VOLUNTEERING IN KENYA
A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE
Cíjara Hands for Change
In an environment of Excellence, Quality, Trust, Safety, and Professionalism.
We don’t want everything to end at camp. And what better way to keep growing, learning, and enjoying together than through an initiatory journey that combines Volunteering with a Safari in Kenya?
Our goal is not just for young people to travel and learn languages, but also for them to develop a genuine interest in other cultures, become aware of the richness of the world we live in, with its diverse realities, and take responsibility for improving it through small actions.
If you know us, you’ll understand that we are a team of qualified and experienced professionals in educational and recreational fields, and we have created this wonderful program with the utmost care, love, and affection, thinking of “our children” because we want the adventure to continue and see how they continue to grow by our side.
Cíjara Hands for Change was born out of the natural need to create a volunteering initiative that complements academic language training with the development of personal skills, supporting local communities and immersing in cultural and social realities that are very different.
We firmly believe in the power to transform the world through education based on dialogue and respect.
Participation in Cíjara Hands for Change will have a tremendous impact not only on the academic trajectory of our young people, but will also positively affect their values, making them more generous, supportive, fair, empathetic, honest, and tolerant individuals.
Volunteering in Kenia, Why CÍJARA?
Impact
You will contribute to addressing one of Kenya's most urgent issues: child education.
Safety and Organization
The program is well-organized, and you'll be accompanied by experienced staff.
Personal Growth
Step out of your comfort zone and gain skills like independence, empathy, and critical thinking.
Location
Enjoy hot water, electricity, and a nearby hospital. Volunteers are warmly welcomed.
Nature and Wildlife
A unique opportunity to see majestic animals up close during the safari.
Cultural Immersion
Live the authentic Kenyan experience by interacting with locals.
VOLUNTEERING ACTIVITIES
The volunteer work is very varied. It’s important to keep in mind that we are volunteers, not employees, meaning this is a short-term project that does not require specific training.
We will be with the children in the classrooms, helping the teachers, providing educational support, or conducting activities both inside and outside the classroom, leading recreational and cultural activities (they absolutely love playing soccer!). We can also help in the school kitchen or, if there is any repair work needed at the time, we can assist by painting a classroom wall, for example.
During our time there, what we can offer is our affection to the children. Many of them lack attention, especially those in the orphanage: just by giving them our time and smiles, we are doing a lot. Although it’s a short period of time and it will be difficult to see radical changes and improvements with our own eyes, you can be sure that our work is very important.
Our contribution mainly lies in providing emotional care and support, helping with the daily routine, as well as offering educational and developmental support.
You have to live it to feel it!
Activities at the school:
- English/Spanish classes.
- Support to teachers.
- Help with cleaning and maintenance of the school.
- Help in the kitchen.
- Workshops.
- Home visits.
- Sports activities.
- Recreational activities..
Activities at the orphanage:
- Help with the children’s hygiene.
- Games.
- Help on the farm.
Activities in the village:
- Visit to the local market.
- Gospel mass.
- Cooking workshop with Lucy.
- Workshop on the history of Kenyan tribes.
Activities at the school:
- English/Spanish classes.
- Support to teachers.
- Help with cleaning and maintenance of the school.
- Help in the kitchen.
- Workshops.
- Home visits.
- Sports activities.
- Recreational activities..
Activities at the orphanage:
- Help with the children’s hygiene.
- Games.
- Help on the farm.
Activities in the village:
- Visit to the local market.
- Gospel mass.
- Cooking workshop with Lucy (hostess).
- Workshop on the history of Kenyan tribes.
SAFARI ACTIVITIES
After completing our incredible volunteering experience with the children, and as the grand finale of our unforgettable and intense stay in Kenya, we, at Cíjara Hands for Change, will participate in a 2-day safari.
We will visit the Makalia Falls, which, although not the most spectacular in the country, are beautiful 10-meter waterfalls. We will head to Nakuru National Park, located in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. It is home to 4 of the 5 “big” animals (excluding the elephant, we’ll see rhinos, lions, leopards, and buffaloes, along with giraffes, zebras, baboons, and lots of antelopes). We will also visit its saline lake, which hosts a vast variety of bird species.
We will sail on Lake Naivasha, enjoying its ornithological paradise (flamingos, pelicans, kingfishers, ibises, herons, cormorants… and even hippos! along with many water antelopes).
We will take the opportunity to go on a hiking excursion on Crescent Island, where the famous movie Out of Africa was filmed. It’s a small haven of wildlife where we can walk around without fear of being attacked by the large predators of the African wilderness. It serves as a sanctuary for birds and herbivores living freely, allowing us to get up close and observe them.
And indeed, Kenya… has so much to see!
Volunteering in Kenia: Registration process
Request information
Request more information by completing the online form, and we will reveal all the secrets of the program: dates, costs, requirements... You’ll be surprised!
Selection process
Show your passion in an online interview where we will explore your motivation, experiences, and dreams (there are only 12 spots available). We want to get to know your essence and see if you are the ideal candidate for this adventure. Dare to stand out!
Reserve your spot
The first step towards the adventure. If you are selected, secure your place in this unique experience by completing the reservation form, submitting the necessary documentation, and making the first payment. The adventure awaits you!
Get ready to take off!
Once your registration is complete, manage your visa, authorizations, and finalize the tickets that Cíjara has reserved for you!
Meeting in Madrid
Training in Madrid: the meeting of the explorers. Attend the preparation meeting in Madrid in June, where you will meet the Cíjara team and your adventure companions. The excitement will be in the air!
