My time in Soweto Slums is something I will always remember and cherish. The project itself is so important and is making a difference in so many lives. Volunteering here was something out of my comfort zone for sure, showers were from a bucket and squatting to use the bathroom was something I wasn’t used to while living in the USA. I am grateful that I got out of my comfort zone because in doing so I was immersed in such a beautiful culture, the volunteers were all such amazing people and filled with such light and love. As for teaching and even some of the games there were many challenges to be faced, it wasn’t an “easy job” but it was a rewarding one and much needed. Many of the kids vary in ages and skill level so teaching lessons can be an obstacle but with patience, encouragement, and perseverance there’s a stronger learning environment. The children are so welcoming and loving and were one of the hardest parts to leave. Part of my heart will always be in Kenya, thank you for being an amazing host. Pole Pole.

Soweto soweto… Wow What could I say ? I really wasn’t expecting coming back to Nairobi a month after my first stay with them, but I missed them so much that I chose to go back for a few days more. They became like family, I just felt like at home with them. The kids center in the slum is such a magical place full of love for all the kids. A place where they feel safe and know people will listen to them, a peaceful parenthesis in all their daily life struggles. Bonface, Rio, David and the whole team are doing an amazing job every day to enable the most vulnerable kids to get decent meals and be able to go to school. As a volunteer the tasks are very varied, home visits, school visits, kids interview for the sponsors, organizing activities and games the afternoon after school. You will for sure quickly feel involved in the project. I loved so much the slum atmosphere and their people that even when I had finished the “volunteering work” I stayed amongst them until sunset, enjoying life ! The kids actually give you so so much love… There are places like this, you can’t exactly tell why but you know there are special to you. Nakupenda Soweto.

Warning: YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH THIS PLACE AND NEVER FORGET IT!! I've stayed with the project for 5 weeks and had the most wonderfull experience. I was immediately adopted by the SYI family and felt really at home. True impact is being made here everyday and you want to be part of this. Specially when you can stay for a longer time I think there are some wonderfull opportunities really help progress to organization. I will continue to be part of it and help where I can. Soweto is forever in my heart and I will be back!

I spent 2 weeks volunteering in child education and entertainment and my experience was absolutely incredible!!! The organization is very flexible and you are free to suggest any idea for a new project to help there. I highly recommend the experience to anyone who is willing to help out with children and have a good time too!!

Working here was life changing and probably the best time of my life. My plan was to stay for one month, but in the end I stayed for around two and just left because my home government called me back because of the corona crisis. The work with the kids, with the initiative itself, the new cooperation with the kahawa primary school and the work in the hospital was teaching me a lot. While my stay, I lived together with Bonface and his wife in a flat near the slums. Bonface is a person you can trust for 100% and there is nearly no way around that he becomes a great part of your life also in your future. His work for the Initiative and his passion while playing with the kids is so inspiring, you just want to keep him around. His home became my home, he taught me and the other volunteers about the african lifestyle, how to cook african dishes and we all had tons of fun together. The work in the Initiative doesn’t feel like actual work. The kids, the other local volunteers and George are amazing human beings and I’m so glad that I met them in my life. 
Now I have to go home, but I’m sure that my time here isn’t over and that I’m coming back very soon. Thank you for everything!

My stay here though very short, was a life-changing experience for me! All the volunteers are very warm and welcoming. The kids are so loving that you’ll forget where you came from. Bonface is very accommodating and flexible as a host. You can tell him whatever you want, he’ll try his best to help you. All in all, a really awesome place to travel and contribute to the society.

Hello! I’m José Antonio Vázquez, from Spain, and this summer, I travelled to Nairobi to volunteer with the children of the Soweto Youth Initiative. In our time there, we taught the kids Spanish, English and Italian, we also organized many fun activities; we played games, we danced, we played with computer, we even got to organize a beauty contest! I can now say that this has become one of the best experiences of my life. I have no words to describe how much happiness and love these kids transmit. I strongy recomend it! Definitely something worth experiencing at least once in your life.