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Volunteer Teaching in Kenya

Volunteer teaching program in Kenya is an opportunity to teach to the children of undeserved communities, directly engage with locals and meet passionate volunteers from across the globe.

Kenya

country

1-24 Weeks

duration

from $350

price

17 years+

min age

Highlights

Volunteer to teach English to the children of underserved communities of Kenya and assist local teachers as well
This is a great opportunity to bring the families out of the vicious circle of poverty as English is a professionally rewarding language to be learnt
Get a chance to directly engage with locals and meet passionate volunteers from across the globe
Volunteers work on weekdays and weekends are free to explore the country

Volunteers joining the Teaching Volunteer Program in Kenya assist with the teaching of different subjects in Kenyan elementary and high schools. Volunteer teachers can assist with subjects such as mathematics, science, geography, social studies, history, business education, English, art, and music.

Please note that Kenyan school holidays occur in April, August, and from late November to the end of December. No teaching will be available during these times. Instead, volunteers will be placed in childcare and youth programs.

In this program, volunteers teach the classes on their own or assist the current staff and teachers.Volunteering in the Teaching program would give the volunteers an invaluable work experience of working overseas on a Teaching placement.

A majority of our volunteers work in primary school placements in the suburban areas of the capital city of Nairobi.

Sample Placement Profile – Kanjeru Primary
Kanjeru Primary School is a public school which is located in Kabete constituency of Kiambu County in suburban Nairobi. It was started in 1954 as a community informal school with mud structures and grew to a fully registered school in 1962. It occupies 9 acres of land and has 16 permanent classrooms, ablution, block, a hall and an administrative block.

The current enrolment of the school is more than 850 pupils which consist of around 790 pupils in primary, 56 in special education and 79 in early childhood development education.

The school has classes from pre primary to grade 9.The school follows the approved curriculum by the Ministry of Education and all the teaching staff in the primary school are qualified and are employed by the Teachers Service Commission.

Want to see other ways to make an impact? Check out our Volunteer in Africa programs.

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Volunteer teachers are a precious resource and always welcome. Usually volunteers work alongside the staff English teachers, or even lead the classes in improving the pronunciation and conversational skills. Volunteers are welcome to bring in their own ideas to the classroom as well to make it more engaging and fun to study. A typical list of tasks of volunteer working for the Teaching program in Kenya includes;

Preparing lesson plans (if possible)
Assisting teachers in conducting classes for children
Helping with general work which comes up (Reception, translations)
Preparing tests
Helping in improving the vocabulary of the students
Implementation of new ideas and teaching methods (if possible)

Volunteers can also get involved in teaching other activities such as art, music or physical education depending on the participants interest and skill level. After consultation with the school management, you can impart valuable life skills such as first aid training to the students as well.

Requirements & eligibility

Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the time of joining the project. Participants should have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. Volunteers need to be flexible, open-minded and have a passion for working with children. You should also be proactive and have the ability to take initiative All volunteers must provide a clean criminal background check report prior to joining the program. A parental consent form shall be required for Under 18 participants joining the program.

Volunteer work schedule

A typical day

Volunteering Solutions provide accommodation in Nairobi at a volunteer house. The schedule for the volunteers remains as follows;

Sunday – Arrival at the program destination
Monday – Orientation + introduction to the placement (commute + local staff + kids +places to eat etc.). An orientation session will be conducted by the local coordinator, covering topic areas; such as safety, culture, language, places to visit, food, and other suggestion over things to do in Kenya
Tuesday to Fri – Volunteer work
Breakfast – 07:30 am onwards (self made by volunteers at the accommodation)
Leave for the project – 08:00 am
Working hours at the placement – 09:00 to 03:00 pm
Lunch – 01:00 pm to 02:00 pm (volunteers need to manage lunch on their own. Timings can vary depending on school timetable)
Dinner – 07:30 pm onwards (provided at the accommodation)

The same volunteer work schedule continues from the second week onwards

Weekends – Free to explore the city, and do activities such as;

Visit the elephant orphanage, giraffe center, Mamba village
Visit the local markets and buy souvenirs
Go for a safari
Spend time at Karura forest in the city

For those inclined to travel further away for fun activities, one can go biking to Hell’s Gate National Park in Naivasha (1.5 hours from the accommodation), climb Mt. Longonot (1.5 hours from the accommodation), or visit Thompson Falls (3 hours from the accommodation).One could also go to Mombasa and experience sandy beaches on the weekends.

