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Inspire Kenya 2027

From May 23 - June 1, volunteers will engage with local communities in Kenya, running educational and psychosocial support programs for vulnerable children and youth, taking part in community service projects, including distributing essential supplies to support vulnerable families in the region. This transformative journey provides unique insight into the region’s culture, history, and challenges.

Highlights

  • Trip Dates: May 23 - June 1, 2027 (Mombasa County)
  • Fundraising Target: $4,000 CAD per volunteer
  • Registration Fee: CAD $575 (non-refundable, required upon acceptance into the program)

Limited spots available! Applications will close as soon as capacity is reached.

Apply today

Program Requirements

The Inspire Volunteer Abroad Program seeks participants with the following qualities:

  • Over 18 years of age
  • Able to attend mandatory orientation sessions and all required training
  • A sincere interest in humanitarian work and global service
  • Experience and passion for working with youth and children
  • Strong leadership skills and teamwork capabilities
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Empathy and cultural sensitivity, particularly in supporting vulnerable populations
  • Flexibility, maturity, and the ability to adapt in new environments
  • Ability to commit to physically demanding activities and extended days while abroad

Background

Islamic Relief began working in Kenya in 1993, eventually establishing a head office in Nairobi and sub-offices throughout Mombasa, 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 Canada currently has programs in Mombasa, 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 in Kenya

Islamic Relief Kenya (IRK) has over three decades of experience in implementing humanitarian and development programs across Kenya, including a long-standing presence in Mombasa 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.

Check out a previous volunteer's experience! 


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.

Benefits of Volunteer Abroad Trip

The Inspire program aims to provide volunteers with a unique and eye-opening experience, where they immerse themselves in a completely different context than they are normally accustomed to. This program encompasses the “give and take” principle; it is an opportunity to give back to vulnerable communities overseas whilst learning and growing skills in an enriching environment.

The Inspire experience continues beyond the volunteer abroad trip. Following the trip abroad, each volunteer will be required to complete a Passion Project, providing an opportunity to apply their learning and turn their experience into meaningful action within their community.

Volunteers who successfully complete all components of the Inspire program may also receive a CPD certificate, a globally recognized leadership development credential.

Upon completion of the program, letters of reference are available to participants upon request.

We also encourage Inspire alumni to continue their humanitarian journey by staying involved with Islamic Relief Canada and exploring opportunities to volunteer and contribute to meaningful humanitarian efforts beyond the program.

Apply today


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 Kenya, 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. Funds may also 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 Kenya
  • Group meals and organized group activities


Volunteers are responsible for:

  • Flights to and from Kenya
  • Mandatory health and travel insurance
  • Personal expenses not related to group logistics
  • Expenses related to the VSC (Vulnerable Sector Check) application

Pre-Trip Training

All accepted participants must attend mandatory orientation sessions and complete mandatory pre-trip training, which includes:

  • Orientation to Islamic Relief Canada’s values and humanitarian work
  • Fundraising strategy and planning
  • Passion Project sessions
  • Activity Planning sessions
  • Group bonding and spiritual preparation
  • Cultural etiquette and expectations in Kenya
  • Health, safety, and travel protocols

Training sessions will be approximately 1-2 hours each. Full attendance is required.