Primary School and Farm-to-Table Volunteer Education Program in Kenya
Program Dates
Spring Team Maisha: March 14 to March 23, 2026
Summer Team Maisha I: June 4 to June 15, 2026
Summer Team Maisha II: June 18 to July 2, 2026
How to Apply & Learn more: https://www.maishaproject.org/missions/
Overview
The Maisha Project is recruiting volunteers for its 2026 Primary School and Farm-to-Table School Meals Volunteer Program in Western Kenya. This program places volunteers at Maisha Academy, a nonprofit primary school serving approximately 200 students, as well as select partner schools within Maisha’s regional education network.
Based on qualifications and experience, volunteers support pre-primary, lower primary, or upper primary classrooms alongside Kenyan teachers. Classroom activities may include ESL support, literacy and numeracy instruction, enrichment lessons, and interactive learning. Volunteers may also contribute to leadership development activities, outdoor games and physical education, basic technology instruction, and hands-on agriculture education connected to Maisha’s farm-to-table school meals program.
The program prioritizes collaboration with Kenyan educators and strengthens existing education systems rather than replacing local staff. It is designed for individuals seeking a responsible, immersive experience in community-centered education models that integrate learning, nutrition, and child wellbeing.
Volunteer Responsibilities
- Support classroom instruction under the guidance of Kenyan teachers
- Assist with ESL, literacy, numeracy, and enrichment lessons
- Contribute to leadership development, physical activity, and creative learning
- Participate in agriculture and food education tied to school meal programs
- Work within structured supervision and defined teaching roles
Who Should Apply
- Education majors and aspiring teachers
- ESL instructors and tutors
- Professionals with experience working with children or youth
- Volunteers fluent in English with an interest in ethical, systems-oriented education work
- Teaching experience or education coursework is preferred
Program Highlights
- Teach in pre-primary, lower, or upper primary classrooms based on experience
- ESL is integrated across literacy, leadership, and technology activities
- Farm-to-table education is linked to a regional school meals program serving over 10,000 students
- Work alongside experienced Kenyan teachers in nonprofit school settings
- Community-centered approach integrating education, nutrition, and child wellbeing
Program Logistics
- Duration options aligned to cohort dates listed above
- Weekly classroom hours range from 15 to 25 hours, depending on placement
- Group size is small to medium
- Housing is provided in a guesthouse
- Primary working language is English
Program Fee
The program includes accommodation, daily meals on program days, in-country transportation and airport transfers, orientation, classroom placement coordination, on-site support, and program monitoring. Pricing reflects direct investment in Maisha Academy and partner schools, educator supervision, student learning materials, and community education programming.
Impact
Volunteers support classroom learning and school meal-linked education initiatives serving children across Kisumu County. Through strengthened teacher support, enriched learning environments, and integration of agriculture and nutrition education, the program contributes to improved educational continuity and student well-being in communities served year-round.