Volunteers Voice
Do you wish you could get to know the kids and life at Hope Home and become part of our family? Are you interested in an indescribable life experience and would you like to realise a project with your own hands?
No problem with Volunteers Voice, our private volunteer service, because we send you to the Hope Home as a bearer of hope.
If you have any questions or would like personal advice, you can contact us by e-mail at volunteers@childrens-hope-home.org. We will discuss the most important questions about your stay in Kenya with you in an individual meeting.
We will prove to you how easy it can be to become part of our family. Ultimately, it was our experience on the ground that prompted us to found our organisation and become a beacon of hope.
If you are interested in volunteering, you are welcome to apply directly to our
First answers to important questions
What can you expect at Hope Home?
First of all, of course, the kids are at the centre of your stay. But you will also experience the day-to-day challenges of running a children's home. Your own creative commitment will also come into play. Last but not least, you will be a guest in Kenya, an impressive country on Africa's east coast with an indescribable number of facets and numerous wonderful places.
What is the story of the kids at the Hope Home?
Many of the kids have had traumatic experiences and often suffered abuse before they came to the Hope Home. The children's dignity, rights and souls were often violated by the adults who were supposed to protect them. In addition to material support, these children therefore need positive role models in their lives to help them regain confidence. They need attention and affection. Although they no longer live on the streets or in violent households, everyday life in the home is not always easy. Sharing ‘home’ with many other children often results in a lack of individual care and recognition.
What can you do for the children on site?
Teaching them reading, writing and maths, encouraging them in arts and crafts, painting, playing and doing handicrafts with them ... there are many ways to make the children's day very special. Maybe you organise a football tournament on the school grounds or a trip to Nairobi's city park? The children will also love it if you tell them about your life and how and where you live. Read to them or let them guide you through Gathiga. Take a child by the hand and let them guide you!
What is behind the Hope Home in Gathiga and how can you help?
Running a children's home successfully means taking care of the daily tasks and facing up to the challenges. The children have to be provided with food and drink and dressed. In addition to the carers, this is also done by the older children. It is a lot of work under the given conditions to prepare meals and provide clean clothes. The home must be tidy and clean in order to guarantee the health of the children. Here you can help and take on some of the tasks. Washing laundry, peeling vegetables, cooking, serving food, cleaning, dressing the children and accompanying them on their way to school.
How can you get involved creatively?
The Hope Home blossoms when you realise a project and contribute your own skills and ideas. We are happy to plan a specific project with you in advance, which you can actively realise on site. A new coat of paint, a new building, a playground or a new garden - there are no limits to your imagination.
In any case, you should have fun with the children at Hope Home.
This will make the children feel at ease and forget how difficult their lives often are during their time with you.
And one thing is certain: your stay at the Hope Home will change you too!
Is Gathiga Children's Hope Home a (state) recognised organisation?
The Gathiga Children's Hope Home is a registered Kenyan organisation in the form of a self-help project.
What added value do you get as a volunteer from a visit to the Hope Home?
There are many good reasons why people become volunteers. In addition to the personal satisfaction that comes from working with the children on a daily basis, you will also
- gain a deep understanding of how people live in poverty
- Gain first-hand experience and develop an understanding of the emotional needs of street children
- versteckte Fähigkeiten und Talente entdecken,
- Increase your self-confidence,
- Make children happier and give them hope,
- find new friends for life and
- have a lot of fun despite unimaginable living conditions.
How much does the private voluntary service cost?
The costs consist of the registration fee, orientation course and the participation fee.
The registration fee is 200€.
The orientation course costs €150. During this course, we discuss all the important preparatory matters, teach introductory Swahili language skills, introduce the Children's Hope Home and its staff and prepare you for your stay in Kenya with all its facets (culture, typical features of the country, travel preparations, etc.). We will eat Kenyan food together and get to know each other.
The participation fee is €350/month or €100/week for short-term assignments.
Why should you pay for your voluntary work?
The Hope Home receives no state funding and relies solely on donations. Volunteers make a major contribution to securing the existence of the home. Without the regular support of our hope bearers, the ‘Hope Home’ project would not last long. Your donations also ensure that local staff can be employed on site. The fee you pay as a volunteer covers the costs of accommodation and meals during your stay.
Who can become a volunteer?
Our volunteers come from all over the world. We accept volunteers from all nations and all backgrounds. Volunteers have come from Kenya itself, the USA, Canada, the UK, Germany and many other countries. Our volunteers are pupils, students, pensioners or professionals who want to take some time out. However, the prerequisite is that your state of health allows you to stay in Africa for several weeks.
How old do you have to be to become a volunteer at Hope Home?
You must be at least 18 years old, there is no upper age limit. Minors can only become volunteers with the explicit consent of their legal guardians.
What qualifications and experience do you need?
Volunteers are not required to have any special skills or qualifications. All you need is the motivation to help others and patience and flexibility in dealing with cultural differences. Everyday life in Africa may not run as smoothly as you are used to in Germany.
Where and how will you live?
Volunteers will be accommodated in Kibiku in Lucy's house. This accommodation may not offer the same level of comfort that you are used to at home. However, you can expect to sleep in a single bed and may only share a room with one or two other volunteers. The rooms are simple - but clean. Your bed will of course have sheets, blankets and pillows. However, we ask you to bring your own towels and individual items for your stay.