Volunteer With Us | Tiendo Autism Centre

Welcome to TIENDO Autism Centre

“Making a Difference, One Life at a Time.”

TIENDO Autism Centre warmly welcomes international volunteers who are passionate about autism, inclusive education, community development, disability inclusion and making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people.

Located in Bungoma County, Western Kenya, TIENDO Autism Centre provides an opportunity for volunteers to experience life within a Kenyan community while supporting children and families affected by autism and other developmental and learning needs.

Our volunteer program is designed to create a meaningful exchange of knowledge, skills, cultures and experiences. Volunteers are encouraged not only to support existing activities at the Centre but also to bring their own talents, ideas and initiatives.

Whether you are a student, teacher, therapist, healthcare professional, artist, sports enthusiast, university graduate, researcher, development professional, family member of a person with autism, or simply someone who wants to make a positive difference, there may be a place for you at TIENDO Autism Centre.

Our Volunteer Philosophy

At TIENDO Autism Centre, we believe that volunteering should be a two-way learning experience.

Our international volunteers are not expected to come to Kenya with the idea that they are simply coming to “save” or “help” people. Instead, we encourage volunteers to come as partners, learners, teachers, friends and advocates.

We value:

Respect Inclusion Cultural Exchange Teamwork Dignity Sustainability Safeguarding Community Partnership

Volunteers are encouraged to share their skills while also learning from Kenyan teachers, families, staff and the children themselves.

Why Volunteer at TIENDO Autism Centre?

Volunteering with TIENDO provides an opportunity to:

Make a direct and meaningful contribution to the lives of children with autism and developmental needs.
Gain practical experience in an African educational and community setting.
Learn about autism support and inclusive education in Kenya.
Experience Kenyan culture and community life through our homestay programme.
Work alongside teachers, caregivers and Centre staff.
Share your professional skills and knowledge.
Develop new friendships and international connections.
Support families and the wider community.
Develop or initiate your own project at the Centre.
Participate in community outreach and awareness activities.
Learn from the resilience, creativity and abilities of the children we serve.

Most importantly, volunteers become part of a community working together to create greater opportunities for children and young people with autism.

Opportunities

Volunteer Programme Areas

Volunteers may participate in one or several of the following programme areas, depending on their skills, interests, qualifications and the needs of the Centre.

Classroom Support & Inclusive Education

Volunteers can support teachers and classroom staff with educational activities. Activities may include:

Supporting children during classroom activities.
Reading and storytelling.
Supporting basic literacy and numeracy activities.
Helping prepare learning materials.
Supporting individual and small-group activities.
Using educational games and practical learning activities.
Supporting children during structured play.
Developing creative teaching resources.
Introducing new educational ideas and activities.
Supporting inclusive learning activities.

Volunteers with teaching experience are particularly welcome.

Autism Awareness & Education

Volunteers can support autism awareness activities within the Centre and the surrounding community. Possible activities include:

Autism awareness sessions.
Educational talks for families and caregivers.
Community awareness campaigns.
Development of autism information materials.
School-based awareness activities.
Supporting World Autism Awareness activities.
Sharing international experiences and approaches to autism support.

Volunteers with professional or academic backgrounds in autism, special education, psychology, occupational therapy, speech and language, social work or related fields are especially encouraged to share their knowledge.

Life Skills Programme

Volunteers can support children and young people to develop practical everyday skills. Activities may include:

Personal hygiene.
Dressing and grooming.
Communication.
Social interaction.
Basic household skills.
Cooking and food preparation.
Gardening.
Shopping and money awareness.
Organisation and routines.
Self-confidence and independence.
Practical community skills.

The exact activities will depend on the age, abilities and individual support needs of the children.

Arts, Music & Creative Expression

Creative activities can provide children with opportunities for communication, enjoyment, confidence and self-expression. Volunteers with artistic or creative skills can introduce activities such as:

Drawing and painting.
Craft work.
Music.
Singing.
Dance.
Drama.
Storytelling.
Photography.
Creative games.
Hand-made educational materials.
Cultural arts activities.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own creative ideas.

