ICODEI runs six interconnected programs across healthcare, education, economic empowerment, and disease prevention — all led by Kenyan staff and supported by international volunteers.
The Bill Selke Memorial Clinic in Kabula serves as the permanent base for all medical activities. Volunteer medical professionals work alongside Kenyan clinical officers and nurses to triage, diagnose, and treat the most common rural diseases — malaria, typhoid, respiratory infections, and intestinal illness.
Beyond the clinic walls, a mobile clinic van travels 1–2 hours into remote communities weekly, bringing healthcare to patients who would otherwise walk full days for treatment.
HIV/AIDS education was the spark that started ICODEI. Using school presentations, documentary screenings, condom distribution, and interactive Q&A sessions, volunteers and staff break the silence around AIDS across Bungoma District.
The EMPOWER curriculum trains high school students to become peer educators — empowering young Kenyans to dispel myths and change sexual health behaviours within their own social networks.
Founded by Betty Lubanga in 2001 as a small preschool, Epico Jahns Academy has grown into one of the highest-ranked primary schools in Western Kenya. Volunteer teachers work alongside trained Kenyan staff — delivering lessons in mathematics, English, science, and geography to over 450 children from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8.
No prior teaching qualification is required. Volunteer teachers receive a daily schedule, are paired with a Kenyan co-teacher, and are encouraged to bring creative, hands-on teaching styles that the children respond to enthusiastically.
Economic independence is the most lasting form of empowerment. ICODEI has supported over 100 women's self-help groups with seed capital grants of $500–$600, business training, and ongoing monitoring visits.
Businesses supported include tailoring cooperatives, bee-keeping farms, sunflower oil extraction, horticultural gardens, maize flour milling, and boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) cooperatives. Volunteers visit active groups, conduct progress reviews, document challenges, and brainstorm strategies.
Rural Kenyan women face significant challenges in accessing accurate health information about maternal wellness, reproductive health, and family planning. This program delivers structured, interactive educational seminars to women's groups throughout Bungoma District.
Sessions cover prenatal and postnatal care, safe delivery, family planning options, menstrual hygiene, nutrition, and domestic violence awareness — all delivered with cultural sensitivity by international volunteers and Kenyan health educators working together.
Mandatory school uniforms, textbooks, exercise books, hot lunches, and transport costs prevent many Kenyan families from sending their children to school. Your annual sponsorship removes every single barrier — ensuring a child never misses a day of education.
Sponsors receive a photograph and progress report from their sponsored child. Many sponsors correspond directly with families and visit during their volunteer stay.
All programs are open to international volunteers 18 years and older. No specific qualification is required for most programs — only genuine commitment.
Medical, nursing, education, business, social work, and development studies students at any year of study.
Doctors, nurses, teachers, business consultants, and engineers on sabbatical or between roles.
Anyone taking time off before, between, or after university who wants a structured, meaningful experience.
Retired professionals with skills in medicine, teaching, business, or community development are especially valuable.
Applications are reviewed year-round. A $1,500/month fee covers housing, all meals, field coordination, and program operations. No flights or visas are arranged — we handle everything from the airport.