Volunteering at Umoja Children’s Home is a heartwarming experience at a loving orphanage that will greatly impact the lives of vulnerable children, while also experiencing the rich culture of Kenya’s green highlands in Bomet County.
Become a volunteer
We need you!
Volunteers at Umoja Children’s Home are a key part of our development. Your time and skills can make a big difference at Umoja Children’s Home. Whether you’re teaching, playing games, or simply sharing a smile, your support is invaluable and can change lives—both theirs and yours.
Why Volunteer with Us?
Become part of a family
Build strong connections with children and staff, creating a sense of belonging and family
Experience a caring environment with Christian values, where we offer support and encouragement to succeed
Share daily moments and experiences, making lifelong memories and friendships
Exchange cultures
Discover what life is like in Bomet, Kenya and learn about the children and community
Truly connect with us and locals, not simply as a tourist, and share in our daily lives
Share your own culture with the children and help them learn about the world
New life experiences
Try new activities like teaching, farming, and local community projects — unique to yours at home
Grow your skills with hands-on experience in areas like web development, social media, and construction
Go on adventures like safaris, hikes, and cultural outings to discover the local area
Frequently Asked Questions
Express Interest: Contact us to express your interest in volunteering. We’ll provide you with more details about our programs and current needs.
Choose Your Dates: Decide when and how long you’d like to volunteer. We offer flexible schedules to accommodate your availability.
Get Prepared: Once you’ve confirmed your dates, we’ll guide you through the preparation process, including travel arrangements and what to pack.
Arrive and Join: Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by our children and introduced to the orphanage. An orientation will help you get settled and start your volunteer journey.
Getting Here: We can arrange airport pickup and transfer for you or if you plan to make your own way, please contact us for guidance and assistance.
Staying Connected: The easiest way to stay connected is to buy a local SIM card at the airport. Safaricom is the largest provider in Kenya. This will also allow you to set up M-PESA for digital payments.
Getting Around Locally: We often travel with the children around the local area in our truck. If you need to go to town, a 5-minute drive away, we can help arrange transport for you.
Food: We provide three meals a day using beans, fruits and vegetables sourced from our small farm, paired of course with the Kenyan favourite, Ugali! We are vegetarian friendly.
Additional Supplies: There’s a very small shop right across the road for any essentials you might need. Larger grocery stores are in Bomet which we can visit.
Commitment: We ask for a minimum stay of one week to ensure continuity for the children and meaningful involvement for you.
Skills and Experience: While no specific skills are required, experience with children or in teaching, healthcare, or social work is beneficial.
Cultural Sensitivity: We are a Christian home. Be open to experiencing and respecting local customs and traditions.
Health and Safety: Ensure you have the necessary vaccinations and travel insurance before your trip.
Flexibility: Be prepared for a dynamic environment where plans can change. A positive attitude and willingness to adapt are key.
Mosquitoes: There are very few mosquitoes given our altitude and climate. However we have mosquito nets on every bed to keep you safe and comfortable at night.
Security and Safety: Our facility is gated and secure with security presence to ensure the safety of all our volunteers and children.
Medical Facilities: The nearest hospital is also close by, ensuring medical care is easily accessible.
Water Supply: We use a water filter to ensure clean drinking water. If you prefer bottled water, there’s a shop nearby. You can also bring a Steripen or similar device if you like.
Bringing gifts for the kids: The children love receiving clothes, toys, and school supplies. If you’re unsure about what to bring, feel free to reach out to us for suggestions.
Fundraising and Content Creation: Help us raise funds and create engaging content to share our mission with a wider audience. This can include writing blog posts, capturing photos and videos, and managing social media.
Teaching: Assist with educational activities by teaching subjects like English, math, and science or organizing fun and educational workshops for the children.
Construction: Get involved in hands-on projects by helping with construction and maintenance tasks around the orphanage, such as building or repairing facilities.
Eco-Farming: Participate in our eco-farming initiatives by assisting with gardening, planting, and sustainable farming practices that support the orphanage.
Web Development: Use your technical skills to help develop and maintain our website, ensuring it effectively communicates our mission and updates to supporters.
Cooking: Assist in the kitchen by preparing meals for the children and staff, learning about local cuisine, and sharing your favourite recipes.