Program Types > Volunteer > Social Work

Better Me Kenya Volunteer Experience

Participate in Social Work

➤ What to expect

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.

➤ Main areas of focus

  • Case Work: Engage directly with individuals and families, assessing their needs and offering tailored support to improve their living conditions and overall well-being.

  • Household Visits: Conduct regular visits to households in the community to monitor progress, provide assistance, and identify areas where additional support may be needed.

  • Beneficiaries Support: Offer vital services such as counseling and educational guidance to children and youth in our programs.

  • Family Tracing: Play a key role in reuniting families that have been separated, working alongside local authorities and community leaders to bring families back together.

  • Cultural Exchange & Learning: Gain a deeper understanding of Kenyan culture and the challenges faced by local communities, while sharing your own experiences to foster mutual growth and understanding.

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

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Accommodation in our magical Dome House

INCLUDED

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Wifi and Local Sim Card

INCLUDED

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CCTV and 24/7 Security

INCLUDED

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Contribution towards our Projects

INCLUDED

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Airport Pick-up and Drop off

INCLUDED

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Transport to Project Sites

INCLUDED

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Pre-Departure and Visa Support

INCLUDED

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Orientation and Training

INCLUDED

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Homemade Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

INCLUDED

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Drinking Water, Coffee, Tea, Snacks & Fruits

INCLUDED
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In-Country 24/7 Volunteer Supervision

INCLUDED

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Certificate of Service

INCLUDED

You choose your Volunteer Period

You can stay for as long as you wish!

Choose Your

Volunteer Period

Volunteer Fee

EUR per Week

Total

EUR

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.

FAQs

Why do I need to apply?

Because we work with vulnerable children, we conduct background checks and interview calls before confirming any placements. This process ensures the safety and well-being of those we serve.

What information will you ask for?

Your contact information, which program(s) you’re interested in, what date you wish to start, and some details about your background. Prior experience is not required - Most participants are first timers!

I'm considering multiple programs - what should I do?

No problem! Simply follow the application process. During your interview call, you'll have the chance to discuss which tasks and activities you'd like to participate in during your stay. Our volunteer coordinator will guide you through the process.

Can I make changes later on?

Yes, nothing is fixed until you confirm your placement (Step 4).

Step 1:
Let's Get Started

 Space is limited.
Apply early to ensure availability.

Submit the form to get started.

✔ Access Volunteer Portal
✔ Receive Preparatory eBook
✔ No Commitment

How does the 4-Step Application Process work?

l

Step #1

Fill in your information above and click “Apply Now.” This will give you access to our Volunteer Portal, Preparatory eBook and Application Form.

Step #2

Read the preparatory eBook and complete the Application Form. You'll be able to submit all the details, such as your preferred dates, length of stay and areas of focus.

Step #3

If you move on to the next stage, we will arrange a WhatsApp/Video call to get to know each other better and answer any remaining questions.

Step #4

If your application is successful, we will assist you in finding the best flights. Your spot will be reserved for a limited time and confirmed once your flights are booked.

l

Step #1

Fill in your information above and click “Apply Now.” This will give you access to our Volunteer Portal, Preparatory eBook and Application Form.

Step #2

Read the preparatory eBook and complete the Application Form. You'll be able to submit all the details, such as your preferred dates, length of stay and areas of focus.

Step #3

If you move on to the next stage, we will arrange a WhatsApp/Video call to get to know each other better and answer any remaining questions.

Step #4

If your application is successful, we will assist you in finding the best flights. Your spot will be reserved for a limited time and confirmed once your flights are booked.

FAQs

Why do I need to apply?

Because we work with vulnerable children, we conduct background checks and interview calls before confirming any placements. This process ensures the safety and well-being of those we serve.

What information will you ask for?

Your contact information, which program(s) you’re interested in, what date you wish to start, and some details about your background. Prior experience is not required - Most participants are first timers!

I'm considering multiple programs - what should I do?

No problem! Simply follow the application process. During your interview call, you'll have the chance to discuss which tasks and activities you'd like to participate in during your stay. Our volunteer coordinator will guide you through the process.

Can I make changes later on?

Yes, nothing is fixed until you confirm your placement (Step 4).

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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And those few clicks might very well change your life...
Make this dream come true and apply today!