Volunteer Orphanage Kenya with Volunteering Solutions

Volunteering with children in an orphanage is the most rewarding experience for volunteers. Volunteers work alongside the existing staff to care for the children in orphanages. The work in a children’s home involves feeding, dressing and keeping the children active within the homes. Other tasks are to clean and tidy the homes as well as cooking.

If you choose to do volunteer work in orphanages, you need to be adaptable, flexible and prepared to face and hear heartbreaking stories of the children's backgrounds. Volunteers will also be assisting local staff and caretakers in daily work to help them run the orphanage in a better way. You can also assist in the office of the orphanage if you think you can contribute to make them more organized and run in a more efficient manner.

Volunteers normally teach the kids, play with them, prepare their daily records, Get involved in preparing their dishes, help in washing their cloth and some administrative work also. They also at time attends meeting on behalf of the orphanage.

There are thousands of children in Kenya who have lost either both or one of their parents due to HIV AIDS.Many orphans are taken by their extended family members and foster parents but some families find it difficult to take care of kids for financial reasons and due to this reason place them in orphanage and children care homes.

In many of the orphanage project placements, the school going children are in the school during the school term in morning hours. During these hours, only the smaller children are at the orphanages and the volunteers are expected to assist in daily chores such as cooking, cleaning and washing during these hours. After the children come back from school during afternoons, volunteers play with them and help them in their studies.

Volunteering Solutions provides orphanage volunteer placements in and around the city of Nairobi as well as its suburban areas. We have a variety of placement options wherein the volunteers lend their support and love for the disadvantaged children. Some orphanage placements are also located in Ngong region.

Program InfoProgram Details Cost & DatesProgram Cost & Dates PhotosProgram Photos FAQ'sCommon Q & A's ReviewsVolunteer Feedbacks

Program Requirements

Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the beginning of the program. Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.

Project Location

Volunteer Projects are located in Nairobi (and its suburbs of Kikuyu, Kibera, Kabete,Kawangware and Riruta) and Ngong.

During your Free Time

On the weekends volunteers can go and visit the different places of interest in Nairobi. The most popular places are Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi Safari Walk, Langata Giraffe Center, The Village Market and Sarit Centre.

You are also recommended to visit the World famous restaurant ‘Carnivore’ in Nairobi . The restaurant is listed among the Top 50 places to eat in the world.

During the weekends volunteers also choose to go on safaris to Masai Mara , Lake Nakuru , Nairobi National Park or Amboseli. Some volunteers also choose to go on hiking trips to Mt Kenya.

What We Provide

Airport Receive/ Transfer: You will be met by our representative at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi from where you are transferred to the accommodations.

Volunteers who will be already in Kenya or arriving overland would need to give us their contact details so that the pickup can be arranged from a specific location.

Orientation: A half day orientation will be provided by our staff in Nairobi. Areas like culture, safety, locations, transportation are covered in the Orientation. After your orientation is over, you will be introduced to your project.

Lodging: Volunteer Accommodations are provided in a volunteer house or in a homestay. The volunteer house is taken care by local host mother and has all the modern amenities available to ensure a comfortable stay for the volunteers. In certain orphanage placements, volunteers are provided accommodation within the orphanage itself. These are mostly in the placements in the NGong region.

Food: Volunteers are provided with 2 meals(Breakfast and Dinner) a day. Typical meals include Ugali, Chapatti, Chai (Tea) , Bread and rice with vegetables and fruits.

Insurance: Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here

Pre-departure information: After we receive full and final payment all participants are provided by a pre-departure information booklet by e-mail which will have all vital information about your program. The Pre Departure Information Booklet provides the complete details of the country, project locations, Visas, immunizations, Things to Pack list, Accommodations, Contact Information etc.

In – Country travel assistance: Volunteers are assisted by the local staff and coordinators for any kind of assistance they need for their travel arrangements. The local staff and coordinators will be happy to assist you in making any Safari tour arrangements.

In-country support: 24 hours support provided by our local staff. You will be provided with the contact details of the local coordinator and staff who will be contactable 24 hrs once you are in country.

Start Date

Volunteers can begin their project placement on any Monday of the month. Volunteers need to arrive one day prior to their program start date.

Program Costs

Volunteering Solutions strives hard to keep costs low and offers one of the most affordable volunteer abroad programs. Compare our prices and services to other organizations and you would be surprised to see the difference.

USD GBP EUR

1 Week	2 Weeks	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	5 Weeks	6 Weeks	7 Weeks	8 Weeks	Extra Weeks
$270	$370	$470	$550	$650	$750	$850	$950	$100

Please Note: -An application fee of $200 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

1 Week	2 Weeks	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	5 Weeks	6 Weeks	7 Weeks	8 Weeks	Extra Weeks
£189	£259	£329	£385	£455	£525	£595	£665	£70

Please Note: -An application fee of £140 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

1 Week	2 Weeks	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	5 Weeks	6 Weeks	7 Weeks	8 Weeks	Extra Weeks
€216	€296	€376	€440	€520	€600	€680	€760	€80

Please Note: -An application fee of €160 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

What are you Paying For ?

24 hrs Assistance and support from Staff
Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
Airport Pickup
Orientation
Food - 2 meals a day
Accommodation
Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)

What's NOT Included ?

Airfare
Return Trip to Airport (Can be arranged at an extra cost)
Local Transportation
Visas
Vaccinations

What are the Program locations in Kenya?