Sports, Recreation & Physical Activities

Sport and recreation are important parts of the Centre's programme. Volunteers can support:

Football.
Athletics.
Walking activities.
Indoor games.
Outdoor play.
Exercise sessions.
Ball games.
Recreational activities.
Team-building activities.
Inclusive sports.

Volunteers with experience in sports coaching, physical education or recreational activities are welcome to develop structured sports programmes.

Digital Skills & Technology

Volunteers with IT and digital skills can help introduce or strengthen technology-based learning. Possible activities include:

Basic computer skills.
Digital literacy.
Educational technology.
Computer-based learning activities.
Internet awareness and safety.
Digital educational resources.
Basic data management.
Supporting staff with digital skills.
Website and social media support.
Photography and video documentation.

Vocational & Entrepreneurship Skills

For older children and young people, volunteers may support practical vocational and entrepreneurship activities. Possible projects include:

Gardening and agriculture.
Handcrafts.
Baking and cooking.
Beadwork.
Art and creative products.
Small business skills.
Basic financial literacy.
Product development.
Marketing.
Entrepreneurship.
Job-readiness skills.

Volunteers with business, vocational training or entrepreneurship backgrounds are encouraged to develop sustainable projects together with the Centre.

Gardening & Environmental Projects

Volunteers can support practical environmental and agricultural initiatives. Possible activities include:

Vegetable gardening.
Tree planting.
Environmental awareness.
Composting.
Waste management.
School garden development.
Small-scale agricultural projects.
Nutrition gardens.

Volunteers may also help the Centre develop a sustainable garden that can support both learning and nutrition.

Community Outreach

TIENDO Autism Centre recognises that supporting children with autism also means supporting their families and communities. Volunteers may participate in:

Community awareness activities.
Family support activities.
Autism awareness campaigns.
School visits.
Community education.
Disability inclusion activities.
Outreach events.
Family engagement programmes.

Research, Documentation & Administration

Students and professionals may also support the Centre behind the scenes. Possible activities include:

Programme documentation.
Educational resource development.
Data organisation.
Research support.
Grant research.
Proposal development.
Monitoring and evaluation support.
Volunteer programme development.
Administrative support.
Fundraising research.
Communication and publicity.

Any research involving children, families or personal information must be approved by the Centre and conducted in accordance with appropriate ethical and safeguarding requirements.

Professional Skills Exchange

TIENDO welcomes professionals who would like to share their expertise with staff. Potential areas include:

Special education.
Autism support.
Psychology.
Occupational therapy.
Speech and language.
Social work.
Physiotherapy.
Education.
Nutrition.
Child development.
Counselling.
Behaviour support.
ICT.
Fundraising.
Project management.
Entrepreneurship.

Professional volunteers are encouraged to discuss their proposed contribution with the Centre before arrival so that activities can be appropriately planned.

Important: Volunteers must work within their qualifications and agreed responsibilities. Volunteers should not independently diagnose, prescribe treatment or provide clinical interventions unless appropriately qualified, authorised and working under the Centre's established professional arrangements.

Volunteer-Initiated Projects

TIENDO Autism Centre encourages volunteers to bring their own ideas. If you have a project that you believe could benefit the children, families or Centre, we would love to hear about it. Examples may include:

Setting up a small library.
Establishing a sensory-learning area.
Creating a sports programme.
Developing a school garden.
Introducing a music programme.
Developing an art programme.
Creating digital learning resources.
Supporting vocational training.
Building an educational resource collection.
Developing a fundraising campaign.
Supporting a specific Centre improvement project.

Volunteers are welcome to fundraise before or during their visit and use those funds to initiate an agreed project at TIENDO Autism Centre.

All volunteer-led projects must be discussed and agreed with Centre management before funds are committed or construction, purchasing or programme implementation begins.

