One of the biggest hindrances to the education levels in rural Kenya are lack of classrooms to teach in. Lack of funds generally means that a children’s classroom is based outside under a tree, with lessons discontinuing once the rains come. As you can imagine, this set up is far from ideal, and therefore Rieko are looking for volunteers seeking to build schools in Kenya.

What will I be doing?
Rieko require volunteers that will be able to get as involved as possible. Prepare yourself for plenty of physical labour: digging, moving stones, carrying materials, and even building and plastering. You will gain hands-on experience in Kenyan building practices as well as perhaps learn the local language from the fundis (builders) at the same time. The reward – a classroom for the children to learn in!

Where will I volunteer?
Our school construction volunteering placements are most needed in the rural areas of Migori county, Kenya. We look to build a number of classrooms for a variety of primary and secondary schools around the county. Migori county is known for its diverse landscape; bordering the Masaai Mara game reserve, Tanzania and the 2nd largest lake in the World, we aim to target schools in a variety of locations. The schools that we aim to assist target different niches of students - orphans, children with disabilities, faith-based, and in poverty-stricken areas. Embrace the environment that you’ll be volunteering in and ask the fundis to teach you Kiswahili whilst you build!

The school construction volunteering placements are driven by the amount of money that is fundraised for this placement. USD$1000 can build one classroom, and with USD$10,000 you can rebuild a whole school!  The more you can fundraise, the more you can assist in providing suitable environments for children to learn in. We can guarantee that wherever you volunteer, you will have an unforgettable experience! Contact our team today to discuss which location would suit you best!

How long will the placement take?
The length of the school construction volunteering placement depends on you and how hard you work! Building classrooms is physical work, and in the 40⁰C heat, it can be very challenging. Come out with a team, and the job will be done faster! Help is always on hand for the less physically able, however the reward of seeing a classroom/school that you have built with your own hands is the biggest reward possible. An experience you will cherish for the rest of your life! We would advise spending a minimum of 3 weeks and maximum of 6 months to see projects through to completion. Contact the Rieko team today to discuss your school building in Africa plans.  

Where will I stay?
Rieko school construction volunteers have a number of options when it comes to accommodation in Kenya. Choose between 1) host family, 2) shared volunteer house, or 3) hotel/B&B accommodation. Accommodation with a host family or in a shared volunteer house is most likely to provide you with an authentic Kenyan experience, however hotels are a good option if looking for a hot shower after a hard day’s work onsite.

Who can apply?
Our building schools in Africa program requires no prior experience or qualifications, just an eagerness to make a difference! We ask that volunteers are reasonably physically fit and ready to learn Kenyan building skills. We’re not going to lie – building is tough work, so be ready for a challenge!

The school construction program also relies on volunteers fundraising enough money to build the projects they wish to volunteer in. You will be able to witness where every shilling of your hard-earned money is spent, and build the project in the process. A truly rewarding volunteering experience for those wanting to impact the education of Africa! 

What’s next?
Fill in our online contact form with the details of the dates and program you wish to do, and we’re reply with the rest. We’re looking forward to having you volunteer in our school construction in Kenya program!