I was asked the question, “What did it mean to volunteer at Nanyuki Children’s Home?” I thought for a moment and replied that I did not have an answer. It’s not that there is no answer, it’s just hard to explain.
I think every person has a different opinion on volunteerism, what it means, and why it exists. For me, it seems like second nature 
to help people that are less fortunate than you, and I thought it would give me satisfaction. However, volunteering at Nanyuki Children’s Home gave me so much more. Of course, working at an orphanage means dealing with cute children all day, and it appears obvious that it would be an amazing experience. This does not begin to explain what actually happens, at least to me, as a person.
I got involved through my mom who is a director of the charity PA-MOJA. I always wanted to go to Africa because from a young age I knew how lucky I was to grow up in a developed nation like Canada. This was the perfect opportunity to come to Africa for my benefit, and volunteer for the benefit of others. I had no idea coming in how lucky I am to have been with these kids, even for only three short weeks.
Having someone show them love and respect is more than they could ever want, and seeing how happy that made them was heartwarming. Many of these children come from situations wherein they were neglected, abandoned, abused, or any other number of horrible things you can imagine to happen to an innocent child. The shocking thing is that this does not determine how they act as human beings. They are the happiest, loving, most respectful children I have ever met, and they made me feel better than I have in a long time.
At risk of babbling on about my experiences, I will wrap this up with one thought. I can tell you stories and show you videos, pictures, and whatever type of multimedia I want to on what I experienced. The fact is, you do not know nor appreciate any of it until you do it yourself; because of this, I would recommend it to anyone.
What it does to one as a person is, for lack of a better word, miraculous. I became more developed as a human being than I ever could in the developed country I came from. Perspective is a funny thing; you never quite get it until it’s right in front of your nose. That’s what volunteering at Nanyuki Children’s Home did for me.
All I can say after writing this is, if given the chance, come to Nanyuki Children’s Home, or any orphanage for that matter. Give a little bit of your time to change lives, both yours and others.
Jayden Tochkin
Volunteer, Nanyuki Children’s Home
thats great
i would like to volunteer in the home. I just graduated from Alliance Girls nHigh School
Carolyne, you are free to visit Nanyuki Childrens Home or any other orphanage near you and feel the experience of this great volunteer, Tony. I am sure the administration at any orphanage will welcome you. Its good that you have the passion.
am a student at st.pauls university and i would love to volunteer in your childrens home .. are there any opportunities
Hi Terry. We do not run a children’s home per se but we could connect you with one where some of our sponsored kids live. Send out an email to iyan2015@gmail.com we see what we can do.
I love volunteering it gives someone joy n happiness I dd volunteer in a home for the disabled
Great work Jayden…i also have a similar project…..i would be humbled to work with you…….
Hi. We do not currently offer direct attachments or internships. However, the Nanyuki children’s home is always happy to have volunteers and should you get in touch directly with them they will give you more details. Thank You.