Destiny Garden School (DGS) is a charity school located in one of the poorest suburbs of Mombasa.

DGS’s Newsletters please see – this link

Destiny Garden School (DGS) founded in 2009 is a charity school situated in Mtongwe, one of the poorest suburbs of Mombasa, on Kenya’s coast. The school opened in May 2009 with 160 children and 7 classes in rented accommodation  and now has over 450 children and 12 classes, on its own land in pupose built accommodation, with qualified teachers, providing deprived children from ages 4 to 15 years old with a good education. To follow DGS’s progress over the years see this link.

The majority of the  DGS children come from disadvantaged backgrounds, some of whom are orphans living with extended families.

Many families in this area struggle to make ends meet where regular work is hard to secure; unemployment is as high as 66%. There are still a number of children who do not attend school.

The school comprises a Nursery class, Pre-Primary 1 and 2, Primary Grades 1 – 6, and a Junior Secondary Grades 7 – 9. Approximately 60% of pupils attend on fully funded places due to financial

The Staff at Destiny Garden School

The school employs 35 staff; there are 11 teaching staff in the Primary section, 3 in the Pre-Primary wing, and 7 in the Junior School. It also employs 14 support staff which includes management, catering, library, cleaning, and security personnel.

 


Nursery Class

Classes at DGS

The aim at Destiny Garden School is to keep the classes small, no more than 40 children, to ensure that each and every child gets the attention they need to develop their full potential. At present, the classes at the school go from Nursery Class to PP1 and PP2 (Pre-Primary), Primary Grades 1 to 6 and Junior Sceonary School Grades 7 to 9.

The Nursery class educates 3 to 4 year old children.   It is important for the children to start school at DGS as early as possible so they can learn English; students in Kenya are taught in English but it is not spoken in many of the homes in this poor area of Mombasa.

The folowing slides outline DGS’s aims

DGS's Aims

DGS Aims - Educational, Improved Learning

Aims - Educational, Further Education

Aims - Personal Development - Confidence

Aims - Personal Development - Teamwork

Aims - Personal Development - Leadership

Aims - Welfare - Safeguarding

Aims - Welfare - Emotional Support

Aims - Welfare -Familly Engagement

Aims - Health - Better Concentration

Aims - Health - Reduced Hunger

Destiny Garden School runs a Further Education Programme which supports DGS’s top performers to continue their education to a higher level. They have supported 20 students in the DGS Junior Secondary School, 38 former DGS students through top national Kenyan High Schools, and 3 through university.

Sponsors are always in need to support DGS students on to further education and below are the costs involved.

The DGS Junior Secondary School enables academically able DGS pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to continue their free education beyond primary school, creating opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable to them.  It also provides opportunities for other pupils from poorer backgrounds to receive quality education at substantially reduced school fees.

DGS organise holiday programs throughout the year to help the high school sponsored students with their academic performance, highlighting their achievements and areas for improvement.

    Holiday Tuition


DGS Child, Ashline. Grade 5COSTS – Junior Secondary School (JSS) which lasts for three years

  • The annual fees are approximately £325.
  • Additional costs for uniforms, books, sports gear etc. amount to about £50 in the first year, and less in subsequent years.
  • Sponsors of JSS students receive a profile of the child, including photos, and a report on their progress each term.  The children also write to their sponsors periodically.

DGS Child, Joshua, Grade 5

COSTS – Senior Secondary School (SSS) which lasts for three years

  • Each year’s fees at one of the top schools can vary from approximately £360 to £550 per year, payable in termly instalments.
  • In addition, students pay a one-off admission fee of about £200 to £300 for uniforms, books, sports kit, etc.
  • There will be additional requirements for items such as travel and stationery, together with mattresses, bedding and a suitcase as the top schools are boarding schools.
  • Sponsors of SSS students receive a profile of the child, including photos, and a report on their progress each term. The children also write to their sponsors periodically.

Sponsors of ‘Further Education’ students pay the year’s fees up front and DGS organises the termly payments to the schools involved as and when due.

Destiny Garden School (DGS) welcomes volunteers and will provide a full programme ensuring they are kept busy and looked after well.  Volunteers not only gain valuable life experiences but also benefit the school with their help, different ideas and cultures. See this link for some  Volunteer Reviews outlining their experiences, and below are some  Frequently Asked Questions.

The Destiny Children charity is not responsible for the volunteering scheme at DGS as it doesn’t have the necessary insurance; contact is made via Jacob Boaz, the DGS Director.

Hannah teaching DGS Children a Parachute Game

Hannah teaching DGS Children a Parachute Game

Volunteering direct with Destiny Garden School cuts out the often large administration fees charged by volunteering organizations, whose overheads are high. The school is directed and managed by Jacob, the founder of Destiny Garden School. He holds the welfare and education of the children uppermost and his vision is ‘to get the children out of their poverty trap through education. Volunteers at Destiny Garden School are looked after by Jacob and his team to ensure that their stay is comfortable and safe, and that they have a rewarding experience.

