Brittany's testimony
"Ever since I was little, I wanted to travel to Africa. I couldn’t even articulate a reason, it was just this ache inside me that drew me toward it. In pictures and movies it was the most beautiful place I had ever seen. And while so many people saw their niche in this continent to be helping people, I simply wanted to be a part of it. To experience the music, culture, love, resilience, and beauty that I saw from a distance.

I scoured the Internet looking for volunteer opportunities. I researched many organizations, in every country and couldn’t find what I was looking for. Then, through a friend, I came upon ConnectSwiss. They were doing the kind of work that I was interested in - working to build communities from the ground up and empowering local leaders to become a part of that process. This was my niche.

Three months later, there I was, on the ground in Kenya. I spent my first couple months in a small village near the border of Uganda called Kakemer [Teso]. Living in a beautiful house overlooking Mt. Elgon, I found myself becoming more and more a part of the community with each day. My work there consisted of helping to start the first resource center, organizing a school library, coaching soccer, working with boarding school girls, and teaching English to primary and secondary school students. We were extremely busy and at the end of most days we were exhausted, but the work was more rewarding than anything I had experienced.

"Once you have been there your heart never truly leaves"

My last month was spent in a village called Emurembe [Bunyore], an hour outside of Kisumu. There I had the unique opportunity to learn more about each aspect of ConnectSwiss, becoming immersed in their day-to-day work. I was also able to work at their Children’s Centre, help with some planting of crops and assist in their annual sports day for the International Village School. Each day I was able to see the direct impact our work was having on the families in the community, especially the children. So many of them had a revitalized spirit that was clearly initiated by the work ConnectSwiss was doing.

I found that everywhere I went in Kenya I was never a stranger, everyone was my brother or sister, and I was welcomed into homes as if they have been waiting a lifetime for my company. I felt completely at home.

I think it’s true what they say about Africa. That once you have been there your heart never truly leaves. From the time I arrived to the time I left I felt like I was part of a family. Cooking lunches and dinners together every day, waking up to the sun with a cup of coffee and distant drums, it truly was an unforgettable experience."

- Brittany

Where we work