The Jenga Village Volunteers (JEVIVO) Daycare Centre Programme

Name: The Jenga Village Volunteers (JEVIVO) Daycare Centre Programme
Start: 2026-04-01
End: 2027-04-01
Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Code: 30b2f2f3-07f4-11f1-8b4c-fa163ef8d720 Copied

Kenya Social work Social work Fixed dates

About the project

📝 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 Jenga Village Volunteers (JEVIVO) Daycare Centre Programme is a community-driven initiative designed to support young children and empower vulnerable families in Western Kenya. Over the course of 11 months, the programme brings together local and international volunteers to provide early childhood education, nutritional support, and emotional care to children aged 2–6 years.

At the same time, the project works closely with mothers, widows, and disadvantaged households to promote sustainable farming, improve health awareness, and strengthen family wellbeing. Volunteers participate in childcare activities, environmental conservation, agroforestry, home visits, youth engagement, and cultural exchange.

The programme’s goal is to build long-lasting community resilience by combining education, nutrition, and capacity-building. Through daily collaboration with the Luo community, volunteers contribute to meaningful development while gaining valuable cross-cultural experience in a rural African setting.

🏠 Accommodation on site

Volunteers stay with host families or in simple shared accommodation near the project site. This setup provides deep cultural immersion and fosters strong relationships with the local community. The facilities include basic but comfortable rooms, pit latrines, showers, electricity, and access to clean drinking water. Accommodation is secure, friendly, and reflective of typical rural Kenyan living conditions.

🍲 Food

Meals are prepared collaboratively using fresh produce from the JEVIVO model farm, which grows vegetables, beans, maize, and sweet potatoes. Volunteers eat traditional Kenyan dishes such as ugali, rice, vegetables, beans, chapati, and fresh fruits. The diet is healthy and balanced, focusing on locally sourced ingredients. Volunteers with dietary restrictions can be accommodated, but they are encouraged to inform the organizers in advance.

📍 About the location

The project is located in the Shibuname area of Kakamega County, near Kisumu in Western Kenya. This region is home to the Luo community and is known for its vibrant culture, fertile farmland, and rich natural landscapes. The environment is rural, peaceful, and strongly community-oriented. Kisumu, a major city on the shores of Lake Victoria, is the nearest urban center and provides access to transportation, markets, cultural sites, and emergency services.

🎒 Leisure activities

During free time, volunteers can explore the natural and cultural attractions of Western Kenya. Possible leisure activities include visiting Kakamega Tropical Rainforest for nature walks and wildlife viewing, discovering historical sites such as the Wanga Kingdom and the Crying Stone, taking boat rides on Lake Victoria, and participating in local soccer games, storytelling events, and market visits. These activities offer meaningful cultural immersion and relaxation.

⚠️ Requirements

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and able to adapt to simple living conditions. No specific professional skills are required, but openness, teamwork, cultural sensitivity, and a willingness to engage in community activities are essential. Knowledge of English is necessary, while learning basic Kiswahili or Dholuo is encouraged. Volunteers should bring personal essentials such as mosquito nets, sleeping bags, water purification tablets, and comfortable clothing.

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 medicin

🤝 Meeting point

Volunteers can arrive at either Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi or Kisumu International Airport. A pre-departure orientation is held at the KVSO offices in Nairobi before volunteers travel to the project site. During orientation, volunteers meet the team, receive safety instructions, and learn about Luo culture, local customs, and project expectations.

ℹ️ Additional information

The project places strong emphasis on community empowerment, sustainability, and cultural exchange. Volunteers become part of an initiative that not only supports early childhood development but also strengthens family structures, improves food security, and promotes environmentally responsible practices. The programme encourages volunteers to share their skills, ideas, and experiences while learning from the community. This creates a meaningful two-way exchange that benefits both volunteers and local residents.

Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.