Working in Mombasa will give you the opportunity to experience Kenya, one of the most scenic countries in Africa – and you can take weekend breaks to visit one of the spectacular Game Reserves or just relax on one of the many beaches.

For more details of the volunteer programme, please see the following questions and answers, or email info@nulldestinychildren.co.uk

You can read the comments some of our past volunteers have made on our Volunteer Reviews page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trustee Kathy volunteering at DGS

  • Why should I volunteer at DGS
  • Who can volunteer?
  • What would I do?
  • How long would my placement be?
  • When can I volunteer?
  • Where would I stay?
  • What about flights and transport from the airport?
  • How much will it cost me to volunteer?
  • How can I apply to become a volunteer?
  • What have past volunteers done?

Why should I volunteer at Destiny Garden School?

Volunteering direct with Destiny Garden School cuts out the often large administration fees charged by volunteering organizations, whose overheads are high.

Sponsor Kate volunteered at DGS

Volunteer Kate from the USA

The school is directed and managed by Jacob, who has worked in education and holds the welfare and education of the children uppermost; his vision is ‘to get the children out of their poverty trap through education.’

Volunteers at Destiny Garden School are looked after by Jacob and his family to ensure that their stay is comfortable and safe, and to make sure that they have a rewarding experience.

As a volunteer, you will see the difference you are helping to make to improve the lives of needy children.  By working at Destiny Garden School, you will learn about a culture very different to your own and gain an insight into the lives of children being educated in Kenya.

Working in Mombasa will give you the opportunity to experience Kenya, one of the most scenic countries in Africa – and you can take weekend breaks to visit one of the spectacular Game Reserves for example or relax on one of the many beaches.

Who can volunteer?

This program is suitable for students, gap year programs, people taking sabbaticals, a career change or in retirement. You will work with a professional Aid and Development organization. You will be part of Jacob’s team the moment you arrive at the airport.

Volunteer Janette worked many months at DGS

Volunteer Janette with the kitchen staff

Volunteers come from all walks of life, young and old, with the energy, skills and desire to work in a very special community service project away from home.

What would I do?

Volunteers at Destiny Garden School in Mombasa, Kenya, will help to meet the educational needs of over 450 needy and orphaned children aged 2½ to 15 years.

The school focuses on education, sport and counselling, but as a volunteer you could be involved in these or a range of tasks depending on the requirements of the children at the time.  You may help the staff in teaching, play with the children or help at mealtimes.

You do not have to be a trained teacher to help. Many skills could be of benefit to the running of the school. The following are but a few suggestions of what you could do as a volunteer at Destiny:

  • Assisting teachers in teaching all subjects and particularly English, maths and spelling.
  • Marking exam papers
  • Assisting in sport activities. Children at Destiny love playing sports including football, rounders and volleyball.
  • Helping with looking after the schools small farming plot which is just outside of the school compound.
  • Helping with any building work that is being done when you are here or doing any ‘odd jobs’ around the school
  • The children at Destiny love to see new people at their school and they learn a lot from volunteers. It doesn’t matter if you have never taught before, just giving praise and encouraging the children while they work makes a huge difference.
  • The children love to sing and dance and you may be able to teach them new songs and/or dance routines
  • All classes also have a ‘creative arts’ lessons which you may wish to help with.
  • At Destiny we welcome any other ideas you may have which will be an inspirational new learning experience for the children
Alana, Meredith and Vanessa volunteer at DGS

Volunteers Alana, Meredith and Vanessa

As a volunteer all you need is a positive and caring attitude and commitment to being willing to contribute where you can.  Do this and you will be providing great benefits to the children and will play a part in their future success in life.

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How long would my placement be?

Volunteers can be long or short-term, it’s really up to you. Your placement may be for 1 or 2 weeks or months or even longer. All volunteers whether short or long term will benefit from volunteering at Destiny and even in one week can have a significant impact on the children and staff at the school. You will be supported and guided in every way possible. In an  emergency, you will not be alone. We will be there to assist you.

When can I volunteer?

Volunteers will work at DGS during term time, so they should plan their trip to Kenya should tie in with the following dates.

  • Term 3, 2026 – 24th August to 23rd October (no half term)
  • Term 1, 2027 – 4th January to 2nd  April (half term 24th February – 2nd March)
  • Term 2, 2027 – 26th April to 30th July (half term 23 June – 28th June)
  • Term 3, 2027 – 23rd August to 22nd October (no half term)

Where would I stay?

Volunteers will stay at a very welcoming and comfortable hotel just 5-10 minutes walk from the school.  All rooms are en-suite and are comfortable decorated with mosquito nets. Breakfast and evening meal will be provided in the hotel and lunch will be provided at the school. WIFI is available at the hotel. https://rgmtongwehotel.com/

What about flights and transport from the airport?

If you are booking your placement directly with Destiny Garden School you will have to arrange your own flights. There are many websites and travel agents who can assist you with this and good deals can be found. Most flights will require you to change at Nairobi for an internal flight to Mombasa where you will be met at the airport by one of Jacob’s team.

