Childcare & Community

About this program

Project Overview

Our Childcare & Community program gives you the opportunity to work alongside local teachers, caregivers and community organisations supporting children in Nanyuki.

You will take part in activities that encourage learning, creativity, confidence and social development, while gaining practical experience working with children in a Kenyan setting. Your role may include helping with educational activities, reading, games, arts and crafts, sports and other activities that make learning enjoyable.

Just as importantly, you will have the opportunity to learn from the people you work with. You will experience different approaches to childcare and education, gain an understanding of everyday life in the community and build genuine relationships along the way.

What you may be involved in

Depending on your placement and the needs of the organisation you are working with, you may help with:

Learning and education

Support children with basic reading, writing, numbers and other age-appropriate learning activities.

Creative activities

Help organise drawing, painting, music, storytelling, arts and crafts and educational games.

Play and recreation

Join children in games, sports and outdoor activities that encourage teamwork, confidence and healthy development.

Daily activities

Support teachers and caregivers with appropriate activities that help create a positive and engaging environment for children.

Community activities

Where appropriate, you may also participate in wider community initiatives connected to the children and families you are supporting.

A two way experience

We believe working with children should be about more than simply coming to Kenya to help.

You bring your time, energy, ideas and skills. In return, you have the opportunity to learn from local teachers, caregivers, children and the wider community.

You may leave with a better understanding of childcare and education, but also with new friendships, a deeper appreciation of Kenyan culture and experiences that stay with you long after you return home.

Our approach

The children and communities we work with are not here to provide an experience for volunteers.

They are our partners.

We work with existing schools, childcare programs and community organisations so that volunteers can contribute to work that is already taking place and respond to needs identified locally.

Our aim is for your time in Nanyuki to be valuable for you, while also making a genuine contribution to the people and organizations you work alongside.

Your experience in Nanyuki

You will not simply arrive at your project and be left to figure things out.

From your arrival at the airport, our local team will help you settle into Nanyuki, introduce you to your accommodation and project, and remain available throughout your stay.

You will have the opportunity to experience life beyond your project too, from sharing everyday life with your host family to discovering Nanyuki and learning about the culture around you.

Your project is part of the experience, but the community is what makes the experience.

Who is this experience for?

  • Students considering a career in education or childcare
  • Education and early childhood development students
  • University students
  • Gap year participants
  • People with previous childcare experience
  • Anyone who enjoys working with children and wants to contribute their skills
  • You do not need to be a qualified teacher or childcare professional. Your activities and responsibilities will be appropriate to your experience and the needs of your placement.

What's Included

Excursions, Socials & Fun

Organised weekend excursions, cultural outings, and social activities throughout your programme in Kenya.

Accommodation & Amenities

Stay with a Kenyan host family in Nanyuki, sharing everyday life, meals and a real sense of community.

Certification

Certificate of completion recording your service, workshops, and programme activities.

Meals

Three meals per day during your placement, with fresh drinking water.

Trip Overview

Learning and education

Support children with basic reading, writing, numbers and other age-appropriate learning activities.

Creative activities

Help organise drawing, painting, music, storytelling, arts and crafts and educational games.

Play and recreation

Join children in games, sports and outdoor activities that encourage teamwork, confidence and healthy development.

A two way experience

You bring time, energy, ideas and skills. In return, you learn from local teachers, caregivers, children and the wider community.

Partners, not a backdrop

We work with existing schools, childcare programs and community organisations so your contribution responds to needs identified locally.