Note: Please note, the schedule may vary depending on the particular project the volunteer is participating on.

Gallery

Life on the programme

Living

Accommodation & meals

Airport Transfer
Volunteers are picked up from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi 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 in Nairobi decided beforehand.Nairobi is a major hub for airlines in East Africa and has good international flight connections.

Accommodation
Volunteers in Nairobi are provided accommodation in the Lower Kabete area.The area is located around 20-25 minutes from Westlands and Parklands area which is famous for good restaurants and shopping areas. The CBD (Central Business District) is around 30 minutes away by car.

Volunteers stay in a gated apartment complex in which we use 4-5 different apartments for volunteers. The volunteer apartments are located on different floors such as the ground floor,third floor and fifth floor. The rooms in the apartments are shared rooms with usually four participants sharing one room with two bunk beds. There are some private units also available in the apartment complex for any volunteer interested in having a private room.

Some of the facilities available are hot showers, microwave, induction top, refrigerator and WiFi internet. There is no air conditioning in the apartments as it is not required in Nairobi as such.

Volunteers purchase their bottled water on their own. It can be purchased easily from the local market at walking distance from the apartment complex.

For Laundry, volunteers usually hand wash their clothes or alternatively give clothes to a Laundromat located not far from the volunteer accommodation at walking distance.

Orientation
An orientation about your program will be provided by the local coordinator in Nairobi. Areas like culture, safety, locations, project, transportation and weekend trips are covered in the orientation. During the orientation day, the coordinator will also give you information about the nearest market, help you in getting money exchanged and get a local sim card from the market.

Meals
Volunteers are provided with 2 meals(Breakfast and Dinner) on weekdays and three meals during the weekends. For Breakfast volunteers are given supplies such as Bread, Eggs, Butter/Margarine Spread, Fruits, Tea and Coffee. Volunteers need to cook breakfast on their own.

Lunch is not provided/ included in your fee and volunteers usually take a packed sandwich or fruits to the placement or have food at/ near the project.

For Dinner, food is cooked by the caretaker and cook at house and meals generally include dishes like Lentils, Mandezi, Chapatis, Spaghetti, Pilao, Chips, Githeri (Maize and Beans) and Fruits. In case you are allergic to any particular item or have a particular requirement feel free to inform the coordinators.

Volunteers also purchase supplies from the supermarkets and take with them packed food cooked on their own to the project.

Local Transportation
Volunteers prefer to use mostly Uber or Bolt for their commute to the projects and local malls and places of interest in Nairobi.

During your Free Time
The majority of the volunteers go on safari trips on the weekends.Volunteers usually take the two days or the extended three-day safari. While in Nairobi you can explore the different places of interest in the city. The city has so much to offer and there are a lot of places to see and explore during free time. Places like Masai market,Bomas of Kenya, Giraffe centre and Karura Forest are visited by volunteers during free time and weekends.

Volunteers are also free to plan quick getaways and explore Kenya. We also arrange programs for groups in safari to Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park and Lake Nakuru National Park or the Nairobi National Park. The costs for weekend trips are extra.

Dates

Start dates

Weekly start dates, year-round — pick any week across the next two years.

AvailableFilling fastFully booked

Costs

Program fees by duration Currency

A one-off application fee ($249 / £179 / €229 / AU$350) is charged in addition to the program fee — valid for one year, during which you may enrol in multiple programs. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit-card payments in USD or AUD.

Duration	Program fee
1 week	$350
2 weeks	$480
3 weeks	$610
4 weeks	$740
5 weeks	$870
6 weeks	$1,000
7 weeks	$1,130
8 weeks	$1,260
Each additional week	+$150 / week

Indicative conversion — your booking is charged in the currency you choose at checkout.

✓ What you're 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)
Certificate of Participation(On Request)

Not included

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

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to buy health insurance?

Yes, for all volunteers it is mandatory to have a travel medical insurance. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider. To view more about the insurance offered by Volunteering Solutions, click here

When should I apply for a volunteer program in Kenya?

As we have limited spots available in our programs and we follow the first come first serve basis, it is recommended that potential volunteers book their programs well in advance to get confirmed placements. You can book your slot by filling the application form online and pay the application fee. You can pay your program fee later and also, in installments, however, the complete payment should be made 45 days prior the start of the program. If you are volunteering in a group, you can also fill a group application form.

How long does it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted?

