Hope for Victoria Children Project (HOVIC) KVSO local and International Volunteer Group
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About the project
Hope for Victoria Children Project (HOVIC) KVSO local and International Volunteer Group
📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
KVSO is a non-profit and a community based organization established in 2015 in Kenya to promote peace, global citizenship and community development and cultural exchange through international volunteering programs by empowering young people to advance community development and strengthen multicultural understanding increase cooperation between Kenyan communities and people living in developed world through a range of development programs. We have partnerships with various organizations within Kenya and abroad to enhance our work and encourage cultural exchange and corporation.
💼 What the programme involves
The Hope for Victoria Children (HOVIC) programme is an educational and cultural empowerment project designed to support vulnerable children living and working on the streets of Kisumu and within hidden sectors where child labour and exploitation are common. Established in 2003, HOVIC focuses on improving the overall well-being of children whose rights are violated through abuse, neglect, malnutrition, and lack of education.
The programme combines rehabilitation, education, counselling, vocational support, and community reintegration. Volunteers work directly with rescued children through teaching, psychosocial support, life-skills training, and school-based advocacy. The project also conducts street outreach, tracing families, conflict mediation, and monitoring children as they transition into safer environments.
HOVIC operates a night shelter, vocational workshops, and a day centre attended by an average of 100 children daily. Volunteers become part of a long-term, sustainable transformation process that empowers children to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into supportive families and communities.
🏠 Accommodation on site
Volunteers will be accommodated in either a simple hostel or a host family within the local community. The living conditions are basic but safe, with access to electricity and running water. Beds and mattresses are provided. Volunteers are required to bring essential personal items such as a mosquito net, sleeping bag, pillow, and water purification tablets. The accommodation environment encourages cultural immersion and close interaction with the local Luo community.
🍲 Food
Meals will be prepared collectively by the volunteers. The food is simple, healthy, and based on local Kenyan cuisine, often including vegetables, rice, beans, ugali, fruits, and occasional meat. Volunteers with dietary restrictions can adapt their meals accordingly. Participating in meal preparation offers an opportunity to learn about Luo and Kenyan culinary traditions.
📍 About the location
The project is located in the city of Kisumu, within the Luo community in western Kenya near Lake Victoria. Kisumu is a culturally vibrant urban centre with strong traditions, warm hospitality, and a mix of rural and urban lifestyles. The area is known for its fishing culture, colourful markets, and natural attractions. The project environment allows volunteers to experience authentic Luo customs and daily life while contributing to a meaningful social cause.
🎒 Leisure activities
Volunteers have access to a wide range of leisure activities, including:
Visiting the Kakamega tropical rainforest for sunrise/sunset views
Observing rare monkey species such as the blue monkey, red-tailed monkey, and black-and-white colobus
Taking boat rides on Lake Victoria
Hippo-search excursions and bird-watching
Exploring Kisumu’s markets, cultural sites, and lakeside attractions
These activities allow volunteers to discover western Kenya’s biodiversity, culture, and natural beauty.
⚠️ Requirements
Minimum age: 18 years
Ability to communicate in English
Commitment to working with vulnerable children
Basic adaptability to simple living conditions
Respect for local culture and traditions
Personal items: mosquito net, sleeping bag, pillow, water purification tablets
Emotional maturity and willingness to participate in counselling and child-support activities
Working shoes adapted to work on site
Mobile phone
Sleeping bag
Mosquito net (can be bought in Kenya for around 3-5€)
Flash light/torch
Warm clothing and light clothing
Camera
Pocket money for any personal expenses
Tablets for water purification
Personal effects (i.e. Soap, Toiletries)
First Aid basic kit & any personal medicine
🤝 Meeting point
The official meeting point for the programme is the KVSO Offices, where volunteers will be welcomed and prepared for orientation. From this point, staff members will brief volunteers about the project, Kenyan culture, Luo traditions, safety measures, and travel information.
ℹ️ Additional information
HOVIC plays a significant role in rescuing children from dangerous environments and providing long-term life-changing opportunities. Volunteers become part of a structured rehabilitation system that includes counselling, vocational training, non-formal education, and ongoing follow-up with families. Artistic activities such as beadwork and soapstone carving enrich the children’s creativity and cultural identity. The project promotes dignity, resilience, and a pathway to independence for every child involved.
Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.
Sign in to apply📷 Project photos
📅 Available sessions
Hope for Victoria Children Project (HOVIC)
10/06/2026 at 08:30 → 30/06/2026 at 16:30
ℹ️ Key information
Age required
18–99 years old
Solidarity donation
380.00 EUR
French tax residents may be eligible for a tax reduction of up to 66% of their costs (membership, plane tickets, solidarity donation).
📍 Location
International Building, 00100 Mama Ngina St, Nairobi, Kenya
Kenya
🌍 Location info
Local currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES / KSh)
Exchange rate
1 KES = 0.006892 EUR
Rate as of 31/05/2026
Timezone
East Africa Time
Local time: 22:15 (12/11/2026)
🛡️ Before you leave
✅ Features
🏠 Accommodation
🗣️ Languages spoken