Volunteer with Bushbells

We offer volunteering opportunities to anyone looking to get involved with Bluebells School, and add value to the education of the children there.

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Bluebells Primary school has 200 children and 14 members of staff, and it is all overseen and run by our principal, Mwana, who is always ready to welcome you into this special little community. Imagine a school with scant resources, but one which boasts its own bore hole and vegetable patch, and you’ll get a good idea. It’s a happy place with happy people, despite many coming from very impoverished backgrounds.

"Just wanted to express my gratitude for everything you've done to make this trip possible. You've created the most beautiful and thriving school, and thank you for giving people like me the chance to get involved. The relationships you and your family have formed here are wonderful - so many thanks." Anna S

The nature of volunteering means you can choose your level of commitment. At school, volunteers would be expected to teach or assist in lessons, provide students with one-to-one assistance, help plan sports, games, arts and crafts activities, painting and helping sort/maintain infrastructure and, if time, go on the odd fieldtrip. In addition, you'd be expected to assist with day-to-day tasks that are integral to daily school life.

"I was proud to push myself out of my comfort zone and loved the challenge of teaching lessons. So many highlights, but especially the JOY that came from the school - I loved it, thank you". Daisy R

Volunteers are encouraged to use their initiative and input creatively to 'add value' to the curriculum. It's a hot dusty environment; there is no electricity (only solar) and no direct running water. The days are long, but rewarding.

It's an opportunity for you to 'grow' and there is plenty of room for you to spot gaps and enhance the childrens' learning experience. We want to harness your unique talents and skills so do not be put off if you are unsure where your strengths lie. We're here to guide you and help you.

If you like the sound of working within a flexible and unstructured environment, ready to enhance the education on offer and be prepared to really get involved, then this is a wonderful opportunity for you.

"I did not know what to expect but I had the most amazing experience and am so grateful for it. The school has so much energy and happiness - I loved every minute of it. An experience that will stay with me forever."

Luke A

Outside working at the school, volunteers will have the chance to enjoy all that Watamu has to offer - from kitesurfing, stand-up paddle boarding, yoga, dolphin-watching, visiting the local snake park and turtle rehabilitation centre to name but a few. In addition, we are happy to arrange and advise on local safari opportunities in nearby Tsavo East.

DO get in touch with us if you feel volunteering at Bluebells School might be of interest to you?

"Highlights were building such amazing relationships with all the children and teachers; raising money for the school; enabling us to help the school in a range of ways, and being in SUCH a happy enironemnt for 5 weeks.
This experience has exceeded my expecations. Nobody will quite understand how special a school it is until they visit." Evie M

Over the years our volunteers have brought huge amounts of energy, joy and new initiatives to our school and community. You need to be a self-starter with initiative, independence, and kindness. An open-mind and willingness to experience the realities of rural life on the Kenyan coast are also important!

Volunteers are expected to commit for a minimum of at least 3 weeks, and preferably 4. We are able to help organise accommodation and are on hand to answer any questions you may have about your visit to Watamu. We allow a maximum of 4 volunteers at any one time, and are flexible regarding dates.

Register Here