gain a lifetime experience

  I have been working both locally and from Cologne since march 2018 as a graphic design volunteer at Learning Lions and Digital Lions. Since I appreciate the direct contact and the work with the apprentices, it has become established to work with individual Lions or in groups and try to acquire very project-related concrete jobs which then can be finalized in close cooperation. In addition, we have founded a project of the heart in a team of two design volunteers and eight Lions – our own magazine called "Dust23.

  As a remote volunteer helping on the program's communications circle since the end of 2018, I have mentored lions in the development of Learning Lions' Digital Marketing. To assist in structuring communications guidelines for the organization from afar has been an instigating and rewarding challenge. Although I have not been to Kenya yet, the almost daily contact with such talented young adults from a different culture has been an enriching and unique way to exchange knowledge. While I support the program with my professional skills, I have the opportunity to identify new points of view and learn different ways of communicating. My experience is also clear proof of how connected this digital era allows us to be, even from different sides of the globe.

  Learning Lions is one of East Africa's premier training and work readiness institutions, focusing on some of the most challenging areas. Those challenges are from both infrastructure, education, and economic development. I have been extremely impressed over the past half decade with the leadership team's dedication, depth of thought, and ability to innovate. The people they train also show tremendous growth along numerous lines, from workplace skills, teamwork/soft skills, and caring for the broader community. We have worked closely with Learning Lions over several years — running training programs together, building open source software together, and creating interactive content together — as well as a broad range of other partners in East Africa, so I feel confident in making this wholehearted recommendation.

  As a Kenyan, it was my first time setting foot in Turkana and getting to interact and learn from a different community within my country. I received a very heart-warming reception and it was easy for me to immediately blend in with the Lions. I worked with the System Administration team and aided in setting up an inventory system (SNIPE-IT) for the institution. I continue to volunteer remotely specifically with TechDada which is a team of young women who are very enthusiastic about using technology to empower themselves. I’m very passionate about my involvement with Learning Lions since I also got to learn a lot from them as well as they did from me. I will forever hold the valuable memories and experiences close to my heart. CHEERS!

  Supporting the Learning Lions on site in Loropio has been an unforgettable, inspiring, intense and also challenging time on many levels. I remember very well how amazed I was, finding this incredible ICT campus infrastructure in the middle of the desert and in one of the most remote areas I have ever visited. From day one I felt very welcomed. All the lions are inspiring personalities and I found it super easy to connect with them. On site I helped in construction and planning for the extension of the campus. Working in Loropio as an architect was definitely a step out of my comfort zone, but also widened my perspective in many ways. I would recommend it to everyone who is willing to test their professional and personal abilities and apply them to a new and different climate. The campus is growing and motivated hands always appreciated 🙂

  After I decided to take some time off from work to do something meaningful. A couple of days later I made the decision to go to Turkana and support on-site. Roughly two months later I arrived on campus to support the implementation of a waste management plan and, more specifically, a plastic recycling strategy. It took me a week or two to find my rhythm, but everyone on campus was super helpful and made sure that I felt welcome right from the start. The projects are impactful, challenging and definitely worth pursuing and seeing what everyone involved has built so far is super impressive! So if you're up for a challenge and you really want to contribute to the cause then volunteering around the beautiful lake Turkana might just be for you!

  A 35 year software development career behind me, and having taught in Kenya for a couple of years in the past, I was keen to combine the two strands: technology and Kenya. Seeing Learning Lions on a volunteer website I did not hesitate and a few weeks later I was in Turkana! After developing a student evaluation system during my stay, I continue supporting Learning Lions remotely.