Volunteering in Kenia: FAQS
The minimum age to join CÍJARA HANDS FOR CHANGE is 15 years old, as long as you demonstrate in the selection interview that you have the maturity to make the most of the experience.
If you are in Secondary School, High School, or even in university, and you love children… this is your place! This experience is also perfect if you want to immerse yourself in a completely new culture and contribute your grain of sand to this Kenyan community.
Not only will you live an adventure that will mark your life and the lives of those around you, but you will also enrich your resume, whether you study in Spain or abroad. Everything you learn and do here will be useful for your professional future.
We know that traveling alone to another country may feel a bit daunting, but there’s no need to worry. The CÍJARA team will be with you at all times to support you with whatever you need. Plus, you will share this experience with young people your age from other places, creating unforgettable friendships. Dare to live a unique adventure!
Oh! And you don’t need any prior experience. This volunteering program is designed for anyone to participate, learning and contributing at the same time.
The volunteer work is very varied and enriching. Your involvement in the school and orphanage will focus on three main areas:
Educational and recreational activities with the children
Learning through playing is one of the best forms of development for children. Your role will be to organize educational and recreational activities, such as English or Spanish classes, fun Olympics, skill and challenge games, or even helping in the kitchen. If you ever run out of ideas, the teachers and our team will always be by your side to guide you.
Restoration and improvement of the environment
As a volunteer, you will help improve the school or orphanage facilities with small tasks such as painting walls, restoring furniture, or designing educational murals. Together, we will make their learning environment more beautiful and functional.
Cultural immersion and adventure in Kenya
Kenya is a fascinating country, full of life and culture, and we want you to discover it to the fullest! After our incredible experience with the children, we will top it off with an exciting 2-day safari.
We will explore Nakuru National Park in the Great Rift Valley, where we can spot rhinos, lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, baboons, and a variety of antelopes. We will also visit the stunning Makalia Falls.
We will sail on Lake Naivasha, a true ornithological paradise with flamingos, pelicans, kingfishers, ibises, herons, and cormorants. We will even get a close look at hippos! Additionally, we will take a walking tour of Crescent Island, the iconic setting for the movie Out of Africa.
In Molo, a town in the Nakuru district, located in the heart of the fertile Rift Valley, in Kenya. Situated 2,000 meters above sea level, Molo is a town that offers all the basic amenities you might need: restaurants, banks, shops, and it is surrounded by stunning national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Molo has nearly 110,000 inhabitants, most of whom live in the rural areas surrounding the town center. It is a unique place where all 42 tribes of Kenya are represented, offering you an enriching and authentic cultural experience.
The goal of this project is to provide support to the staff of the school and the orphanage (Rescue Center), contributing to improving the education and well-being of the children.
In many centers in Kenya, classrooms are overcrowded, which prevents teachers from offering the individualized attention that many children need, especially those with learning difficulties or delays in fundamental skills, such as reading.
Additionally, the scarcity of resources makes learning less dynamic and motivating. Some buildings have significant damage and require maintenance to become more welcoming and stimulating spaces.
As a volunteer, you will be part of the solution. You will work alongside other volunteers to support the teachers, allowing them to focus better on their students. Furthermore, with small restoration tasks, you will help transform the center into a safer, more pleasant, and inspiring environment for the children.
Your effort will make a real difference in their lives.
We will stay at the Volunteer House, a building attached to the home of Lucy and Samuel, who are responsible for both the school and the orphanage.
This accommodation has the double advantage of offering the opportunity to live with a host family while also bringing the entire CÍJARA HANDS FOR CHANGE team together in one space.
Lucy and Samuel will welcome us with open arms into their home, eager to share their customs with us and teach us about their traditions. We believe this is the best way to immerse ourselves in Kenyan lifestyle and enjoy a truly unique experience. Additionally, they know the area and the local community very well, so they will be the first to alert us to any security risks. In case of any issues, they will know how to assist us. Living with them will make our experience much richer than that of a simple tourist. A family environment that supports you will provide the confidence needed to focus on helping and exploring your surroundings.
On the other hand, living together will give us the opportunity to meet people from other parts of the world, make new international friends, and never feel isolated. Another benefit is that we can share leisure moments and enjoy the company of everyone.
Furthermore, we ensure that you will enjoy delicious homemade meals. Gastronomy is one of the best ways to get to know a culture, so get ready to indulge in typical dishes!
The rooms are simple but comfortable, clean, and safe, offering an ideal space to rest after a day full of activities.
Your safety is our top priority. We have specific procedures in place to ensure that you receive all the additional support you need as a young person traveling abroad, making sure you feel comfortable at all times. Our team will be available 24/7 to offer constant guidance and assistance.
At CÍJARA HANDS FOR CHANGE, we work exclusively in environments that we consider safe. Additionally, all volunteers are provided with travel insurance, which includes medical assistance, among other things.
We firmly believe that no other organization offers the same level of safety and protection to its volunteers as we do. This is what sets us apart:
-
Our staff is highly trained in crisis management, ensuring they know how to act in any eventuality. They are experienced in the field and used to working with young people.
-
We have carefully selected the location, making sure it is safe, comfortable, and welcoming.
-
One of our team members is a healthcare professional, which means that if you need medical attention, there will always be someone trained to take care of your well-being (and we have a hospital just 2 km from the Volunteer House).
-
We conduct thorough risk assessments to confirm that Kenya is a safe and politically stable country currently.
-
Personalized attention: You are not just a number to us. We care about your experience and want you to make the most of your time with us. We will stay in touch with you before, during, and after your volunteering experience.
