Celebrating World Volunteer Day: Lily & Edie's Journey with Haller Kenya

Volunteers play a vital role in driving our mission forward, bringing fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and invaluable skills to every corner of our work. They bridge the gap between vision and action, helping us deliver impactful solutions in education, conservation, and sustainable development. Their contributions enrich the communities we serve while creating lifelong ambassadors for environmental and social change.

Today, we shine a spotlight on Lily and Edie, whose dedication and hard work have brought new energy to our projects at the Nguuni Nature Sanctuary, Education Centre and Library. Their experiences highlight the power of volunteerism and its impact on both people and the planet.

Why Volunteer at Haller?

"When we heard about Haller and its work in Kenya, we were fascinated to learn more," shared Lily and Edie. "Having studied geography and economics, the combination of teaching farmers sustainable farming techniques and educating people on how to utilise their resources seemed like an incredible opportunity. Seeing firsthand how Haller addresses the challenges of African agriculture has been eye-opening."

Supporting Education at Nguuni Education Centre

A significant part of their time has been spent at the Nguuni Education Centre, helping children prepare for their end-of-year Christmas performance, Wilderness Wonder. "We led the arts and crafts sessions, making rhino and lion masks, decorations, and props for the play," they said. "Seeing the children’s confidence grow during rehearsals and the joy on their faces during the performance was so rewarding."

They also supported the library by reading with younger children, helping them with pronunciation, and tutoring older students in maths and geography. "It was fulfilling to teach them new methods of learning and see their enthusiasm for education," they shared.

Conservation Efforts at Nguuni Nature Sanctuary

At the Nguuni Nature Sanctuary, Lily and Edie joined conservation efforts, including clearing weeds from the base of newly planted trees and mulching to retain soil moisture. "We were lucky to speak with Dr. Rene Haller about the challenges of replanting quarries and selecting tree species that can grow in such sandy soils," they said. "It was fascinating to learn from someone with such a deep understanding of ecosystem restoration."

Engaging with Rural Communities

Lily and Edie participated in outreach days to rural communities, where they educated children about germs and hygiene and supported women with lessons on disease prevention. "The kids enjoyed colouring activities and were given porridge, while the women were keen to learn about ways to improve their families’ health," they said.

They also visited farmers trained by Haller and saw the tangible impact of sustainable practices. "Interviewing farmers about their challenges and successes was inspiring. It was amazing to see how Haller’s training has transformed their farming practices."

Diving into Aquaculture and Conservation

Lily spent time working at Haller’s fish farms, collecting data on tilapia growth patterns and learning about their economic potential. "I learned about both the biological and economic aspects of tilapia farming. It was fascinating to hear Dr. Haller’s insights into tilapia breeding and how it can empower communities," she shared. Additionally, she supported efforts to rehabilitate turtle hatching plots, changing the sand in hatches and addressing issues caused by red ants. "It was incredible to see how much effort goes into conserving marine life.”

Reflecting on the Experience

"Volunteering at Haller has been deeply fulfilling," Lily and Edie reflected. "We’ve learned so much about sustainable development and seen firsthand how Haller’s holistic approach impacts lives. This experience has given us a new perspective on the power of community-driven solutions."

If you’d like to take a trip visit us at the Nguuni Sanctuary, or volunteer we’d be delighted to welcome you! Please Contact Us and let us know the details of your trip.

This Christmas, we are raising funds to support youth engagement projects in 2025. We've seen firsthand the passion young people have for creating a greener future, and we are committed to empowering them to lead the way. Your donation will help fund initiatives that educate, inspire, and equip the next generation with the skills and tools they need to make a lasting impact. Donate now to invest in our collective sustainable future.