Energetic volunteers who love children and can keep up with them in a lively atmosphere. A background in childcare is not required as you will be working alongside local staff.

Project details

Excited to be a Childcare volunteer in Kenya? International Volunteer HQ’s Childcare project empowers volunteers to assist in early childhood centres, community centers and kindergartens. These centres can be overcrowded and underfunded so the extra help volunteers can give is highly valued. Volunteers gain experience teaching and caring for young children and support local staff so they are better able to focus on providing quality care and education.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

Kindergartens in Kenya can have classes of between 15 and 100 children at any one time and are often under-resourced with a genuine need for support. As a result, there is a high demand for energetic volunteers who enjoy children and can keep up with the fast-paced atmosphere at these placements.

As a Childcare volunteer in Kenya you can expect to help out with the day-to-day operations in a range of preschools, daycare centres and kindergartens. Each centre caters to children of differing ages, however, you will typically work with children between 1 and 6 years old. The children love interacting with volunteers and will be sure to keep you on your feet. Volunteer duties can vary but often include:

Teaching basic English and maths
Assisting local teachers
Helping with the running of the centre
Cooking and cleaning
Feeding and caring for babies and children
Assisting with farm work

School holidays 2024: Please note, this project is not available during the school holidays. If you apply for this project during school holidays, you will be switched to either Sports Education or Women’s Education. If you apply for this project during a half-term break, you will have these days free to explore the local area, embark on a safari, or another other tour/excursion.

February 29th - March 1st (half-term break)
April 8th - 28th (school holidays)
June 20th - 21st (half-term break)
August 5th - 25th (school holidays)
October 24th - Dec 15th (national exams & end of year break)
December 15th - program closes for 2024

Why do Childcare volunteering in Nairobi with IVHQ?

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

Improving access to early childhood education
Helping students develop life skills in a safe place
Developing your communication skills
Gaining childcare experience
Immersing yourself in Kenya’s diverse culture

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

IVHQ Childcare project

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

IVHQ Special Needs volunteer in Kenya with IVHQ

IVHQ Special Needs project

What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

Jenny Zhang

23 Aug 2024

At first, I expected the contrasts in well-being and development to be overwhelming, but as time passed, I noticed the similarities between Kenya and my own country. The challenges people face there are not so different from those back home. Living with Celina and other volunteers in Nairobi, I saw both the upsides and downsides of society, just like anywhere else.

Initially, I joined the program because it seemed impressive and beneficial for my résumé. But after experiencing it, I realized it's not about that at all. Making a real difference is hard, and I wish I could have done more for the kids there. Now, I feel more confident about applying for similar programs in my own country.

Since returning, I've struggled to share my experience with my family and friends, but I think about my time in Kenya often—the people I met, the children I taught, and the moments that made the experience unforgettable.

...

Kyler Sartin

02 Aug 2024

From my experience, I gained invaluable insights, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of different cultures. The hands-on work and interactions with the local community broadened my perspective and enriched my life in many ways.

For anyone hesitant about joining this program, I would advise you to embrace the opportunity. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be challenging, but the rewards are immense. You'll gain unique experiences, develop new skills, and make meaningful connections that will stay with you for a lifetime.

...

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!

...

Carter McGowan

26 Apr 2023

Showing up to school each morning and being greeted by 32 smiling fifth graders were my favorite moments from the volunteer experience in Kenya! The biggest impact my volunteering trip had on me was seeing how valued education was by these children compared to schools where I'm from. Their level of passion and enthusiasm is unmatched. I admit I was hesitant for my 8 week program, however, this soon changed on my very first day being surrounded by the kindergarteners!

...

Louise Hall

11 Feb 2022

I went to Kenya and taught grade 2. It was the best experience I have ever done, I wish I could stay longer. The school I was at didn’t have a lot of resources, I wish I had taken more supplies with me. Everyone at the school was lovely and I will continue to stay in contact with them. I made bonds in those couple of weeks that will always stay with me. It’s normal to feel nervous before going but honestly you become close friends with the other volunteers so quickly. My advice to future volunteers is, go in open minded and embrace the culture. It has helped me grow so much and be so grateful for the little things. I will continue to help from home and aim to go back and visit In the future.

...

Bahman Adlou

21 Dec 2021

I am very happy to have attended my Kindergarten program in Kenya. The people are amazing and the thorough enrolment process of IVHQ ensured me that I will be safe and will only have the best individuals alongside me in a different environment. I made a small family with others who also came to this program from around the world, and I cannot wait to explore more of the world in such a meaningful way.

...

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!

Learn about course credit

Recommended online TEFL course

We encourage volunteers on IVHQ’s Teaching and Childcare projects to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Although formal teaching qualifications are not required on these projects as volunteers are supported by local staff, taking a TEFL course enables you to gain more from the experience. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.

Get TEFL certified online

Location

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$
- Brazilian Reals - R$
- British Pound Sterling - £
- Canadian Dollars - CA$
- Chinese Yuan - CN¥
- Euros - €
- Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
- 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$ Brazilian Reals - R$ British Pound Sterling - £ Canadian Dollars - CA$ Chinese Yuan - CN¥ Euros - € Hong Kong Dollars - HK$ Mexican Pesos - MX$ New Zealand Dollars - NZ$ Singapore Dollars - SG$ Swiss Francs - CHF UAE Dirhams - AED
1 week	$385 Equivalent to $55/day
2 weeks	$525 Equivalent to $38/day
3 weeks	$665 Equivalent to $32/day
4 weeks	$805 Equivalent to $29/day
5 weeks	$945 Equivalent to $27/day
6 weeks	$1,085 Equivalent to $26/day
8 weeks	$1,365 Equivalent to $24/day
10 weeks	$1,645 Equivalent to $24/day
12 weeks	$1,925 Equivalent to $23/day

All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately £240) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Kenya generally find US$50-100 per week to be sufficient for expenses.

Meals
Airport pick-up
Accommodation
24/7 in-country support
In-country program orientation
Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
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.

Transport to and from your placement each day
Return airport transfer when your program finishes
Flights
Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.

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.

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