Volunteering Solutions - Sutton

Andrea C. A.

Volunteering in Kenya as part of the two-week childcare program was an unforgettable and deeply rewarding experience.

From the moment I reached out to Volunteering Solutions, I was impressed by their responsiveness and support. I made the decision to join the program just two weeks before departure, and they went above and beyond to make it happen on such short notice. The cost of £761 for two weeks felt incredibly reasonable, especially considering everything it included: daily breakfast and dinner (lunch was provided by the children’s home and during the safari), airport transfers, accommodation with bed linen, Wi-Fi, hot showers, and a two-day safari with an overnight hotel stay. It was great value for the experience I had. One thing I’d recommend for future volunteers is to check in about how many others will be on the program at the same time. During my second week, I was the only volunteer both at the placement and in the accommodation, which was a bit isolating. Also, in hindsight, I might have preferred to spend the safari weekend exploring Nairobi on my own, as the journey to Lake Nakuru took up most of the day.

The childcare placement itself was the true highlight. It was humbling, heartwarming, and full of joy. The children were clever, funny, kind, and full of personality. We shared so many fun and memorable moments—playing, learning, dancing, singing, and simply enjoying each other’s company. It was truly special, a once in a lifetime experience.

alessio P.

The experience was a real unique opportunity to live in a total different context, a rural city of the inner Ghana, Tamale, based on farming. Life there was different, with not a lot of comforts that we consider for granted in Europe, but probably it is even the reason why you can live in a more spontaneous way, enjoying the real priorities of the life. The warm and welcoming people, especially the always smiling children, I had the opportunity to meet gave me a priceless human feedback that only if you live personally you can understand. Supporting, brick by brick, the building of the new classroom in the Maltiti girls school, a school for pushing young women to attend school in an area where priorities for the girls are domestic tasks, even fundraising more than 2.000€, it was pure joy, that I could see in their eyes and fed my days, below a very hot sun. Teaching math to them and motivating them on the importance of education was a responsability that has no comparison in my previous work life. Beyond it I saw the rise of the FIRST footbal academy in Tamale, with the aim to support boys with the dream of becoming football players, ensuring they take seriously the school. All in only 5 weeks, a lot of energy and initiatives i am proud I was (and still now from Europe) contributing to, and that all of you can support if you want to live a life-changing experience!

Vicky W.

My second visit to Delhi volunteering with VS on the Street Children Project and once again Raj, Sahil and Shankar went above and beyond to ensure every detail was perfect. From the moment our group arrived at the airport our every need was taken care of with nothing being too much trouble.

The planning that goes in to arranging the itinerary and then trying to ensure everything goes to according to plan is testament to the dedication when battling the crazy Delhi traffic and a group of over 20 people wanting to shop at every given opportunity.

To anyone thinking of embarking on a volunteering experience my advice is 'go for it', the only regret you will have it not doing it. Whether as a group or a solo traveller VS will ensure you are well looked after from the moment you arrive until the second you leave.

Lisa F.

Volunteering Solutions was quite helpful in all aspects of the volunteer process. The staff provided a great host home, communications and volunteer opportunities. We were told the more you jump in and participate the more you get out. This was definitely true. I helped the maintenance crew at Kay Dee Preschool paint fences and perform yard work. The school looks much nicer after our work.

Ivana F.

I just returned from a two-week childcare program in Nairobi, Kenya, and my only thought is: I should have stayed longer.

The money spent on the application, the additional costs of going to the orphanage (not included), and the long journey itself feel now insignificant compared to the time I shared with the children — it was the most genuine, meaningful, and important of my life. To borrow the words of one of my favorite Italian singers, those children "have changed the architecture and proportions of my heart."

A huge thank you to Volunteering Solutions and Makimei Children's Home for this incredible opportunity, and to the amazing volunteers I met along the way!

Matilda

I really appreciate the time i spent volunteering in the children home placement in chiang mai. The children are so beautiful and interactive! It was truly eye-opening to connect with children one on one and in groups, sharing laughter, smiles and intense eye-contact. During my daily life it is not often that i can interact with children and learn from staff in how to care for babies and toddlers. What i have learnt over the two week experience are treasured memories and matured understandings that i will use for my future. Going in i was apprehensive of initially interacting with the children as it is so foreign to me but having spent two weeks with children under the age of five, i feel confident in myself in continuing to be a positive and uplifting example to every child i encounter.

Lauren S.

I volunteered with Volunteering Solutions and had an amazing experience. The staff were incredibly helpful, especially Sahil, who made sure everything ran smoothly and that I felt supported throughout.

There are many programs to choose from, giving you the chance to experience new people, cultures, and communities. I have volunteered locally and in Australia through them, and each time was enriching and memorable.

If you would like to broaden your horizons and experience something meaningful, I would highly recommend Volunteering Solutions.

SkyClouds

I have volunteered with Volunteering Solutions three times now, and each experience has been absolutely wonderful. I just returned from my most recent trip to Tanzania, where I participated in the healthcare program while my mom joined the orphanage program. We both had an incredible time and met so many amazing people along the way.

The programs are very well organized, and the support from the Volunteering Solutions team made the whole experience smooth and meaningful. It was inspiring to work alongside other volunteers and local staff, and it truly felt like we were part of something special. I can’t recommend Volunteering Solutions enough and am already looking forward to my next trip with them!