Teaching Support
Volunteers help children with reading, writing, and basic numeracy.
Bombolulu, Mombasa
Small Acts. Lasting Bonds.
We exist to build lasting bonds across cultures, supporting schools, orphanages, and communities through love in action.
Who we are
Born in Mombasa. Built around family.
UMU RAFIKI VOLUNTEERS was founded in 2024 by Umu Farid, born and raised in Mombasa, Kenya. The inspiration came close to home — my mother and sister are teachers in public schools, where most of the students come from very poor backgrounds. Seeing this reality up close, I knew I wanted to do something more.
Today, we work directly with four schools and two orphanages in Bombolulu, Mombasa: Glorious Academy, Dawm Urban School, Khadija Primary and Junior Secondary School, and Fathiladhim School, alongside Tabaarak Orphanage and Iklas Orphanage. Together, we have reached more than 500 children and supported over 40 families.
We don't arrive with pre-made plans. Before any project begins, we speak directly with whoever is in charge — head teachers, orphanage directors, community leaders — to understand what's genuinely needed, not what we assume is needed.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life — local Kenyans and international visitors alike — united by one thing: showing up for children who need it most.
Because for us, it's not simply about volunteering in Kenya — it's about becoming part of a family.
6Partner Institutions
500+Children Reached
40+Families Supported
13+Volunteer Countries
Our activities
Give your time or give a gift.
Every activity is shaped by what children, teachers, and local leaders say is genuinely needed.
Working With Children
Arts & Creative Expression
Drawing, painting, and craft sessions for free self-expression.
Building Better Spaces
Cooking Classes
Teaching basic cooking and nutrition skills, sharing recipes and healthy habits.
School Infrastructure & Painting
Repainting classrooms, murals, and supporting small building improvements.
Fundraising & Community Events
Community events and campaigns that raise funds and awareness.
Not sure how to help? Give your time or give a gift — every bit moves a child forward.
Volunteering
Show up with energy and an open heart.
If you love being on the ground, working directly with children, and immersing yourself in a new culture, this is for you.
Our volunteers teach in classrooms, play local games with the children, run art and creative sessions, lead cooking classes, and take part in painting and small infrastructure projects that make schools safer and more welcoming. Stays range from just two days to an open-ended commitment — however much time you can give.
No previous experience is required — what matters most is your energy and willingness to help. Every volunteer applies at least one week in advance, and we arrange a video call beforehand to get to know each other. Placement fees vary depending on length of stay and program — contact us for details.
Discover Our Programs“I spent a few weeks volunteering at Glorious Academy. What I enjoyed most was teaching the kids a bit of Italian, Spanish and Portuguese, playing local games with them, and experiencing their daily food and culture. The teachers and Umu supported me in everything, and I even learned some Swahili in return. Now I feel I gained human touch, love, and a new family. The kids were always happy to see me — the way they welcome new volunteers is unbelievable.”
A day in the life of a volunteer
Purpose in the morning. Mombasa in the afternoon.
A typical day blends purpose with adventure — meaningful mornings with the children, and total freedom to explore Kenya in your own time.
Morning
Wake up and have breakfast with Umu's family
10:00 AM
Arrive at school, play games with the children
11:00 AM
Return and teach a lesson
12:30 PM
Lunch with the kids
Afternoon
Free time: explore Mombasa with Umu, relax at the beach, or join other excursions
Weekends
Completely free to travel — Diani, Watamu, safaris, and beyond
Project-based giving & impact
Every donation becomes something real.
Beyond volunteering, we run projects that change a school or community for good. We've built boreholes at Barani Primary School and Daughters of Divine Love Madonna School, bringing clean water where it was needed most. We repainted the outer walls, inner walls, and several classrooms at Fathiladhim School, giving children a brighter place to learn. And every month, we provide basic essentials — uniforms, shoes, socks, and bags — along with hygiene items like soap, pads, and underwear, and stationery such as books, pens, rulers, and sharpeners.
Every donation becomes something real: a uniform on a child's back, water flowing from a borehole, a freshly painted classroom, dignity restored through something as simple as soap. Any amount helps — there's no gift too small.
Donate via GoFundMeInternational / Card
Donate via M-PesaSend Money to +254796405864
Child sponsorship
Support one child directly.
Through our sponsorship program, you can support one child directly — covering their school fees, uniforms and supplies, and meals. You'll receive regular updates on your sponsored child's progress, along with periodic video calls, so your support becomes a real, lasting relationship rather than a one-time gift.
Timeline preview
Recent milestones
August 2026
A brighter Fathiladhim School
Repainted the inside, outside, and several classrooms at Fathiladhim School.
July 2026
A second borehole
Built a borehole at Daughters of Divine Love Madonna School.
June 2026
Water, sanitation, and dignity
Built a borehole at Barani Primary School; renovated toilets at Fathiladhim School; distributed pads, books, stationery, and a ball.
April 2026
Food and learning supplies
Cooked and distributed food to an orphanage; provided school bags, coloring books, colors, and stationery to Glorious Academy and Dawm Urban School.
Stay close to the work
Good news from the community.
Stories, opportunities, and updates — shared thoughtfully.