Volunteering Solutions offers programs in Nairobi and its suburbs such as Kikuyu, Riruta, Zambezi and Kawangware. The Masai Teaching placements are located in Kimuka, which is located around 1.5 hours from Nairobi and 40 minutes from NGong town.Volunteers are also provided placement in Dol Dol region which is located in Rift Valley Province of Kenya.Dol Dol is in Laikipia District, Rift Valley Province of Kenya. It 45 minutes from Nanyuki town on a rough road. Nanyuki is 3 hours away from Nairobi on public transport.

Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?

Receiving a tourist visa for tourism purpose is the volunteer's responsibility. Volunteering Solutions strongly recommends all volunteers to apply and get a tourist visa before departing for Kenya, although a visa on arrival could also be obtained at Nairobi Airport. If needed, Volunteering Solutions do provide with written document which would help volunteers in getting the Visa.

When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Kenya?

We are able to offer placements from any Monday of each month year round. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply in advance to secure their spots.

How long does it take to process my application?

Once you have applied, we will send you details of your placement usually within 7-10 working days.

When do I need to arrive in Kenya for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Kenya?

All volunteers need to arrive one day before their program start date. Volunteers are picked up from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by the local coordinator or representative. Those volunteers who are arriving overland or are already in Kenya will be picked up at a meeting point decided beforehand.

How do I get to the program location?

Your country coordinator will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc.

I want to know more about accommodation arrangements?

We provide you with accommodation from your start date to the end of the program. Volunteer Accommodations are provided within a modern volunteer home . The volunteer’s home is taken care by local host mother and has all the modern amenities available to ensure a comfortable stay for the volunteers. In certain cases, volunteers are also accommodated in the orphanage project premises itself. Volunteers working in the Masai project live in Masai manyattas in rural masai lands.The accommodations in Masai project are very basic with no running water and electricity.

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Kenya-based volunteer programs?

The only qualifications are: -

-- Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the beginning of the program

-- Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.

-- The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.

-- Be in good health.

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?

We recommend you speak to your doctor before coming. The following are recommended vaccinations: -

Yellow Fever
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid

Are there more expenses once I arrive in Kenya?

Your program fee covers you for food, accommodation, airport pick up, Orientation, Pre departure information and in country staff support. You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as traveling, telephone, internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. Traveling within Kenya is cheap; however, you should carry around $50 - 75 per week for your basic personal expenses, such as water, local transport, phone etc.

What hours will I volunteer every day?

Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekend off so you can go to travel on weekends. However some organizations will need you to work on some Saturdays as well.

Where can I change my money in Kenya? Are there ATMs in Kenya?

You can change money in any bank or at the airport by showing your passport. Volunteers can exchange money at the currency exchange counters located at the airport. There are ATMs located all around the capital city, Nairobi.The major banks in Kenya are Barclays, Equity Bank, NIC Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank.

Can couples or families join the volunteer program?

Yes, couples and families are welcome to join our programs. We make special provisions for families joining our volunteering programs; we will be able to provide them with program placements and accommodations together.

Do I need to buy health insurance?

Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here

Is it safe to volunteer in Kenya?

Kenya is one of the most popular destinations for tourists and volunteers. We ensure you are placed in safe environment and you will be very well looked after while volunteering in Kenya. The Kenyan people are very warm and friendly towards foreigners.

Volunteers are informed of all the safety precautions which they have to take during their stay in Kenya during the Orientation session as well as in the pre departure information guide. You will have the assistance and support of the in country coordinator in Kenya.

What clothing is appropriate? Any cultural restrictions?

Bring along some comfortable, casual and semi-casual clothing: sweat shirts, shorts, jeans, skirts and any other clothing that you would ordinarily wear. Include warm clothing for nights, especially if you volunteer in July and August. Avoid flashy items.

When out in the community, it is good to follow local etiquette. Female volunteers need to wear pants and/or long skirts. Dressing in Nairobi is quite liberal. However, approach it with cultural sensitivity in mind and you will be fine. Please ask when you are not sure what is and is not appropriate. Footwear can be hiking boots, old sports shoes or open-toed sandals.

Do you recommend any cheap airlines flying into Kenya?

Volunteering Solutions recommends the following airline options for arriving into Nairobi, Kenya :-
--Kenya Airways
--Egypt Airways
--Ethiopian Airways
--Emirates Airways
--KLM
--British Airways

Jacob Custer (USA)

The highlight was getting to interact with the children and learn from them. It was great connecting with the children and being a positive person in their lives for the short time I had. The kids were great !..... read more

Jennifer Major (Canada)

Jennifer Major-Volunteer Orphanage Program

I loved working with the children at the Destined children's home. In the morning I helped in the daily chores and in the afternoons we played - often going to a field to play football...... read more

Steve OBrien (USA)

Volunteering at the orphanage is one of the top three decisions I made in my life. I was overwhelmed by how genuine, respectful and appreciative everyone I encountered was...... read more

Aine Lafferty (Letterkenny,Ireland)

Aine Lafferty-Volunteer Orphanage Program

The pre departure booklet was very good. I loved volunteering in Kenya. The orphanage program was amazing. The kids were wonderful and the staff was very helpful...... read more

The highlight no doubt was working with the children of the school,the nice people here in Kenya especially in the Masai land, the landscape in Masai la...read more Hannah Fredrick Belgium

view more stories →

Kenya - Staff Profile

Joe - Country Director - Kenya Joe has been working with Volunteering Solutions since the company was established in 2007. He holds a Masters in International Economic Law from University of Warwick , United Kingdom. He coordinates all the arrangements for the volunteers in Kenya to ensure their safe and comfortable stay. He holds a considerable personal volunteering experience in both Kenya and UK. He loves travelling to different parts of Africa, playing tennis and swimming.
Meet our team

Name*
Email *
Phone
Query *