Volunteering at Destiny Garden School

Volunteers are encouraged to work at Destiny Garden School.  They not only gain valuable life experiences but also benefit the school with their help, different ideas and cultures.

Volunteering direct with Destiny Garden School cuts out the often large administration fees charged by volunteering organizations, whose overheads are high. The school is directed and managed by Jacob, who is a qualified and experienced businessman and also the founder of Destiny Garden School. He holds the welfare and education of the children uppermost and his vision is ‘to get the children out of their poverty trap through education.’ Volunteers at Destiny Garden School are looked after by Jacob and his team to ensure that their stay is comfortable and safe, and that they have a rewarding experience. Working in Mombasa will give you the opportunity to experience Kenya, one of the most scenic countries in Africa – and you can take weekend breaks to visit one of the spectacular Game Reserves or just relax on one of the many beaches.

For more details of the volunteer programme, please see the following questions and answers, or email info@destinychildren.co.uk

You can read the comments some of our past volunteers have made on our Volunteer Reviews page.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why should I volunteer at Destiny Garden School?
• Who can volunteer?
• What would I do?
• How long would my placement be?
• Where would I stay?
• What about flights and transport from the airport? 
• How much will it cost me to volunteer?
• How can I apply to become a volunteer?
• What have past volunteers done?

Why should I volunteer at Destiny Garden School?

Volunteering direct with Destiny Garden School cuts out the often large administration fees charged by volunteering organizations, whose overheads are high.

The school is directed and managed by Jacob, who is a qualified experienced businessman, has worked in education and has successfully helped set up another similar charity school.  He holds the welfare and education of the children uppermost and his vision is ‘to get the children out of their poverty trap through education.’

Volunteers at Destiny Garden School are looked after by Jacob and his family to ensure that their stay is comfortable and safe, and to make sure that they have a rewarding experience.

As a volunteer, you will see the difference you are helping to make to improve the lives of needy children.  By working at Destiny Garden School, you will learn about a culture very different to your own and gain an insight into the lives of children being educated in Kenya.

Working in Mombasa will give you the opportunity to experience Kenya, one of the most scenic countries in Africa – and you can take weekend breaks to visit one of the spectacular Game Reserves for example or relax on one of the many beaches.

Who can volunteer?

This program is suitable for students, gap year programs, people taking sabbaticals, a career change or in retirement. You will work with a professional Aid and Development organization. You will be part of Jacob’s team the moment you arrive at the airport.

Volunteers come from all walks of life, young and old, with the energy, skills and desire to work in a very special community service project away from home.

What would I do?

Volunteers at Destiny Garden School in Mombasa, Kenya, will help to meet the educational needs of 300 needy and orphaned children aged 2½ to 13 years.

The school focuses on education, sport and counselling, but as a volunteer you could be involved in these or a range of tasks depending on the requirements of the children at the time.  You may help the staff in teaching, play with the children or help at mealtimes.

You do not have to be a trained teacher to help. Many skills could be of benefit to the running of the school. The following are but a few suggestions of what you could do as a volunteer at Destiny:

• Assisting teachers in teaching all subjects and particularly English, maths and spelling.
• Marking exam papers
• Assisting in sport activities. Children at Destiny love playing sports including football, rounders and volleyball.
• Helping with looking after the schools small farming plot which is just outside of the school compound.
• Helping with any building work that is being done when you are here or doing any ‘odd jobs’ around the school
• The children at Destiny love to see new people at their school and they learn a lot from volunteers. It doesn’t matter if you have never taught before, just giving praise and encouraging the children while they work makes a huge difference.
• The children love to sing and dance and you may be able to teach them new songs and/or dance routines
• All classes also have a ‘creative arts’ lessons which you may wish to help with.
• At Destiny we welcome any other ideas you may have which will be an inspirational new learning experience for the children

As a volunteer all you need is a positive and caring attitude and commitment to being willing to contribute where you can.  Do this and you will be providing great benefits to the children and will play a part in their future success in life.

How long would my placement be?

Volunteers can be long or short-term, it’s really up to you. Your placement may be for 1 or 2 weeks or months or even longer. All volunteers whether short or long term will benefit from volunteering at Destiny and even in one week can have a significant impact on the children and staff at the school. You will be supported and guided in every way possible. In an  emergency, you will not be alone. We will be there to assist you.

Where would I stay?

You will stay with school director Jacob and his wife and family in their home in Shelly Beach (bottom RH corner of map below) with good security. They have guest accommodation, and this may be shared depending on the number of volunteers.

You will have breakfast and evening meal at home Monday to Friday and lunch at the school. At the weekend, all meals will be at home. We can also cater for any special dietary requirements. There is WIFI at home, but this is limited; there are however a number of internet cafés in town.

Shelly Beach is around 5km from the school, and the daily commute by public transport gives a good insight into local life. Transport costs will be less than USD 1 per day, and Jacob or one of his staff will accompany you on the matatu (minibus).

What about flights and transport from the airport?

If you are booking your placement directly with Destiny Garden School you will have to arrange your own flights. There are many websites and travel agents who can assist you with this and good deals can be found. Most flights will require you to change at Nairobi for an internal flight to Mombasa where you will be met at the airport by one of Jacob’s team.

Don’t forget you will also need to arrange your own travel insurance for the duration of your stay.

How much will it cost me to volunteer?

We work very hard to keep costs down especially for you the volunteer, and at the same time provide a quality service while you are with us. Our charges are weekly and the same irrespective of the length of your placement.

USD 285 / EUR 252 / GBP 225

The equivalent charges are payable in your local currency at the exchange rate at time of booking.  Please email jacoboaz2000@gmail.com for further details. 

Deposit:

A booking deposit of USD 120 or EUR 105 or GBP 95 is required to secure your volunteer placement. This deposit is non-refundable. There are, however, no hidden fees in our organization. The deposit can be paid via bank transfer to our account.  Please email jacoboaz2000@gmail.com for further details. 

Balance of the payment::

The balance for each week of your stay is paid on your arrival.

Please Note: Some organizations have special agreements with Destiny Garden School which may or may not result in different fees being paid.

For those who prefer to stay closer to the school there may be alternative lodging available – please contact Jacob for up-to-date details.

The  accommodation and food fees include:

– Transport to and from the airport.
– Breakfast, lunch and evening meal at accommodation or school
– Drinking water – personal bottle can be filled to take to the school
– Comfortable bedroom with single or double bed and secure mosquito net  (rooms may be shared depending on numbers)
– Bedroom is cleaned daily, except Sundays and deep cleaned weekly
– Sheets and towels washed weekly
– Personal Laundry washed and ironed weekly
– Limited access to the internet – there are internet cafés in town
– Use of shared facilities – sitting room, bathroom and kitchen including fridge, kettle and two hob Gas Cooker.

The following are not covered by the volunteer costs and are the responsibility of the volunteer.

–  All flight costs and charges
–  Travel/medical insurance, visa costs, vaccination costs
–  Food costs if away from the project
–  Bottled drinks
–  Sight seeing and excursions
–  Pocket money

How can I apply to become a volunteer?

If you would like to volunteer, or would like more details, please email info@destinychildren.co.uk for further details.

Jacob will send you an application form, and two personal references will be required.

What have past volunteers done?

Past volunteers have done a variety of different tasks – teaching a wide range of subjects, coaching sports, helping with the  school accounts and bookkeeping systems, building this website, digging the new vegetable plots, organising a sports day, arranging  an awards ceremony, to name but a few. Please see the comments some of our recent past volunteers have made – Volunteer Reviews

Read the comments some of our past volunteers have made on our Volunteer Reviews page (including Guy’s).