A Week in the Life

Suggested Volunteer Daily Schedule

A typical volunteer week may include:

Monday – Orientation & Introduction

Welcome and orientation.
Introduction to the Centre.
Introduction to staff and children.
Cultural orientation.
Review of safeguarding procedures.
Discussion of the volunteer's programme and objectives.

Tuesday – Classroom & Learning Support

Classroom support.
Educational activities.
Learning-resource development.
Individual and group activities.

Wednesday – Skills & Creative Activities

Life-skills activities.
Arts, music or sports.
Volunteer-led activity.

Thursday – Community & Special Projects

Community outreach.
Vocational activities.
Gardening or environmental projects.
Volunteer project implementation.

Friday – Review & Programme Development

Classroom support.
Project work.
Reflection and evaluation.
Planning for the following week.

Weekend

Weekends are generally free for volunteers to rest, explore Bungoma and Western Kenya, participate in cultural experiences or undertake optional activities.

Schedules may change according to the Centre calendar, school activities, public holidays and the needs of the children.

Pricing & Options

INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER PACKAGES

Our volunteer packages are designed to make volunteering at TIENDO Autism Centre simple and convenient.

Packages can include:

Airport/arrival coordination in Nairobi.
Domestic return flight between Nairobi and Kisumu or Eldoret, where applicable.
Ground transportation between the airport and Bungoma.
Return ground transportation to Nairobi.
Homestay accommodation.
Three meals per day.
Orientation.
Volunteer coordination.
Placement at TIENDO Autism Centre.
Cultural exchange activities.
Local programme support.

International airfare to and from Kenya is not included.
Domestic flight costs are subject to airline availability and prevailing fares at the time of booking.

WEEKLY VOLUNTEER PACKAGE

1 Week

USD 770 per volunteer

Package includes:

Return domestic economy flight from Nairobi to Kisumu or Eldoret, subject to availability.
Airport-to-Bungoma ground transfer.
Bungoma-to-airport ground transfer at the end of the placement.
Return transfer to Nairobi where required by the agreed itinerary.
7 nights homestay accommodation.
Three meals per day.
Volunteer orientation.
Volunteer placement and coordination.
Local support throughout the placement.
Participation in cultural exchange activities.

Recommended duration: 1–4 weeks
This package is ideal for students, first-time volunteers, holiday volunteers and professionals who would like to experience a short but meaningful placement.

EXTENDED VOLUNTEER PACKAGES

2 Weeks

USD 1,200 per volunteer

The two-week package is designed for volunteers who would like additional time to become familiar with the Centre and contribute more substantially to its programmes.

The package includes:

Homestay accommodation.
Three meals per day.
Agreed domestic return flight arrangements.
Ground transportation.
Volunteer orientation.
Centre placement and coordination.
Local support.
Participation in Centre activities.
Opportunity to participate in or develop a volunteer-led activity.

3 Weeks

USD 1,750 per volunteer

The three-week package provides volunteers with additional time to participate in existing programmes and develop a more meaningful project or activity.

The package includes:

Homestay accommodation.
Three meals per day.
Agreed domestic return flight arrangements.
Ground transportation.
Volunteer orientation.
Centre placement and coordination.
Local support.
Participation in educational and community activities.
Opportunity to develop a volunteer-led project.

MONTHLY VOLUNTEER PACKAGE

1 Month

USD 2,250 per volunteer

Package includes:

Up to 30 nights homestay accommodation.
Three meals per day.
Return domestic transfer from Nairobi via Kisumu or Eldoret at the beginning and end of the placement, subject to flight availability.
Ground transportation between the airport, Bungoma and Nairobi as agreed.
Volunteer orientation.
Centre placement and coordination.
Local support.
Participation in Centre and community activities.
Opportunity to develop a volunteer-led mini-project.
Monthly volunteer review and feedback session.

Recommended duration: 1–6 months
The monthly package offers a discounted rate for volunteers staying longer than four weeks.

