
Coach Football to Youth
➤ What to expect
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. Whether you’re assisting with beginners or more advanced players, you’ll support training sessions that promote both athletic growth and personal development.
In addition to coaching at Nyalenda, there are opportunities to work with kids in other communities and at the Korando School, allowing you to expand your impact. You’ll also have the chance to collaborate on creating fun, engaging drills and organizing friendly matches, building strong connections with the kids through a shared love of the game.
➤ Main areas of focus
- Collaborate with Local Coaches: Work alongside the Nyalenda Young Stars’ coach to guide youth in improving their football skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
- Coach at Multiple Locations: In addition to Nyalenda, you’ll have the chance to coach kids at other local communities and the Korando School.
- Develop Training Sessions: Assist in creating engaging drills and exercises that enhance player skills, from beginners to more advanced levels.
- Organize Friendly Matches: Help coordinate friendly matches and mini-tournaments to give players opportunities to showcase their skills.
- Mentor and Inspire: Build strong relationships with players, offering guidance, encouragement, and support both on and off the field.
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!!!”
Location: Kenya
➤ Where is the program based?
The Better Me Volunteer Experience takes place at the Korando Educational Centre, located just 20 km from Kenya's third-largest city, Kisumu. The city sits on the shores of Lake Victoria in the west, near 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 House
All volunteers live together at the Better Me Kenya HQ, located on the secure premises of the Korando Educational Center in our comfortable Volunteer Dome House. This unique building was constructed in 2015 with over 10 000 locally made clay bricks, assembled by local craftsman, spearheaded by its originator, Torsten Kremser. [Read our story...]
Torsten designed the house as an inspiring "Symbol of Hope" to bring support for the children of Korando. His vision succeeded when global architecture magazines and media featured the project, kickstarting the one-of-a-kind volunteer experience we get to offer you today.
➤ Features
- Communal Area: A spacious 5m-high dome, designed for socializing, relaxing, and engaging with the children, fostering community connection.
- Open Kitchen: A fully equipped circular kitchen that allows for shared cooking experiences and interaction.
- Large Skylights: Provides ample natural light and ventilation, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.
- Spherical Walls: Literally feels like you live inside a giant ball!
- En-suite Showers: Offers convenience with attached showers to the bedrooms.
- Solar Heated Water: Eco-friendly solar heating provides hot water, reducing energy consumption.
- Grey Water System: Utilizes grey water to nourish the surrounding garden, promoting sustainability.
- Hobbit Entrance Door: Adds a charming, whimsical touch to the entrance, enhancing the dome's unique character.
- Sunset Rooftop: Two rooftops provide ample space to relax, socialize and enjoy both sunrise and sunset.
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 magical Dome House
INCLUDED
Wifi and Local Sim Card
INCLUDED
CCTV and 24/7 Security
INCLUDED
Contribution towards our Projects
INCLUDED
Airport Pick-up and Drop off
INCLUDED
Transport to Project Sites
INCLUDED
Pre-Departure and Visa Support
INCLUDED
Orientation and Training
INCLUDED
Homemade Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
INCLUDED
Drinking Water, Coffee, Tea, Snacks & Fruits
In-Country 24/7 Volunteer Supervision
INCLUDED
Certificate of Service
INCLUDED
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.
dates
To fully embrace the local culture and our programs, we recommend volunteering for at least three weeks. However, you’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like!
groups
Our volunteer dome house accommodates up to 12 volunteers, providing plenty of opportunities to socialize, travel together, and build lifelong friendships!
language
English is widely spoken by all our beneficiaries.
In addition, it's fun to learn a few words of the local languages Luo and Swahili!
skills
Regardless of your skills or experience, our team will meet you where you are and equip you with invaluable skills and experiences that make a real difference!
Start Your Life-Changing Volunteer Journey Today
Don't wait. Space is limited!
We recommend you apply at least 6 month in advance.
Read what former volunteers say
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.”
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.”
Martina Scuka
Finance, Italy
“I simply feel part of the Korando family and I have experienced and share it’s values. Close to me I have my orange booklet with lots of notes. I’m sure I will start writing stories. I do not want to forget this great experience!”
Leticia Prada
Teacher, Spain
“Since the first day we arrived to Kisumu I have felt like home. Mama Dolfine, the extraordinary woman who runs the amazing Korando Educational Centre, the kids, the teachers, the team and the other volunteers welcomed us warmly with songs and dancing. It was one of the sweetest moments we have ever experienced. We were so excited and happy that we didn't know what to do! I couldn't believe we were already there. My dream had become true!”
Justin Cole
Student, United States
“While the first five months studying abroad were an entirely new and eye-opening experience on their own, my last month, which I had the privilege of spending with Better Me, located near Kenya’s third largest city, Kisumu, profoundly affected me in ways I could never have foreseen.”
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. 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.”
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 Better Me 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 team, 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 Torsten 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 real difference. You will sure have an unforgetable experience here!”
Freda WanSun
Student, China
“I feel that my soul and my heart grew a lot in Africa. They say it’s the experiences you had that define you, not your material possessions. The volunteer experience in Africa with Better Me is one of those, and I really cherish it.”
Pablo Penin
Police officer, 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 Torsten 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!”
See you for breakfast in Kenya!
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