Program Types > Volunteer > Well-Being
Facilitate Wellness Sessions
➤ What to expect
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.
➤ Main areas of focus
- Lead Yoga and Outdoor Activities: Guide children, youth, and community members through yoga sessions and outdoor games to promote physical health and rejuvenation.
- Organize Chapati Festivals: Create joyful community events where everyone comes together to have fun and enjoy chapati, fostering social connections.
- Facilitate Emotional Wellness: Provide emotional support, alongside our team, for first responders from the Red Cross, Kisumu Fire Department, and other staff, helping them decompress and rejuvenate.
- Team Building Sessions: Organize team-building days that encourage collaboration, trust, and unity for the Korando teachers and other organizations staff.
- Develop Holistic Wellness Programs: Support the planning of activities that blend physical, emotional, and social well-being to create a balanced experience for all.
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.
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?
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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