At Ubuntu Africa, we believe in the power of showing up—not as saviours, but as supporters, listeners, and learners. Our volunteer program offers a unique opportunity to work directly alongside our team in the heart of Ngando, Nairobi, and be part of the lasting change we’re building together. Volunteers play a meaningful role in supporting our school, engaging with students, assisting in daily operations, and contributing to wider community initiatives.

Typical activities include:

• helping pick vegetables in the community garden,
• supporting meal preparation and serving breakfast and lunch,
• assisting with classroom tasks like marking work,
• sourcing materials for vital projects, and
• joining the children for playtime to build genuine bonds

These hands-on roles make a real difference while fostering deep connections.

Every volunteer brings their own unique skills and experiences, and we celebrate this diversity. Whether you have specialised qualifications or practical skills - like sewing, knitting, IT, carpentry, or creative arts—we actively encourage you to share them with us. We work closely with volunteers to identify how their expertise can best support projects and enrich our programs, creating meaningful, lasting impact beyond the day-to-day tasks.

We are committed to ethical, sustainable volunteering. This means no short-term “voluntourism,” no displacing local workers, and no disruption to the school environment.

All our school staff are local to Ngando, and we proudly employ teachers, cooks, and support workers from the community, ensuring that Ubuntu Africa creates opportunity and empowerment right where it’s needed most.

Volunteering with Ubuntu Africa is a full and rewarding experience. Volunteers work Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm alongside our dedicated team, supporting the school and community through meaningful activities. Evenings and weekends are your time to relax, reflect, and explore. We can help arrange unforgettable safari adventures, vibrant city tours, and cultural experiences - giving you the chance to truly discover the beauty and diversity of Kenya beyond Ngando.

All volunteers are required to raise a mandatory volunteer fee to ensure their trip has a positive and lasting impact on the project. This fee covers accommodation in comfortable local Airbnb homes that offer all the comforts of home, providing volunteers a safe and relaxing place to unwind in the evenings. It also includes airport pickup, daily transport to and from the school with a trusted local driver, and meals at the school during volunteer hours. After covering accommodation, in-country transport, and essentials, 100% of this fee goes directly to the school to support meals, materials, wages, and vital daily operations. Volunteers are also encouraged to undertake additional fundraising or bring physical donations to further support the community.

While it’s not mandatory to return, every volunteer we’ve had has chosen to come back time and again creating their own lasting bond with the school and community. If you’re passionate, open-minded, and ready to walk with us in solidarity, not charity—we’d love to welcome you to Ngando.

Be part of the change and let it change you.

Volunteers contribute to a variety of tasks that support both the school and the wider community. These may include:

• Picking vegetables in the school’s community garden
• Supporting kitchen staff with meal prep and food service
• Helping serve breakfast and lunch
• Assisting in sourcing materials for vital school or community projects
• Classroom support such as marking or one-on-one reading
• Helping with playtime and outdoor activities to build relationships with the children

While roles vary depending on your skills and the school’s current needs, every task contributes to the larger mission. Many volunteers return year after year, forming lasting bonds with the school and community.

Weekends are the perfect opportunity to explore Kenya beyond the classroom. We work with our trusted partners at Athari Africa Tours, who not only offer incredible experiences but also donate 10% of your safari fee directly back into local projects—so your adventure gives back. Some popular weekend activities include:

•  Safari trips to stunning national parks with Athari Africa Tours
• City tours of Nairobi to discover its vibrant culture and history
• Feeding giraffes at the famous Giraffe Centre
• Visiting David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage during public nursery feeding times
• Exploring the Nairobi National Park Safari Walk, home to rescued animals who can’t return to the wild
• Dining at Nairobi Street Kitchen, a lively food truck warehouse showcasing local and international cuisine

We’re happy to help organise your weekend adventures so you can truly experience all that Kenya has to offer - ethically and enjoyably.