Donate Time: Your Voluntary Work at Make Me Smile Kenya
“I will never ever forget what I was allowed to learn here – these are experiences that last for a lifetime!” – Katharina, Volunteer in 2024
Where can I help?
Our projects are located in Kenya, in the region around Kisumu. We take care of children and young people from difficult backgrounds, orphans and half-orphans. Every day, children are confronted with the consequences of poverty, violence and exploitation. In order to enable these children to have a hopeful future, we are trying to improve the situation of the people in the region in the long term.
The Projects
We have a variety of projects and different possibilities to get involved in a meaningful way.
At the beginning of your volunteer work, we will employ you flexibly so that you can see for yourself in which area you feel most comfortable.
In your preparatory meeting before your arrival, you can tell us which areas you are particularly interested in and what you cannot imagine.
Social Work
Safe Park (daily) and Children’s Clubs (monthly)
The leisure activities for children in Kenya are limited. Our Children’s Clubs and Safe Park provide children with the opportunity to enjoy their childhood, interact with peers, and reduce trauma symptoms. Volunteers can assist in organizing the children’s free time and workshops on important topics such as hygiene, HIV/AIDS, puberty, and children’s rights. Additionally, if volunteers possess the necessary skills and training, they are welcome to lead these workshops themselves. Volunteers also play a crucial role in offering a listening ear to the children.
Accompany our social workers
Visit families with them and support them in assessing the situation of the children and improving it sustainably.
Educational work
Support the team at the Craft Center, Future Hub, or beauty salon by offering workshops and inputs that align with their curriculum and enhance their vocational training. These workshops could cover a range of topics, from advanced skills in their craft or profession to essential life skills and entrepreneurship, empowering participants with practical knowledge and expertise.
Stand up for the reproductive rights of women and young people. Support our Rain Workers in educational talks on contraception and sexuality in schools, households and health centers.
Additionally, the Life-Skill Sessions on Fridays are also a great platform for volunteers. Every week, all the young people receiving vocational training at Mayenya come together to actively learn something new. If you have an idea for a workshop, our team here will support you, and you can collaborate to prepare something meaningful together.
Administrative Work
You can also contribute by assisting with social media, fundraising, or other office tasks. Help us to effectively communicate our projects to donors: as a volunteer, you’ll encounter inspiring stories daily. Write reports on your experiences or create videos that we can share through our channels, spreading smiles to even more people in the future.
Permaculture Work
Discover our thriving permaculture projects in “New Land” and “Mayenya”, where we’ve established two demonstration farms. Here, beneficiaries and community members learn essential skills in vegetable cultivation and sustainable living. Join us in transforming soil fertility and supporting local farmers to enhance yields naturally, without reliance on artificial inputs like seeds, fertilisers, or pesticides.
Together, we’re cultivating a sustainable future and empowering communities through practical knowledge and hands-on initiatives.
Your own ideas
Do you have certain talents, or can you bring your education into our work? Cool! We are always open to new things. Here are a few examples that we have been able to implement so far:
• Kickboxing/self-defense training for young women
• Training our employees in psychosocial support / mental health
• Developing a concept and fundraising for a soccer team at our Safe-Park
• Planning a sports tournament for children in the region
Why Volunteering?
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Volunteering with Make Me Smile Kenya is more than just service; it’s a cultural exchange that benefits everyone involved. We believe that learning should happen both ways. While our community gains valuable skills and knowledge from volunteers, volunteers also gain profound insights from the people, life, and culture here in Kisumu. This mutual exchange enriches both parties, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives. We warmly welcome and appreciate every volunteer, as your contributions and dedication are essential to our shared progress.
Our Project Region
We are active in Kenya, more precisely in Kisumu, near Lake Victoria. There are not many tourists in the region, which guarantees you an authentic picture of Kenya. The majority of the population belongs to one of the largest ethnic groups in Kenya, the Luos. Kisumu has a city centre with restaurants and shops. If you get sick, there are several private hospitals with almost western standards. The region is considered stable, although crime can never be completely ruled out. However, if you use common sense and follow the instructions of our teams, the chances of danger are very low. You can call your contact person in case of emergency at any time of the day or night. In addition, our office and your accommodation is constantly guarded by day and night guards.
In your free time you have the opportunity to explore the project region and points of interest. Especially popular are excursions to Lake Victoria, the Kakamega rainforest, or exploring the beautiful nature by taking a hike.
Accommodation – Your home away from home
Our MakeMeSmile-Office is located in Kisumu town. Right next to the office is our volunteer house. Two bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom and Wifi – what more can you ask for! Depending on how many volunteers there are, you will either sleep alone or with up to two of your fellow volunteers. A gatekeeper is on site around the clock and provides additional security.
There is also the possibility to spend the night in the mountains, on our “New Land”- Farm in Kajulu.
Costs of your Volunteering
• One-time administration fee: 150 Euro
• Accommodation costs per month:
for a stay of 90 days or more: 360 Euro
for a stay less than 90 days: 400 Euro
• Monthly membership fee: from 5€ (can be cancelled any time)
Included: Accommodation, daily transport to the projects (either by project bus, motorcycle taxi or minibus), drinking water, Wi-Fi, transport to and from Kisumu airport/bus station, 24-hour emergency contact, electricity & water, personal support and of course many unforgettable experiences.
The costs of your voluntary service are tax-deductible if your tax residency is in Austria, Germany, or Switzerland.
Checklist for your Volunteering at MMS- Kenya
• Age 18 years or older
• Knowledge of English
• Fun working with kids or young people
• Not a must, but appreciated: Special know-how (pedagogy, social work, agriculture, medicine, construction, technology, etc.)
You would like to help us to support self-help, bring a smile to people in Kenya and return with an even bigger smile? Great! Then please fill in our contact form in English, so that our team in Kenya can also get to know you.
We are looking forward to you!
