Women's Education Volunteer Program in Kenya - Nairobi

Interested in Women’s Education volunteering in Kenya? International Volunteer HQ’s Women’s Education project enables volunteers to assist at centres that support women affected by HIV/AIDS and their families. Volunteers will gain experience working with women in under-resourced communities by providing companionship, guidance and sometimes childcare. The primary aim of this project is to empower women through income-generating projects, education and skills training. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to take part in outreach and HIV/AIDS education campaigns in the local communities and food programs in schools.

Highlights:

Programs start on the 1st and 15th of every month
Affordable fees from AU$606 for 1 week
Includes accommodation, meals, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
Help to educate and upskill disadvantaged women and those affected by HIV/AIDS
Discover Kenya’s immense diversity of culture and people
Experience daily life in Nairobi by staying with a local family

Who is going?

Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

Apply For Free

Key information
              
Support women to gain independence

Based in women’s centres in and around Nairobi

Homestay accommodation

Volunteers aged 18+ and families

Fully hosted experience from AU$606 for 1 week

Durations from 1 - 12 weeks

Take a weekend safari

Up to 5 hours volunteering a day

This program is ideal for:

Open-minded and compassionate volunteers who are interested in gender equality and helping women upskill. As you will be volunteering alongside local staff, you don’t need to have experience in HIV/AIDS support or women’s education, however it’s strongly recommended that you gain some understanding of these areas prior to your arrival in Kenya.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

More than 1.6 million Kenyans live with HIV/AIDS, and women make up a disproportionately high percentage of that number. They often also lack access to education, healthcare and employment meaning there is little chance for them to improve their wellbeing or circumstances.

As a volunteer on the Women’s Education project in Kenya, you will work closely with centres that support women affected by HIV/AIDS and assist in a range of areas, including counseling, skills training, providing education and childcare. This project is particularly good for those with skills and interests in arts and craft-making, as well as an interest in supporting women to become self-sufficient. Volunteer duties may include helping with:

Sewing and tailoring
Candle-making
Jewelry creation
Courses on finance and small business management

Not all of the women this project works with suffer from HIV/AIDS; some have joined the centres to help improve their overall living situation and upskill with the goal of becoming financially independent. You may also help on community outreach work and HIV/AIDS education and feeding programs in wider local communities, schools, and slum areas.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #5: Gender Equality

Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful and sustainable world. Nearly 60% of women work in the informal economy, which puts them at greater risk of falling into poverty. Education and long-term employment opportunities are key to combating this.

Why do Women's Education volunteering in Nairobi with IVHQ?

When you volunteer with women in Kenya you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

Improving access to education and support services for women
Helping women develop skills and confidence
Developing your communication skills
Gaining experience in HIV/AIDs support
Immersing yourself in Kenya’s diverse culture
Discovering Africa’s amazing wildlife

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
All volunteers must speak fluent English.

Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

Not sure which program to join?

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Who is going?

Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

Kenya photo gallery

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Women's Education volunteer in Kenya with IVHQ

IVHQ Women's Education project

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ Women's Education Volunteer in Kenya

IVHQ Women's Education project

IVHQ Women's Education Volunteers in Kenya

IVHQ Women's Education project

IVHQ Childcare project

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

Sarah Macdonald

22 Feb 2024

I'm so, so grateful for my time volunteering in Kenya. After feeling a bit stuck and lacking that spark in my heart, I decided to sign up to go to Kenya... It's been a dream of mine to do a trip like this since I was 16 (I'm 39 now). I'm so glad I did!! I was, of course, nervous before going, but once I arrived and was greeted by the local team, all of those nerves melted away and I was able to immerse myself in the experience. The entire experience was eye opening, humbling, heart warming, and wonderful. That spark I was seeking has certainly been ignited and I can't wait to volunteer more and find more ways I can help. Thank you IVHQ for providing such a professional and safe avenue for this kind of experience!

To anyone hesitant, those are normal feelings. There's always nerves and fear when stepping into something you've never done. But the only way to experience the great things in life is to feel the fear and step out and do it anyway! Great things never come out of comfort zones. Go for it and book the trip... you absolutely won't regret it!

...

Niamh Kissane-Wood

06 Dec 2023

I received very good guidance and preparation resources from IVHQ - my Program Manager was good at keeping in contact and answering any questions! My overall experience volunteering in Kenya was absolutely amazing, I gained some lifelong friends and memories I’ll never forget. I’m so grateful to have met the children at school, the teachers and my host family.

