Inspire Kenya 2026

From June 4 to June 13, 2026, Inspire volunteers will embark on a journey to Kilifi, Kenya engaging with local communities, running educational and psychosocial support programs for vulnerable children, youth, and families, and taking part in local community service projects such as home and school rehabilitation, and packaging and distributing food boxes.


Highlights

  • Location: Kilifi County, Kenya
  • Fundraising Target → $3,500 CAD per volunteer
  • Registration Fee → $475 CAD non-refundable registration fee is required once accepted into the Inspire program

Apply today

Program Requirements

The Inspire Volunteer Abroad Program is looking for participants who have the following criteria:

  • Over 18 years old of age
  • Able to attend orientation sessions and necessary training
  • Sincere interest and passion for helping others
  • Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work as part of a team
  • Intercultural awareness and excellent intercultural communication skills
  • Able to work with youth and children
  • Formal or non-formal education or training relevant to the program
  • Flexible and adaptable in new, potentially stressful environments

Background

Islamic Relief began working in Kenya in 1993, eventually establishing a head office in Nairobi and sub-offices throughout Kilifi, Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera. Ever since, Islamic Relief has branched out from orphan sponsorship and emergency aid to support integrated development activities in various sectors, including livelihood, disaster risk reduction, health and WASH. 



Islamic Relief Kenya

Islamic Relief Canada currently has programs in Kilifi, Wajir and Garissa counties to help vulnerable communities build livelihood, access clean water, improve access to health and increase resilience to climate events. 

Islamic Relief Kenya (IRK) has over three decades of experience in implementing humanitarian and development programs across Kenya, including a long-standing presence in Kilifi County. IRK’s programs align with the national development priorities and international humanitarian standards, with a strong focus on promoting the rights of vulnerable groups, including children. IRK maintains robust partnerships with local authorities, community leaders, schools, and civil society organizations. With a proven track record of managing large-scale programs, IRK has established systems for financial management, procurement, safeguarding, monitoring and evaluation, and accountability to affected populations. This ensures that projects are implemented transparently and effectively, with a focus on sustainable, long-term impact

Main activities

Volunteers will work directly with vulnerable communities and children/youth. They will facilitate educational programming for orphans and vulnerable children with enriching activities and programs. This programming will focus on life skills and leadership, team building, outdoor education, and other psychosocial activities. 

  • Volunteers will also assist communities through various means, according to their needs, including school and home rehabilitations, and packing and distributing hygiene/food/livelihood packages.


  • Furthermore, volunteers will have the chance to:
    • Visit Islamic Relief project sites, meet and engage with the rights-holders to learn more about the sponsorship programs, and gain insight into their life stories.
    • Learn about Kenya's history and participate in educational organized sightseeing activities in the town of Kilifi.



Benefits of field study

The Inspire program provides volunteers with an immersive and enriching experience, blending humanitarian service with cultural exploration. Volunteers will:

  • Enhance their leadership, communication, and team-building skills
  • Deepen their understanding of global humanitarian challenges
  • Develop intercultural awareness and empathy
  • Receive letters of reference upon request after completing the program

Participants are also encouraged to continue volunteering with Islamic Relief Canada to extend their humanitarian efforts beyond the trip.


Fundraising Process

Each participant is required to raise a minimum of CAD $4,000, which directly supports Islamic Relief Canada’s community development projects in the Balkans, as well as Islamic Relief's global emergency initiatives wherever the need is greatest. Your contributions will directly empower vulnerable communities, particularly children and youth, through educational programs, psychosocial support activities, community service projects such as school and home rehabilitation, and the distribution of food and hygiene kits. These initiatives address socio-economic challenges, build resilience, and promote long-term self-reliance. Your support will make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need, where it is needed most.

Your donation helps our rightsholders in various way; $1080 is used to sponsor an orphan for a year, whilst the rest of the money is used towards deliverables in the country. Additional money may be used in other high-need areas in other countries.

Volunteers will be supported with their fundraising through:

  • Personalized fundraising coaching
  • Tips for community engagement
  • Digital tools and templates for outreach

Please note, none of the donations raised will be used for the volunteer’s personal travel or expenses.

Accommodations & Costs

Islamic Relief Canada will cover:

  • Accommodation during the trip
  • Ground transportation within the Balkans
  • Group meals and organized group activities

Volunteers are responsible for:

  • Flights to and from the Balkans
  • Mandatory health and travel insurance
  • Personal expenses not related to group logistics

Pre-Departure Training

All accepted participants must complete mandatory pre-trip training, which includes:

(The pre-trip training sessions include one pre-departure session).

  • Orientation to Islamic Relief Canada’s values and humanitarian work
  • Fundraising strategy and planning
  • Group bonding and spiritual preparation
  • Cultural etiquette and expectations in the Balkans
  • Health, safety, and travel protocols

Training will consist of 2-3 sessions (approximately 2 hours each). Full attendance is required.