LONG-STAY VOLUNTEER PACKAGE

3 Months

USD 6,000 per volunteer

Designed for volunteers who want to become more deeply involved in the Centre and develop a sustainable programme.

Includes:

Homestay accommodation.
Three meals per day.
Arrival and departure domestic transfers.
Ground transportation as agreed.
Orientation and ongoing volunteer coordination.
Centre placement.
Participation in educational, life-skills, recreational and community programmes.
Opportunity to develop a structured volunteer project.
Project planning and review support.
Cultural exchange opportunities.

Long-term volunteers are encouraged to develop projects that can continue after they return home.

SIX-MONTH VOLUNTEER PACKAGE

6 Months

USD 10,500 per volunteer

The six-month package is designed for volunteers who wish to make a substantial contribution to the Centre and become involved in longer-term programmes.

Includes:

Homestay accommodation.
Three meals per day.
Agreed arrival and departure domestic transfers.
Ground transportation as agreed.
Volunteer orientation.
Ongoing Centre coordination.
Long-term programme placement.
Participation in Centre and community activities.
Opportunity to develop and implement an approved volunteer project.
Regular programme reviews.
Cultural exchange opportunities.

Six-month volunteers are encouraged to focus on projects that create lasting benefits for the Centre and the children.

ANNUAL VOLUNTEER PACKAGE

12 Months

From USD 18,000 per volunteer

The annual programme is designed for volunteers who wish to make a long-term commitment to TIENDO Autism Centre and become deeply involved in programme development.

The annual package may include:

Long-term homestay accommodation.
Three meals per day.
Initial domestic return transfer from Nairobi to Kisumu or Eldoret and onward ground transportation.
Departure transfer at the end of the placement.
Volunteer orientation.
Ongoing Centre coordination.
Long-term programme placement.
Participation in educational, life-skills, recreational and community programmes.
Opportunity to develop and manage an approved volunteer project.
Regular programme reviews.
Cultural exchange opportunities.
Support in developing a sustainable project or programme.

Annual volunteers are particularly encouraged to leave behind a programme, resource, system or initiative that can continue benefiting the Centre after their departure.

Annual package rates may vary depending on accommodation arrangements, transport requirements, project commitments and the individual volunteer's programme.

PACKAGE RATES AT A GLANCE

1 Week – USD 770 per volunteer
2 Weeks – USD 1,200 per volunteer
3 Weeks – USD 1,750 per volunteer
1 Month – USD 2,250 per volunteer
3 Months – USD 6,000 per volunteer
6 Months – USD 10,500 per volunteer
12 Months – From USD 18,000 per volunteer

Domestic airfare and transport components are subject to airline availability, prevailing fares and the volunteer's agreed itinerary.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Unless specifically agreed in writing, volunteer packages do not include:

International flights to and from Kenya.
Kenyan visa or immigration fees.
Travel insurance.
Personal medical expenses.
Vaccinations.
Personal shopping.
Alcoholic beverages.
Personal entertainment.
Private excursions.
Safari and tourism activities.
Personal laundry.
Additional domestic flights outside the agreed itinerary.
Personal project costs.
Construction or equipment costs for volunteer-led projects.

Volunteers are responsible for ensuring that they have appropriate travel and medical insurance for their entire stay.

VOLUNTEER PROJECTS & FUNDRAISING

TIENDO Autism Centre welcomes volunteers who wish to raise funds for a specific project.

Volunteers may fundraise through:

Schools and universities.
Churches and community groups.
Friends and family.
Foundations.
Corporate sponsors.
Online fundraising platforms.
Community organisations.
Professional networks.

Examples of projects that may be supported through fundraising include:

Learning materials.
Sensory resources.
Sports equipment.
Computers and technology.
Library development.
Vocational equipment.
Gardening projects.
Classroom improvements.
Accessibility improvements.
Educational programmes.
Staff training.
Children and family support programmes.