I feel like I’ve learnt a lot about myself as a person and it’s even made me think about a future career with children in Africa. My host family, Rose, Cleo, Jesse, Joel and Jed were amazing, they looked after my sister and I for 3 months and we had so much fun with them. They are such a beautiful family. We have kept in contact since leaving and hope to see them again! The school had a great atmosphere, the children were funny, kind and hard working. In terms of the actual volunteering I did, it was exactly as I had expected and I got to do all the things I had hoped to. I have already encouraged a few of my friends to look into volunteering and to anyone who is hesitant about joining, I would definitely say to do it! You will meet so many people and experience so many amazing things. This was hands down the best thing I’ve ever done!

...

Chenece Blackshear

26 Apr 2023

The time we had a power outage and brought some candles inside to have dinner with my host family at my home-stay was my favourite part of the volunteer experience. It was a very joyful experience and such an intimate, family-like moment. My volunteering experience made the most impact on me when I realised that joy does not come from possessions, regardless of how much or how little I have. Joy comes from connections with people in a meaningful way. If someone is hesitant to volunteer abroad, I encourage them to take the positive risk. There's a whole world within worlds that exist, and being able to see the similarities, differences, and complexities is something that every person deserves to embrace.

...

Wendy Melwich

11 Feb 2022

I take my hat off for the volunteer work people are doing in Kenya. It made me appreciate things I use to take for granted . It’s not the road we covered but the road up ahead that counts.

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Ximena Becerril Tapia

10 Sep 2021

They are right, the experience is life changing. You meet the family and the fact that they consider you part of the family is what amazes me the most. There are no words to explain how amazing it is to work and have the opportunity to share your time and love with all the kids, the women, everybody.

...

Dani Jimenez

04 Feb 2021

I don't think I can put into words what my favorite moment was. The time passed too quickly and I am holding onto every moment for the rest of my life. Seeing the women become empowered, seeing my students light up and be encouraged to learn. I will cherish it all for the rest of my life. I have learned so much about myself and others and I thank the Kenya team and IVHQ for the wonderful experience.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

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Location

Nairobi is home to IVHQ’s Kenya program. The capital city of Kenya is a dynamic, diverse metropolis known for its natural beauty and wildlife safaris. Volunteer projects are set in and around Nairobi and the Kibera Slum which is home to hundreds of thousands of people living below the poverty line. Volunteers can help by providing support to local initiatives designed to improve their quality of life and access to basic essentials.

Arrival and orientation

The program orientation begins on the 1st and 15th of every month and volunteers need to arrive in Nairobi the day before orientation.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee.

When you arrive, a member of the local team will greet you at the airport and bring you to temporary volunteer housing in Mlolongo, just a short drive from the airport in Nairobi, where you will spend the night before your orientation and before being transported to your homestay. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation. If you are traveling in Kenya prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up overland in Nairobi the day before your program orientation

Orientation is hosted by our local team in Nairobi on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Kenya – an introduction to Kenya, Kenyan customs, language training details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Kenya, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing. Once your orientation is complete, you will be transported to your homestay and introduced to your host family.

Volunteer schedule example

First day

You will be escorted to your placement by a member of your homestay family or another volunteer and introduced to the placement staff.

Weekdays

You may have a morning or afternoon shift, or both, and can expect to work a minimum of 3 hours, Monday through Friday. Work and hours at the placement are dependent on the project and placement that each volunteer is working at, but a typical volunteer day would be as follows:

7:30 AM	Breakfast with the host family
8:30 AM - 2:00 PM	Volunteers travel to their placements and meet with the placement staff. There is usually a morning tea break and lunch break.
2:00 - 5:00 PM	Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to their homestays, go sightseeing or do some shopping.
7:00 - 8:00 PM	Dinner with the host family

Weekends

During the weekends, volunteers have free time to relax or take the opportunity to explore Nairobi, wider Kenya and Eastern Africa. Sunday is a religious day of rest. If you wish, you can accompany your host family to their local church, as a Kenyan church service is a unique and special experience for many volunteers.

