Volunteering: The untapped resource in Kenya

Around Kenya, and more so Nairobi, where I live, volunteering is not a common word to hear, especially fromthe youth residing in informal settlements. Most communities in Kenya see volunteeringas a foreign responsibility, therefore growing up with the belief that volunteering is not meant for the natives. This is unlike whatI was taught by my parents that even giving time is a valuable resource. That is why I decided to found Humanity First Organization, a NGO that is focused on national volunteering in Kenya. The organization primarily targets youth from informal settlements to volunteer within their own communities.

One of the biggest challenges I face until today with the volunteer program is having the youth engaged within the program without using the internet. Within the program averagely more males enroll and finish the program compared to the women who enroll. One of the biggest factors of women dropping out of the program is the mentality of finding a man who can financially support them; therefore they do not put much effort in finding jobs. Despite the resistance of women volunteers from the informal settlements, I continue in hopes that the youth will eventually see the benefits of gaining work experience while helping out in their own community.

The more information I obtain concerning how to run the volunteer program, the more efficient it will be, specifically connecting with the digital youth of this generation.