High School Senior Sheds Light on Volunteering in Kenya

A young American student stepped out of her comfort zone and gained new perspectives on life, particularly regarding the tough sentencing practices in different countries, which ultimately led her to reassess her views on the United States.

Tess Emanuel, a high school senior from McLean, Virginia, spent two summers volunteering in Kenya.

“I was raised to believe in the importance of helping others,” she shared.

Eager to make a difference, she found Better Me, a nonprofit dedicated to education, training, and life skills for disadvantaged children. She signed up to volunteer and headed to Kenya for two summers.

During her time at the Kisumu Children’s Remand Home, a correctional facility, she and her fellow volunteers provided lessons to children facing various challenges.

“I worked with kids who were either serving time or waiting for their trial,” Emanuel reflected. Initially, she felt fear—unsure of what working with young offenders would be like. Yet, as she engaged with them, she recognized the broader context behind their actions.

Many of these young people had committed theft or robbery not out of a desire to harm but out of necessity, often stealing food just to survive.

“After some conversations, it became clear that the issues stemmed more from systemic problems rather than any inherent malice on their part,” she observed.

“It really highlighted for me how crucial it is to listen to different perspectives and not let preconceived notions shape your view of others,” Emanuel said, adding that volunteering is a way to “create positive change in yourself, others, and the world.”

Volunteers in the program typically work three to four times weekly, teaching essential skills like English, hygiene, and even public speaking. “It was amazing to create my own lessons and share what I know,” she noted.

At Korando School, where around 200 students—90 of whom are orphans—learn, Emanuel found joy in simpler activities, like reading books and playing sports with the children. In fact, swimming lessons quickly became a favorite among the students.

During her time in Kenya, the group enjoyed dining together and even indulged in karaoke nights. Their weekends were often filled with safaris and local explorations.

Returning home each summer, Emanuel gained fresh insights. “I felt incredibly fortunate for my family, friends, and the privileges I had taken for granted,” she reflected. She acknowledged that while she always felt grateful, her experiences opened her eyes to the harsh realities faced by others.

“It certainly made me more appreciative of my position, and inspired me to give back,” she shared.

As she prepares to head to the University of Virginia this fall, she has begun fundraising for the schools she worked with in Kenya. Over the last two years, she has also sponsored three children, contributing to their clothing, school supplies, and medical needs.

Emanuel hopes to carry this experience with her and share knowledge about organizations like Better Me in the future. “This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone,” she said.