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Who we are

About CIVS Kenya

Center for International Voluntary Service — empowering communities, organizations and individuals to realize their full potential.

Our story

A quarter-century of community-led change

For more than 25 years, the Center for International Voluntary Service (CIVS Kenya) has worked hand-in-hand with marginalized communities across western Kenya. What began as a small grassroots initiative has grown into a trusted partner for community-led development and international voluntary service.

We connect committed volunteers — both local and international — with communities that are driving their own change. Through workcamps, long-term placements and exchange programs, we build lasting relationships that strengthen livelihoods and open opportunities.

CIVS Kenya community work
20+

Years of service

3

Resource centers

5

Development pillars

500+

Volunteers mobilized

What drives us

Mission, vision & values

Our Mission

To empower communities, organizations and individuals to realize their full potential through community development and international voluntary service.

Our Vision

Resilient, self-reliant communities where every person — especially the most vulnerable — can thrive with dignity and opportunity.

Our Values

Solidarity, integrity, inclusion and respect. We believe in locally-led development and the transformative power of volunteering.

25+ years of service

Our journey

From a grassroots idea to a movement for community-led change. Drag or use the arrows to explore the milestones.

2004

CIVS Kenya is founded

A small group of community organizers launches CIVS Kenya to channel voluntary service into grassroots development in western Kenya.

2008

First international workcamps

We welcome our first cohorts of international volunteers, pairing them with communities driving their own change.

2011

Ahero Resource Center opens

Our food-security hub opens, supporting rice-growing communities with improved farming methods and input access.

2014

Awach center & WASH programs

Water, sanitation and hygiene work expands alongside support for orphans and vulnerable children.

2017

Awasi youth & ICT center

A dedicated youth-development center brings ICT skills and job-market readiness to young people.

2020

Emergency relief response

We mobilize rapid relief and recovery support for families hit by flooding and the pandemic.

2023

Mondo digital partnership

A partnership with Mondo (Estonia) scales digital-competency training across all three resource centers.

2024

25+ years of impact

A quarter-century on, CIVS Kenya is a trusted partner for locally-led development and international voluntary service.

On the ground

Our resource centers

We deliver our programs through three community resource centers in western Kenya.

Ahero resource center

Ahero Resource Center

A hub for food security and agro-economic programs serving the surrounding rice-growing communities.

Awach resource center

Awach Resource Center

Centered on water, sanitation and support for orphans and vulnerable children.

Awasi resource center

Awasi Resource Center

Focused on youth development, ICT skills and job-market readiness for young people.

The people behind the work

Team & board

A dedicated team of coordinators, field officers and board members — supported by hundreds of volunteers. Tap a profile to read their full bio.

Join the movement

CIVS Kenya is powered by hundreds of volunteers who give their time and skills every year. Together we make grassroots development possible.

Join us

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