Teach, inspire and support in the central highlands near Murang'a, Kenya

Details

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  Description

  Hi,
  
  My name is Tracey, and I’m from Wales. In 2012, I volunteered as a teacher at a primary school in Kenya—a life-changing experience that inspired me to help create something long-term and meaningful. Today, together with my co-founder and Manager, Job Thuo Macharia, I run a small primary school with a mission to provide high-quality, free education to orphans and disadvantaged children in our community.
  Our school is located near Murang’a, on the outskirts of the small village of Kambirwa in the beautiful Central Highlands.
  
  We opened our doors in January 2014 with just one pupil. Since then, we’ve grown steadily, and we now have classes from Pre-school through to Grade 6, with around 100 pupils aged between 4 and 13.
  
  Beyond offering free education, we ensure that our pupils receive meals, basic healthcare, uniforms, stationery, clothing, and personal support. We also work closely with parents and guardians to help them become financially self-sufficient through income-generating projects such as goat-rearing, rabbit and hen projects. In addition, we support elderly grandmothers who are raising their orphaned grandchildren by helping them earn an income through the sale of traditional handmade baskets, known as kiondos. We also provide them with maize and bean seeds to plant and harvest before each of the two rainy seasons.
  
  Our dedicated team includes qualified Kenyan teachers, an assistant teacher, two cooks, a matron, a driver, an admin assistant and Manager.
  
  We are currently looking for volunteers to support our literacy programme. This may include offering one-on-one reading practice for pupils who need extra help or assisting with homework and specific learning areas identified by the class teacher. We also warmly welcome volunteers with early childhood experience to support our two pre-school classes, as we continue to strengthen our early years foundation. There are always opportunities to help with Physical Education, Art, Music, and basic computer lessons as well.
  
  Outside the classroom, you may be able to support us with fundraising, marketing, and research—essential areas that help us sustain the school and fund new projects.
  
  Thank you for your interest in our work. We look forward to hearing from you.
  Warm regards,
  Tracey

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Elderly Companionship

  Teaching

  Gardening

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Interests

  

  Charity work
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Travellers have the opportunity to experience everyday life in rural Kenya by connecting closely with the local community. The area is home mainly to members of the Kikuyu community, and during your stay you’ll be able to observe and appreciate traditions that have been part of the culture for generations.

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  Registered charity

  This host is a registered charity in their country and is looking for volunteers to help with their project(s).

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  We are excited to welcome volunteers who can support our growing literacy programme. Much of this work involves offering one-on-one reading practice to pupils who need a little extra help. In addition, you may assist children in areas where they are struggling—whether with homework, specific skills, or extra tuition—based on guidance from their class teachers.
  
  We are also very keen to hear from volunteers with experience in early childhood education. Support in our two pre-school classes is especially valuable as we continue to strengthen our early years foundation.
  
  Beyond academics, there are always opportunities to get involved in Physical Education, Art, Music, and basic computer lessons. These activities bring so much joy to the children and allow them to explore strengths they might not otherwise discover.
  
  If you have experience in marketing or fundraising, we would be delighted to hear from you as well—your skills could make a real difference to the ongoing development of our school.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  Kikuyu: Fluent
  Swahili (Kiswahili): Fluent

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  Accommodation

  We offer simple but comfortable on-site accommodation at the school, suitable for up to two volunteers, with access to Wi-Fi included. During the week, volunteers are provided with a traditional local breakfast (often sweet potato), a mid-morning cup of porridge, and a freshly prepared lunch at the school.
  
  To help us cover costs we kindly request a contribution of €5 per day.

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  What else ...

  Our school is located in rural Kenya, just 6 km from the vibrant town of Murang’a in the Central Highlands. Murang’a, with a population of around 11,000, offers everything volunteers may need during their stay—including banks, supermarkets, restaurants, bars, hotels, internet cafés, and a lively open-air market.
  
  Situated 88 km north of Nairobi, this region is known for its beautiful, green, and fertile landscape, with stunning views of Mount Kenya. The surrounding area is safe, and the local community is warm, welcoming, and eager to make new friends. The Aberdare National Park and Mount Kenya are also within easy reach, offering wonderful opportunities for weekend adventures.
  
  As a UK-registered charity working with children, we follow strict safeguarding standards. Before volunteering with us, we require a DBS Check, Certificate of Good Character, or an equivalent document from your home country to confirm that you have no criminal record.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets
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  This host charges a fee

  read more

  Why does Workaway allow some hosts to charge a fee?

  
  

  Workaway provides opportunities for non-monetary cultural exchanges where hosts provide food and accommodation in return for help from Workawayers. In some exceptional cases, a small fee/ donation request (typically no more than 5 dollars per day) may be approved for hosts such as registered charities with a history of positive volunteer feedback. Any fee must directly go to the charity and can only be used to cover the volunteers' food costs. This will be clearly marked on the host's listing.
  

  Listings by agents, "middle-men" or projects that appear to profit from a volunteer's stay are strictly prohibited. Any fees must be discussed and approved in advance by the Workaway team.

  5€ per day towards food costs

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