In Nairobi you’ll have the opportunity to get up close to a wide variety of wildlife including elephants and giraffes, visit the Nairobi National Park, shop at the many markets and malls, learn about Kenya’s history at museums, or tour Nairobi city, the Kibera Slum, the Maasailands, or the Bomas cultural centre.

Long weekends can be taken to travel further afield including to Mombasa, Uganda or Tanzania, or to embark on a safari.

Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers are accommodated in homestays with local families who have been approved by our local team in Kenya. Volunteers can expect to share a bedroom with two to four other volunteers of the same gender.

Bedrooms have single or bunk beds and bedding is provided. Living is comfortable and most homestays have electricity, running water and western bathrooms. It is important to note that there are often power outages and water shortages, and volunteers need to be prepared to have the occasional bucket shower and periods of time without power. Some rural homestays do not have electricity or running water and in these locations you can expect to find squat/pit toilets and bucket showers.

Our local team gives your host family a fee for your support, food and board. It is exciting to stay with a host family, and you’ll have a unique opportunity to learn about the Kenyan way of life, meet local people, try local food, speak the local language and engage in local customs and traditions.

WiFi can be accessed from local cafes and restaurants within walking distance of most homestays in Nairobi.

Meals

The wide range of Kenyan tribes, ethnicities and cultures are reflected in the diversity of the local cuisine. Volunteers are provided with three meals a day which are served at the accommodation and tend to be rich in carbohydrates.

Breakfast is served around 7 am and generally consists of chai tea, coffee, toast, fruit and sometimes mandazi - African donuts. A typical lunch can include vegetables and lentils with rice, occasional meat and fruit served around 1pm. If you are not returning home from your placement for lunch, you will need to pack your own lunch in the morning. Dinner is usually served around 8 pm and typically includes traditional food, such as ugali; a cornmeal porridge, mboga; a vegetable dish, irio; mashed potatoes with peas and corn, meat and vegetables.

Tap water is not safe to drink in Kenya, though bottled water is readily available. Volunteers typically drink around half a gallon, or two liters per day, which costs around US$15 a week. If you have any special dietary requirements, please make a note on your application so arrangements can be made. However, it is important that volunteers should not expect to eat as they normally do at home.

Group of IVHQ volunteers

Typical volunteer lunch

Typical volunteer dinner

Typical volunteer breakfast

Typical volunteer bedroom

Typical volunteer homestay kitchen

Pricing

USD
- United States Dollars - $
- Australian Dollars - AU$
- British Pound Sterling - £
- Canadian Dollars - CA$
- Chinese Yuan - CN¥
- Euros - €
- Mexican Pesos - MX$
- New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
- Singapore Dollars - SG$
- Swiss Francs - CHF
- UAE Dirhams - AED

Duration	Program Fee Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you. USD United States Dollars - $ Australian Dollars - AU$ British Pound Sterling - £ Canadian Dollars - CA$ Chinese Yuan - CN¥ Euros - € Mexican Pesos - MX$ New Zealand Dollars - NZ$ Singapore Dollars - SG$ Swiss Francs - CHF UAE Dirhams - AED
1 week	AU$606 Equivalent to AU$87/day
2 weeks	AU$833 Equivalent to AU$60/day
3 weeks	AU$1059 Equivalent to AU$50/day
4 weeks	AU$1286 Equivalent to AU$46/day
5 weeks	AU$1512 Equivalent to AU$43/day
6 weeks	AU$1739 Equivalent to AU$41/day
8 weeks	AU$2192 Equivalent to AU$39/day
10 weeks	AU$2645 Equivalent to AU$38/day
12 weeks	AU$3098 Equivalent to AU$37/day

Apply for free

Accommodation
Meals
24/7 in-country support
In-country program orientation
Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
Airport pick-up
Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately AU$532) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services. IVHQ fees are priced in USD but you may elect to pay in AUD.
A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
Additional things to budget for include: Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, public transport to and from your placement each day, criminal background check and return to the airport when your program finishes.
Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Kenya generally find US$150-200 per week to be sufficient for expenses.

Check what's required to visit Kenya

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.

Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Capital	Nairobi
Population	52.57 million
Languages	Swahili and English
Currency	Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Time zone	UTC+03:00

Weather and climate

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. As Nairobi is close to the equator the weather does not vary much. The summer months, from December to February are warm with temperatures ranging between 30°C and 14°C. June is usually the coldest month, with temperatures averaging between 13°C and 22°C.