Prince of Peace Abbey
Tigoni (Nairobi), Kenya
Work of the SJBVC
Prince of Peace Abbey is a vibrant and welcoming Benedictine community located just outside of Nairobi, Kenya. With a rich history and a strong commitment to service and social justice, the abbey is dedicated to improving the lives of the local community and promoting spiritual growth and development.
Benedictine Volunteers play a vital role in the abbey's mission, bringing their unique talents, skills, and perspectives to a range of projects and initiatives. Volunteers live in small apartments on the grounds of the Amani Center in Nairobi and interact with a community of Benedictine sisters of the Tutzing Congregation who live nearby. Meals are taken in the retreat and guest facilities of The Amani Center.
The daily work of volunteers is wide-ranging and depends on the needs of the community. In consultation with the prior of the monastic community, volunteers may serve in the schools, retreat center, Mathare slum, or parish in Nairobi, or in other missions of Prince of Peace Abbey. This could include supporting healthcare initiatives at The Amani Center, working with local students at Saint Benedicts School, or assisting with community development projects in the Mathare slum.
But perhaps the most impactful way in which volunteers contribute is through their work in the surrounding communities, particularly in the Mathare slum area located near the abbey grounds. The abbey provides support to relief initiatives there, working to alleviate poverty, provide basic healthcare services, and promote education and economic development. Volunteers may have the opportunity to participate in these initiatives, gaining valuable experience and contributing to the growth and well-being of the local community.
Volunteering at Prince of Peace Abbey gives you the opportunity to engage with the local community and immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of Kenya. Volunteers will have the chance to participate in cultural events and celebrations, learn about traditional crafts and practices, and build relationships with local residents, creating a lasting impact and deepening their understanding of this region.
Those Who Have Served
2010-2011: Simon Sperl, Alex Kurt, and Greg Sullivan
2011-2012: Grant Stevens and JD O'Connell
2012-2013: Tim Hendrickson and Michael McCarty
2013-2014: Matt Dummer and Anthony Origer
2018-2019: Jeff Glover & Dylan Lehrer
2021-2022: Logan Lintvedt & Thomas Gillach
2022-2023: Matthew Gish, Griffin Scholl, Lamont Tidstrom, Carter Howell, and Joe Luedke
2023-2024: Trenton Dodds, Jacob Lipke, Matt Anderson
2024-2025: Ethan Sturm-Smith, Wes Kirchner