After you complete your application, your personalized ‘My Account’ will be active.You will need to upload your CV/Resume along with your photo in the same. Our backend team and the placement site takes around 10-12 days to review your application. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and booking confirmation is updated in your ‘My Account’. Some projects need a mandatory criminal background check and the same is mentioned in the project info of your program. Approval of your application depends on your qualification and eligibility criteria for each project.

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

The necessary requirements to participate in the Nairobi, Kenya volunteer projects are as follows:-

All programs have a minimum age for volunteers joining independently. Depending on the program selected, the minimum age is either 17 or 18. For some programs it is possible for volunteers to join below this age if volunteering alongside a parent or guardian.

Volunteers must be in good health, and need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment, and should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.Volunteers need to provide a clean criminal background check before joining the program.

Can I volunteer as part of a group?

We encourage our participants to volunteer in a group. We take special care in providing you a placement and also customize your itinerary to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Also, we can design special group programs for groups of 5 or more. Our programs are designed to be safe, affordable and offer a great group volunteering experience to the volunteers.
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In our experience of more than 12+ years we have enabled and facilitated volunteer program placements for college groups, university groups, high school groups, group of families, group of couples as well as groups of colleagues.
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Kenya is one of our popular destination among student groups and is highly recommended for family volunteering as well.

Can I know more about the Program location in Kenya?

Volunteering Solutions offers programs in Nairobi and its suburban areas. Nairobi, the vibrant capital of Kenya, is a dynamic city where modern urban life meets rich wildlife and cultural heritage. Known as the “Green City in the Sun,” Nairobi blends bustling markets, contemporary shopping districts, and lively nightlife with wide-open natural landscapes. One of its most unique features is the Nairobi National Park, located just outside the city center, where lions, giraffes, and rhinos roam against the backdrop of skyscrapers. The city also offers meaningful cultural experiences at places like the Karen Blixen Museum, the Nairobi National Museum, and the Bomas of Kenya. Neighborhoods such as Westlands, Karen, and Lavington provide great dining, cafés, and entertainment, while local markets like Maasai Market offer opportunities to shop for crafts and handmade goods. As East Africa’s major hub for travel, business, and international organizations, Nairobi is energetic, diverse, and full of memorable experiences for visitors of all kinds.

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

All volunteers need to arrive on the mentioned program arrival dates.
Volunteers are picked up from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, by the in-country coordinator or representative and will be transferred to the accommodation. Those who are arriving overland or are already in Kenya? will be picked up at a meeting point decided beforehand.

Do I need to take a Visa to go to Kenya?

Yes, all participants need to apply for Electronic Travel Authorization before going to Kenya. Please visit the following link to apply for the ETA, https://etakenya.go.ke/

What are the recommended airlines to fly to Kenya?

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi is the busiest airport in East Africa and serves as the hub for international flights in that region. It is well connected with flights from major European, Middle Eastern and Asian cities.Some of the major airlines operating in Kenya are:

Kenya Airways
British Airways
Turkish Airlines
KLM Dutch Airlines
Swiss Air
Emirates
Etihad Airways
Egypt Air

How safe is Kenya and Nairobi in particular?

Kenya is one of the most popular destinations of the world visited by many tourists and nature enthusiasts. The Kenyan people are very warm and friendly towards foreigners. Volunteers are informed about the necessary safety precautions 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. It is strongly recommended to follow the safety rules and regulations provided by the in-country coordinator.

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?

Participants are recommended to consult their travel doctor before their arrival in Kenya. The recommended vaccinations are as follows:

Yellow Fever (If coming from a YFV infected country)
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid

How do I get to the program location?

After providing the orientation about city,safety guidelines and your placement, your in-country coordinator will take you to your project placement on the first day and introduce you to everyone. You will be given the directions to reach the project location from your accommodation and briefed about the mode of transport to be used.

Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?

Volunteers in Nairobi are provided accommodation in Lower Kabete area. The area is located around 20-25 minutes from Westlands and Parklands area which is famous for good restaurants and shopping areas. The CBD (Central Business District) is around 30 minutes away by car.

Volunteers stay in a gated apartment complex in which we use 4-5 different apartments for volunteers. The rooms in the apartments are shared rooms with usually four participants sharing one room with two bunk beds. There are some private units also available in the apartment complex for any volunteer interested in having a private room. Some of the facilities available are hot showers, microwave, induction top, refrigerator and wifi internet. There is no air conditioning in the apartments as it is not required in Nairobi as such.

