New Hope Volunteers

Since 1998, More than 18000 happy volunteers


Teaching English Project (Nairobi, Watamu, Mombasa, Maasai)

volunteer in teaching english project in kenya
  • Share your passion in teaching English to children
  • Work with local schools and help shape the futures of the students
  • Practice Swahili while immersed in the local culture through carefully-screened homestays
  • Enjoy the world-renowned wildlife attractions, beautiful natural wonders and the diverse Kenyan cultures in your downtime

If you enjoy teaching, this is the opportunity to do so amidst savannas teeming with wildlife! English is a very important subject for young Kenyans to learn. Often, a good ability to read and write in English will mean they can secure seats in good universities and ultimately, get well paid jobs. English is used in commerce, communication and because of the growth of tourism, in jobs related to the field. Although the local standard of English is quite good in Kenya, there are still schools which are resource-poor and lack enough skilled educators. The impoverished attend these schools, and improving the grasp of the English language is near impossible without proper guidance. Hence, our volunteers will help the children to improve their English skills. You'll teach conservational English as well as from the official curriculum and you'll be encouraged to hold debates and discussions. This will make the children learn quickly and ensure they become confident individuals capable of believing in themselves. Teach English in Kenya, and help the local children have a better future while enjoying the panoramic sceneries, famous wildlife, and fascinating culture blend of Kenya!

The schools in Kenya will be closed in April-May and August-September. During this time, volunteers will teach in an orphanage. Volunteers have the option of joining other projects in Maasai region.

Volunteers' Responsibilities

As a volunteer teaching English in Kenya, you will be placed at the local schools and teaching a group of 20-35 in a class. Depending on your individual interests and skills, and on the needs of the local staff, your daily activities involve, but are not limited to:

  • Teaching basic English to the students
  • Helping students to improve their Basic English and conversational skills
  • Supporting recreational and artistic activities focused on educational learning
  • Organizing and developing activities that encourage learning
  • Assisting the fulltime local teacher with class duties
  • Educating children regarding personal hygiene
  • Working alongside the local teachers on curriculum development
  • Assisting school administrations with daily tasks
  • Tutoring the students and help with their homework
How You Can Make a Difference

When young Kenyans have good English, they can not only enroll in better higher educational institutions, but also get higher paying jobs and more work opportunities, especially in tourism and hospitality. However in the schools where our volunteer project is located at, the children often find it very hard to improve their English language. English taught in the public schools is basic at best, and teachers do not have the proper training to teach correct pronunciation or grammar. With our volunteers, the students will be able to hold debates and discussions and this will help them to comprehend the language better through improved grammar and vocabulary. Your presence will encourage the students to speak English, and gradually build their confidence.

Skills and Qualifications

There are no specific qualifications needed to join our volunteer project in Kenya beyond a fluency in English. However, having an understanding of Kenyan culture and Swahili language can help improve the experience for you and the children. Consider enrolling in our one-week Language & Cultural Immersion program. Volunteer teachers should have strong English fluency, both written and verbal, although no previous teaching experience is required. Volunteers should have a love for teaching, English and conversation. Volunteers should also be enthusiastic, reliable, flexible, patient and strive to be good role models for the students. Volunteers must also respect the locals and the host organizations, along with their rules and projects.

Project Location

This project is located in Mombasa, Nairobi, Watamu and Maasai.

Watamu lies on the Indian Ocean and is the country's coastal tourism hub. The majority of the residents wear colorful traditional clothing, and the city's climate is warm and tropical. While Watamu is home to some very rich foreigners, it's also home to incredibly poor Kenyans. The volunteer house where international volunteers all stay together while working on projects in Watamu is located directly on the beach, so at the end of a hard and emotionally draining day volunteering, you can relax an rejuvenate right on the beach! There are also a multitude of diverse restaurants and Watamu's northern shoreline is renowned for its vibrant 24-hour entertainment.

Nairobi is the capital and the largest city in Kenya. The colorful combinations of culture and modern living are living examples of past meets future. There is a solid tourist infrastructure in place that supports day trips and city tour planning, and volunteers can spend free time in the National Museum or Nairobi National Park. The city is a hub for safari launches and there are many opportunities for different excursions. There are also crocodile farms and nature trails to explore, along with the standard pulsing city options for travelers.

Mombasa is the main tourist hot spot in Kenya. Located on the Eastern coastline of Kenya bordering the Indian Ocean, it is celebrated for its beaches. Mombasa offers a diverse marine life, world-class hotels, and a friendly atmosphere. Back in the 16th century, Mombasa was ruled by the Portuguese, Arabs and the British, resulting in the cultural melting pot that the city has become today. Must-visits include the Forte Jesus de Mombaca, the Old Town, an historic Portuguese port.

Maasai land is close to Kenya’s best-known and finest wildlife reserve – the Maasai Mara. The land is located in the south west region of Kenya, about 90 minutes from Nairobi. The land covers an area around 1530 square km and is reserved for Maasai people, who live a pastoral and nomadic lifestyle. Many Maasai, however, have settled down permanently and have build houses. There are also schools and hospital in the region, although there are insufficient manpower and facilities to run them smoothly.

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