All fundraising activities and expenditure should be discussed with TIENDO management in advance to ensure transparency, accountability and alignment with the Centre's priorities.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE

Volunteering at TIENDO is also an opportunity to experience Kenyan culture.

Depending on the volunteer's interests and availability, cultural activities may include:

Kenyan cooking experiences.
Local community visits.
Cultural storytelling.
Traditional music and dance.
Local market visits.
Vists to local attractions.
Community events.
Learning basic Kiswahili.
Interaction with local families.

Volunteers are encouraged to approach the Kenyan experience with openness, respect and curiosity.

SAFEGUARDING & PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

The safety, dignity and wellbeing of children at TIENDO Autism Centre are our highest priorities.

All volunteers are expected to:

Respect every child's dignity and privacy.
Follow the Centre's safeguarding policies.
Follow instructions from Centre staff.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
Never physically punish or humiliate a child.
Avoid making promises to children or families that cannot be fulfilled.
Respect confidentiality.
Obtain permission before taking or sharing photographs or videos.
Avoid posting identifiable information about children without appropriate consent.
Work within their skills and qualifications.
Report safeguarding concerns immediately to Centre management.
Respect Kenyan culture, laws and community practices.

Volunteers should understand that working with children requires patience, consistency, professionalism and respect.

How to Apply

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION PROCESS

We encourage volunteers to contact TIENDO Autism Centre as early as possible.

Step 1 – Contact Us

Email the Centre with:

Full name.
Nationality.
Age.
Proposed dates of arrival and departure.
Preferred length of stay.
Professional or academic background.
Areas of interest.
Relevant experience.
Any proposed project or activity.
Dietary requirements.
Any other important information.

Step 2 – Volunteer Discussion

The Centre will discuss the volunteer's interests, skills and proposed activities and determine the most appropriate placement.

Step 3 – Programme Confirmation

The volunteer receives confirmation of:

Placement dates.
Programme.
Package.
Accommodation.
Transport arrangements.
Expected activities.
Payment arrangements.
Required documentation.

Step 4 – Arrival in Kenya

The Centre coordinates the agreed arrival arrangements and transportation to Bungoma.

Step 5 – Orientation

Volunteers receive an orientation before commencing their placement.

EARLY APPLICATION & SHORT-NOTICE VOLUNTEERING

We strongly encourage volunteers to contact TIENDO Autism Centre well in advance of their intended arrival so that we can arrange accommodation, transport, Centre activities and appropriate volunteer placement.

However, we also understand that travel plans can change.

Short-notice volunteer applications are welcome and will be considered whenever accommodation, transport and Centre capacity allow.

Volunteers planning to arrive at short notice should contact us as soon as possible so that we can determine availability.

WHO CAN VOLUNTEER?

We welcome applications from:

University and college students.
Teachers.
Special education teachers.
Autism professionals.
Therapists.
Social workers.
Psychologists.
Healthcare professionals.
Researchers.
Artists.
Musicians.
Sports coaches.
IT professionals.
Entrepreneurs.
Development professionals.
Retired professionals.
Families.
Corporate volunteers.
Individuals on gap years.
People changing careers.
Anyone with a genuine interest in supporting children and community development.

Volunteers do not necessarily need professional qualifications for every programme. Enthusiasm, patience, respect and a willingness to learn are equally important.

Our Invitation To You

You do not need to be an expert to make a difference.

You may have a skill you can teach, an idea you can share, a programme you can establish, a resource you can create or simply the willingness to spend time with children and support our teachers.

At TIENDO Autism Centre, we believe that every volunteer has something valuable to contribute.

Come with your skills.
Come with your ideas.
Come with your passion.
Come ready to learn.
Come ready to make a difference.

We welcome you to Bungoma, Kenya.

TIENDO AUTISM CENTRE

Bungoma County, Kenya
International Volunteer Programme

Volunteer • Learn • Share • Inspire • Make a Difference

For volunteer applications, programme availability, current package rates and booking arrangements, please contact TIENDO Autism Centre directly by email.

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