Volunteer 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.

Step #1

How does the 4-Step Application Process work?

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Step #1

Just fill-in your info above and click “Start My Application“. You will get access to our preparatory ebook and Application Form.

Step #2

Carefully read the preparatory eBook 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 got into the next round we will arrange a WhatsApp/ Video call with you. We do this to get to know each other better as well as answering any open 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 flights are booked your placement is confirmed.

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 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.

dates

It can take some time to settle in, take on board the cultural differences and learn about our programs. Thus, we recommend volunteering for at least 3 weeks. But you can stay for as long as you wish!

groups

Our volunteer dome home can comfortably accommodate up to 8 volunteers.

This means more people to socialize and travel with, to learn about different cultures, to share ideas and create a unique loving community.

language

School in Kenya is taught in English, which is also widely spoken by the locals.

The local languages are Luo and Swahili and can be learned quickly!

skills

If you are interest and/or have experience in teaching or mentorship, this is the perfect place for you. But anyone with an open mind who is willing to help is welcome! 

Volunteer Activities

Youth Mentorship

One of our core programs creates spaces for youth to express themselves and their hearts, while learning tools to heal relationships, release traumas, move beyond stress and fear and overall create positive change form themselves and their communities.

Volunteers are invited to join the mentorship sessions and share their own experiences and tools with the youth.

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.

Physical Education/ Sports

Every class from 1st to 8th has two 35 minute modules of ‘Physical Education’ per week. The role of the volunteer would be to prepare and lead these sessions.

Teamwork, generosity, sportsmanship, respect, tolerance and self-confidence are just examples of all the skills that kids can easily develop through sports. The kids from Korando don’t have a lot of experience on playing new games, explained and lead by an adult. For this reason, you will have a lot of room to teach them new sports that will challenge them.

The Kenyan curriculum is extensive, therefore the children need many hours of study to learn the subjects covered and pass their exams. Physical Education can be perfect to relax from the pressure of standard classes and learn some out-of-school skills.

We recommend you to create a professional environment with a structure of activities and games. Starting with some easy games as warm ups, yoga exercises, simple songs with choreographies, introducing the children/group to team games while improving their motor skills with any material you can find available; ropes, balls, tires… This is one of the moments of the day the children enjoy the most and creativity is the key.

Computer Literacy

At the Korando Educational Center we have 10 computers available to the pupils and teachers. For most of the kids, including the older ones, this is their first contact with a computer. For that reason, you won’t need a big or professional knowledge about informatics to be able to teach them something new when it comes to using them. Learning how to use the touchpad, how to type or how to organize folders are really basic skills that will be essential in their future.

Some kids already learned how to type by writing letters to former volunteers and how to use the touchpad by drawing in paint or playing the games that some of the computers include. And some of the older ones already started to learn how to make small presentations with Powerpoint, and experiment with Excel as well. The possibilities are endless, and for now, we can just imagine the potential of teaching them a bit of programming or graphic design!

Plus, the teachers would also love to learn more computere skills, so there is lots of room for you to share your skills!

Nursery Class

The volunteer interested in helping with our nursery pupils, will work in close partnership with the nursery teacher. The pupils from the Nursery Class are 3 to 6 years old. They are divided in three levels, baby class, middle class and final class, depending on their age. The three groups share a classroom and teacher until they are 6 years old, when they start with their primary education.

The nursery teacher is doing incredible work, even though the number of kids and their age differences are a big challenge for one person alone. Therefore, the help of a volunteer willing to add value to the classes and innovate, would make a huge difference. With the help of volunteers, the teacher can splitt the class and organize activities adapted to the different ages. Also working with smaller groups and spending some time doing outdoor activities is an invaluable benefit for the children.

Creative Arts

Children at the Centre, from 1st to 8th class, also have two modules of 35 minutes per week dedicated to Creative Arts. Children always expect this lesson with a lot of enthusiasm.

At Better Me, we really believe that creativity is an essential skill to be developed in every human being. The ability to find new solutions relies more on creativity than just on a big amount of theoretical or technical knowledge. Specially here, where the lack of resources is an everyday concern, being able to think of new solutions can be a great advantage for our pupils in the future.

Art can also be a perfect way to develop self confidence, to learn how to express emotions, how to recognize them and deal with them. Art can educate tolerance, respect, multiculturality or equality. Through art, kids express their feelings and thoughts, thus it makes any related conversation much easier. Especially compared to the traditional approach of asking them to express themselves with words.

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.

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

The center was first established in 1997. Its beginnings were humble and it’s 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 it’s 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

Better Me Kenya Sustainable Yellow Dome Home

2016

2020

Volunteer Week

First Day: You will be welcomed by our volunteer coordinator and introduced to the children and local staff. If undertaking the teaching volunteering program, you will be introduced to the different classes and assigned according to both the needs and your preference.

A typical volunteer day from Monday to Friday:

07:15 – 07:45 AM Breakfast
08:00 – 04:00 PM Volunteers join their projects
01:00 – 02:00 PM Lunch break
04:00 – 07:00 PM Free time to relax, play and explore.
07:00 – 08.00 PM Dinner

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 sustainable Dome Home

INCLUDED

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Utilities like Wifi and electricity

INCLUDED
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Contribution towards our Programs

INCLUDED

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Airport pick-up and drop off

INCLUDED
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Transport to Project sites

INCLUDED

Z

Pre-departure and Visa support

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 support

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.

Where does your money go?

~ 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.

Latest from our Volunteer Blog

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

“Mama’s and the local team’s priority is to start a small business and generate some income to face the cost of school fees and the continuous improvement of infrastructure. By the way, the new boys dormitory is great ! There are some ideas and I know I want to help them. 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 Dolphine, the extraordinary woman who runs this amazing educational center, the kids, the teachers, Torsten 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 at the University of Cape town in South Africa were an entirely new and eye-opening experience on their own, my last month, which I had the privilege of spending at the small Korando Education Center located a few kilometers outside 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. 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.”

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 Cheap Trip 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 Delphine 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 the project is still young and you have to be flexible, 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 Cheapimpact 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, mamma 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!”

See you for breakfast in Kenya!

Starting the process only takes a few clicks.
And those few clicks might very well change your life
Make this dream come true and apply today!