About Us
Imara Community Growth Network (ICGN) is a community-based organization located in rural Kenya, dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth, and vulnerable families through education, empowerment, and sustainable community development. Our vision is to build thriving, self-reliant communities where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. Our mission is to promote education, child welfare, environmental conservation, and community empowerment through locally driven initiatives that create lasting positive change.
The story of ICGN began with a simple desire to respond to the challenges facing children and families in our community. Many children were growing up in poverty, facing barriers to education, inadequate learning resources, food insecurity, and limited opportunities to reach their full potential. Seeing these struggles firsthand, local community members came together with a shared commitment to support vulnerable children and create pathways for a better future.
What started as a small grassroots effort gradually grew into a trusted community network working closely with schools, families, and local leaders. Through dedication, volunteer support, and community partnerships, ICGN has expanded its activities to include educational support programs, mentorship, sports and recreation initiatives, environmental conservation projects, community outreach, and family empowerment activities.
Today, ICGN works with children from diverse backgrounds, helping them access learning opportunities, develop confidence, and build essential life skills. We believe that sustainable development begins at the community level and that local people are best placed to identify and address their own challenges. For this reason, all our programs are designed and implemented in partnership with the communities we serve.
Volunteers are an important part of our journey, as they share their skills, knowledge, and time to support our mission.
Program at a glance
Why choose us?
Imara Community Growth Network (ICGN) offers volunteers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact while experiencing authentic community life in rural Kenya. Volunteers work directly with children, schools, families, and community projects where their support is truly needed and valued. Our programs focus on education, child development, sports, mentorship, environmental conservation, and community empowerment, allowing volunteers to contribute their skills in meaningful ways.
What makes ICGN special is our strong connection with the local community. Volunteers are welcomed as family, immersed in local culture, and given the opportunity to build genuine relationships with children and residents. Through partnerships with schools and community groups, volunteers can see the direct impact of their efforts.
By joining ICGN, volunteers support sustainable development, gain valuable cross-cultural experience, and help create positive change and new opportunities.
Requirements
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old (or have parental consent if younger), hold a valid passport, obtain the appropriate visa for Kenya, and have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if required for entry. Volunteers are expected to respect local laws, customs, and child protection guidelines.
Skills:-
No special qualifications are required. We welcome volunteers who are kind, responsible, adaptable, and willing to work with children and community members. Skills in teaching, sports, arts, healthcare, environmental conservation, photography, or community development are helpful but not mandatory.
Dietary Restrictions:-
We can accommodate most dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan diets, if informed in advance. Volunteers should notify us of any food allergies, medical dietary requirements, or special dietary preferences before arrival so that we can make suitable arrangements.
Volunteer experience
A typical volunteer day at ICGN begins with breakfast and preparation for the day’s activities. From Monday to Friday, volunteers usually work for about 5 hours, supporting children in local schools and assisting with educational activities, sports, mentoring, reading programs, arts, and community projects. Volunteers work alongside teachers and community members, making the experience both meaningful and rewarding.
Lunch is usually enjoyed with the host family or community members, offering an opportunity to experience local culture and cuisine. Afternoons and evenings are free for relaxation, exploring the village, interacting with local families, preparing lessons, or participating in community activities. Weekends are generally free, giving volunteers time to travel, visit local attractions, rest, and enjoy Kenya’s rich culture and natural beauty.
ICGN charges a small contribution of €5 per day to help cover food and basic living expenses during your stay.
- Daily: €5
- Weekly (7 days): €35
- Two Weeks: €70
- Three Weeks: €105
- Monthly (30 days): €150
This contribution helps provide meals and supports the local families and communities that host volunteers. We aim to keep our program affordable while ensuring volunteers are comfortable, well cared for, and able to fully engage in meaningful community activities. All volunteer work is unpaid, and every contribution directly supports the sustainability of the program and the communities we serve.
Volunteers stay with welcoming local host families or in simple community-based accommodation, providing a safe, comfortable, and authentic experience of rural Kenyan life. Accommodation includes a private or shared room, basic furnishings, access to bathroom facilities, and daily meals. Living with local families allows volunteers to immerse themselves in the culture, build meaningful relationships, and experience everyday community life.
To ensure quality support and a personal experience, ICGN hosts a maximum of four volunteers at a time. This small number allows us to provide proper guidance, individual attention, and meaningful opportunities to engage with children, schools, and community projects while maintaining a friendly and family-like environment.
Volunteers receive three meals per day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are prepared using fresh, local ingredients and offer an opportunity to experience traditional Kenyan cuisine. Typical meals may include tea, bread, fruits, rice, beans, vegetables, ugali, potatoes, and seasonal produce.
We are happy to provide vegetarian meal options and can accommodate most dietary preferences when informed in advance. Volunteers with food allergies or special dietary requirements should inform us before arrival so that suitable arrangements can be made. Our goal is to ensure that every volunteer enjoys healthy, nutritious meals throughout their stay while experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the local community.
During their free time, volunteers can relax with their host families, interact with local community members, and learn about Kenyan culture and traditions. They can explore nearby villages, visit local markets, enjoy nature walks, play sports with children, read, journal, or simply unwind in a peaceful rural environment.
Weekends offer opportunities to visit local attractions, historical sites, beaches, wildlife parks, and cultural centers. Volunteers may also participate in community events, church activities, music and dance programs, or spend time with friends and fellow volunteers. Those interested in photography can capture beautiful landscapes, daily village life, and memorable moments with the community.
Free time provides a perfect balance between meaningful volunteer work, cultural exchange, personal growth, adventure, and relaxation during the volunteer experience.
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