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Between 3-12 weeks
No Cancellation
15 people
English
Please note, this program is not available during school holidays. If you apply for this program during school holidays, we can place you into another active program during your desired time slot.
• 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
In Kenya, English is a key language for education and employment opportunities, yet students in rural areas such as Rusinga Island often struggle due to a lack of exposure. As a teacher, you can improve language literacy through reading, writing, and conversational practice. You can also help students understand subjects taught in English more effectively as stronger English skills open doors for future education and employment opportunities.
In Rusinga Island, many schools lack programs for arts, sports, or life skills. As a volunteer you can organize sports or creative activities (e.g., soccer, music, dance) to develop teamwork, leadership, and creativity. Teaching life skills, such as hygiene, goal-setting, and critical problem-solving are also vital for personal development.
Through our teaching program, students gain holistic education, developing physically, emotionally, and socially. Volunteers will also gain personal development skills and professional teaching experience by:
Rusinga Island is a stunning location in Kenya, located in the eastern part of Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa. Rusinga is part of Homa Bay County and is accessible via road from Mbita town through a causeway. It is renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty.
| Duration | Program Fees |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | $ 704 |
| 2 Week | $ 986 |
| 3 Week | $ 1287 |
| 4 Week | $ 1552 |
| 5 Week | $ 1879 |
| 6 Week | $ 2144 |
| 7 Week | $ 2409 |
| 8 Week | $ 2673 |
| 9 Week | $ 3000 |
| 10 Week | $ 3265 |
| 11 Week | $ 3530 |
| 12 Week | $ 3795 |
You will be escorted to your placement by one of our local staff members.
The school operates from Monday to Friday and volunteers can expect to work a minimum of 4 hours per day. 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:
Breakfast at the homestay
Volunteers travel to their placements and meet with the placement staff. There is usually a morning tea break and lunch break.
Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to their homestays, go sightseeing or do some shopping.
Dinner with host family at homestay
On weekends, volunteers can take the opportunity to relax and travel.
There are several islands located within Homabay which can be accesses by boat including Mbita Island. Other fascinating destinations include Kisumu City, Kisumu Museum, Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, Kajulu Hills, The Crying Stone, Kakamega Rainforest, Homa Bay, Port Victoria, and Kit Mikayi. There are also beautiful Islands located within Lake Victoria including: Ndere Island, Rusinga Islands, Maboko Island. Mfangano Island, and Takawiri Island.
Long weekends can be taken to travel further afield including to Mombasa, Uganda or Tanzania, or to embark on a safari.
All volunteers have the choice of adding our “Travel Top Up” option to their volunteer experience, in which a full itinerary and travel guide is provided. Adding this option ensures the best experiences in seeing natural wildlife and immersing in the authentic Luo culture.
Volunteers will be assigned to stay with a host family within walking distance from the Wamwanga Primary School. Life on Rusinga Island is peaceful and connected to nature, but it may differ from urban or Western living standards:
Staying with a host family allows you to embrace a slower, more mindful lifestyle.
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 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. Dinner 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. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available for this program. However, it is important that volunteers should not expect to eat as they normally do at home.
Purpose
To help improve the quality of education and international exposure for the youths in Rusinga Island, Kenya
Duration
Choose between 3-12 weeks
Age
Volunteers 18 + and families
Program Fees
$100
Volunteer Hours
Between 3-5 hours per day
Accommodation
Local Homestay
Who should apply for this program?
If you are an individual who values education, cultural connection, and community building, this program could be a life-changing experience for both you and the children you support. Previous experience in teaching is not required for this program however, it is strongly recommended that you gain some understanding of teaching prior to your arrival in Kenya.
Member Since 2024