Don’t forget you will also need to arrange your own travel insurance for the duration of your stay.

How much will it cost me to volunteer?

We work very hard to keep costs down especially for you the volunteer, and at the same time provide a quality service while you are with us. Our charges are weekly and the same irrespective of the length of your placement.

USD 285 / EUR 252 / GBP 225

The equivalent charges are payable in your local currency at the exchange rate at time of booking.  Please email jacoboaz2000@nullgmail.com for further details. 

Deposit:

A booking deposit of USD 120 or EUR 105 or GBP 95 is required to secure your volunteer placement. This deposit is non-refundable. There are, however, no hidden fees in our organization. The deposit can be paid via bank transfer to our account.  Please email jacoboaz2000@nullgmail.com for further details. 

Balance of the payment::

The balance for each week of your stay is paid on your arrival.

Please Note: Some organizations have special agreements with Destiny Garden School which may or may not result in different fees being paid.

Volunteer Anne

Anne volunteering at DGS

The  accommodation and food fees include:

– Transport to and from the airport.
– Breakfast, lunch and evening meal at accommodation or school
– Drinking water – personal bottle can be filled to take to the school
– Comfortable bedroom with single or double bed and secure mosquito net  (rooms may be shared depending on numbers)
– Bedroom is cleaned daily, except Sundays and deep cleaned weekly
– Sheets and towels washed weekly
– Limited access to the internet – there are internet cafés in town
– Access to WiFi

The following are not covered by the volunteer costs and are the responsibility of the volunteer.

–  All flight costs and charges
–  Travel/medical insurance, visa costs, vaccination costs
–  Food costs if away from the project
–  Bottled drinks
–  Sight seeing and excursions
–  Pocket money

How can I apply to become a volunteer?

Sponsor Guy's visit to DGS

Sponsor Guy from London

If you would like to volunteer, or would like more details, please email info@nulldestinychildren.co.uk for further details.

Jacob will send you an application form, and two personal references will be required.

What have past volunteers done?

Past volunteers have done a variety of different tasks – teaching a wide range of subjects, coaching sports, helping with the  school accounts and bookkeeping systems, building this website, digging the new vegetable plots, organising a sports day, arranging  an awards ceremony, to name but a few. Please see the comments some of our recent past volunteers have made – volunteer reviews 

Educational Structure in Kenya

The following is the new 2-6-3-3-3 system

DGS also has a Nursery class for 3 year old students.

Pre-Primary School (2 Years)
Pre-Primary – 4 years old
Pre-Primary – 5 years old

Lower Primary (3 Years)
Grade 1 – 6 years
Grade 2 – 7 years
Grade 3 – 8 years

Upper Primary (3 Years)
Grade 4 – 9 years
Grade 5 – 10 years
Grade 6 – 11 years

Junior Secondary (3 Years)
Grade 7 – 12 years
Grade 8 – 13 years
Grade 9 – 14 years

Senior Secondary (3 Years)
Grade 10 – 15 years
Grade 11 – 16 years
Grade 12 – 17  years

University (3 Years)
3 years 18 – 20 years.

Please Note:

  • The above is the new Kenyan education structure, 2-6-3-3-3, which  that was fully implemented in Janyary 2024.
  • It follows a ‘Competency Based Curriculum’ which helps pupils develop their  knowledge, practical skills and confidence needed for further education and employment.
  • In 2022 grade 6 DGS class was the first class to transition onto the DGS Junior Secondary School in January 2023
  • Pupils must pass the KCPE Certificate (Kenya Certificate of Primary Education) to go on to Secondary School
  • Pupils must pass with A or B+ to go on to further education – i.e. University or College

The School Year

In Kenya the School year is from January to December.  The official 2027 school dates for government schools are still to be published.

  • Term 1, 2026   –  5th January to 2nd April  (half term 25th February – 1st March)
  • Term 2, 2026   –  27th April  to  31st July   (half term 24th June to 28th June)
  • Term 3, 2026  – 24th  August to 23rd October  (no half term)

The following is an estimate for 2027

  • Term 1, 2027– 4th January to 2nd  April (half term 24th February – 2nd March)
  • Term 2, 2027– 26th April to 30th July (half term 23 June – 28th June)
  • Term 3, 2027– 23rd August to 22nd October (no half term)

The Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and the Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA) examinations take place from 26th October to 29th October.

The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams will run from 2nd November to 2oth November.

The long December holiday that will run from 26th October 2026 to 1st January 2027.

Kenyan Public Holidays

January 1st – New Years Day

March 29 – Good Friday (varies as per UK)End-Term Exams for Our Young Learners at Destiny Garden School

1 April – Easter Monday (varies as per UK)

May 1 – Labour Day

June 1 – Madaraka Day

August 30 – Idd ul Fitr/Idd basara (End of Ramadan)

October 20 – Mashujaa Day (Heroes Day)

December 12 – Jamhuri Day (Independance Day)

December 25 – Christmas Day

December 26 – Boxing Day