For Breakfast volunteers are given supplies such as Bread, Eggs, Butter/Margarine Spread, Fruits, Tea, Coffee. Volunteers need to cook breakfast on their own. Lunch is not provided/ included in your fee and volunteers usually take a packed sandwich or fruits to the placement or have food at or near the project.

Can vegetarians be accommodated?

Yes - please do ensure that you inform the local team about your food preference and they can help ensure you are able to order the best food! Also, please do mention your specific food preference in the application form as well.

Would I have free time during my program ? Can I do sightseeing during my program?

Volunteers work for 5-6 hours in a day for 5 days a week depending on the program requirements. You will have the evenings and weekends free for you to explore in and around the city. During the weekends, you can take a safari to Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru National Park or the Nairobi National Park. You can also go on a short excursion and interact with the locals, learn about their cuisines and customs. In Nairobi, volunteers can visit Masai market, Bomas of Kenya, Giraffe center and Carnivore Restaurant.We encourage our volunteers to travel. We have designed various weekend tours which can be booked under the ‘Add-on Tours’ section in your ‘My Account’. You in-country coordinator will also help you book and organize the tours once you are in the country.

What clothing is appropriate? Any cultural restrictions?

We recommend comfortable, casual and semi-casual clothing: sweat shirts, shorts, jeans, skirts and any other daily wear. It is recommended to include warm clothing for nights, especially if you are volunteering in July and August. Avoid flashy and expensive items such as jewelry etc.
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While traveling, it is recommended to follow local etiquette and customs. Female volunteers need to wear pants and/or long skirts. Dressing in Nairobi is quite liberal. However, approach it with cultural sensitivity in mind. You will be provided with a kit list in your pre-departure? booklet. As for footwear, hiking boots, old sports shoes or open-toed sandals are recommended.

Are there more expenses once I arrive in Kenya?

Your program fee covers your 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, airport drop, telephone, internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. Traveling to Kenya is cheap; however, you should carry around $50 - $75 per week for your basic personal expenses, such as water, local transport, phone etc. The cost for return airport transfer is around $50. For organizing weekend excursions, the in-country coordinator will help you to book the same at the best prices.

For how many hours will I volunteer every day?

Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day, for 5 days a week depending on their program. You will have weekends free to explore in and around the city. However, volunteers need to be flexible, open minded and understand that work requirements can change as well on certain occasions.

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

You can change money at 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.

How can I connect with past and current volunteers of Kenya?

We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook Group to connect with other participants and our team.

To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the Meet a Volunteer section on our website.

Do I need to know the local language or English to join the volunteer program? If so, what level?

You don’t need to know the local language but you will need some knowledge of English to join our programs in Kenya, but the level required will depend on the program you choose. For the Childcare and Special Needs programs, you will need a minimum of basic English (A1-A2 in the European Framework for Languages) and for the Teaching programs, intermediate level English (B1-B2) is required. However, we encourage volunteers to practice their English as much as possible before arrival to get the best out of their volunteer experience.

How do I apply for a program and when do I need to pay?

You can book your slot by filling the online application form and pay the application fee. You can pay your program fee later and also, in installments, however, the complete payment should be made 45 days prior the start of the program. If you are volunteering in a group, you can also fill a group application form. The initial application fee is refunded in the unlikely event that we’re not able to offer you a place on the program, and you have the flexibility to request a change of start date up until the 45 day payment deadline (this is subject to availability for other dates).

Can I apply with a friend?

Yes! On our application form you can detail the name of the friend(s) or partner you are applying with. You will be placed in the same project and accommodation and in the same dorm (subject to restrictions regarding male and female dorms). There is also the option of a private room upgrade in the volunteer house, subject to availability and the relevant upgrade fee. Please enquire with our team regarding prices and availability.

What happens if the program isn’t available?

We will refund your application fee if the program isn’t available after you have applied.

Can you put me in contact with other volunteers who have done this program?

We can only provide contact details for former volunteers who have consented to having their data shared. However, there is a Facebook group for past and current volunteers which you are welcome to join. There are also hundreds of reviews online from our former volunteers as well as social media posts on Instagram, TikTok and our You Tube Channel.

Can I meet other volunteers before I arrive?

The best thing to do is join our Facebook group and put up a post detailing your start date, that way you can connect directly with other volunteers joining at the same time as you.

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