Global Citizens: Kenya

  Kenya

Rural

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Inquire for information.

Description: Global Citizens Network (GCN) sends small teams of participants to rural communities around the world where they are immersed in the daily life of the community. Trips to Kenya last three weeks; each team is led by a trained GCN team leader. The team works on projects initiated by people in the local community, for the benefit of the community. In Kenya the community is building a health clinic and accompanying staff housing. Projects may not be decided upon until shortly before the arrival of a GCN team. Participants should be aware that everything is subject to change.

As worthwhile and fulfilling as the work you do will be, the true rewards come from the cross-cultural learning which takes place on these trips. A unique and integral component of your experience includes daily activities of cross-cultural learning. You may test your skills visiting a nearby family farm, learning a local dance, and discovering the history and rich traditions of the area. When you have the chance to learn first-hand about people from other cultures, you will feel connected to others in ways you may have never experienced before.

Highlights: The people of Odienya village have invited GCN to assist them in the construction of a health center. The closest health facility is a private clinic in Rongo, with a second private clinic located about 12 km away in a town called Marindi. The closest public health facility is about 16 km away. The health center will serve a very large area that spreads to the west, farther away from Rongo. The center will be located on the side of the road that goes through the village, and is adjacent to a vocational school for AIDS orphans. The site has already been donated by the local governing council, and the community has donated 1,000 red clay bricks to get the project started.

Using a government-approved plan, the health center will consist of three buildings within a compound. Each building will be small, and care can begin in one once completed as construction is underway on the next. Villagers have formed a committee of eight, several of whom are women, to oversee the project. Most of the committee members speak English, and some are teachers are in local schools.

Qualifications: No specific skills are required, only a willingness to appreciate and accept other cultures. We believe everyone has skills - some yet to be discovered. Each participant contributes what they can. If any expertise is needed for a project, the local community will provide these skills.

Cost in US$: USD 2,200

Many people ask why they have to pay to volunteer. GCN receives no outside funding or grants and other than two part time staff people is completely volunteer driven. Also, while individuals may be able to travel for less to many of these places, GCN provides the entrance into a village and exposure to a culture that one could not receive if traveling solo to these places. Through the long-term partnerships that GCN has established with communities around the world, participants gain a unique perspective into life in a Kenyan village or on the Navajo Indian Reservation.

Credit Available: yes

Salary / Pay: Experience of a lifetime.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Participants range in age from 8 on upwards and come from the U.S., Canada and beyond. Students, nurses, computer programmers, social workers, teachers, families, individuals and retirees... These are just some of the people who join our trips.

Age Range: 8 - 88+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 8 - 12

Scholarships are Available. Global Citizens Network scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial & circumstantial need. Because our Scholarship Fund is very limited, we generally award scholarships to those who would otherwise not be able to participate without financial help; please keep this in mind when you are applying. Scholarships are awarded for up to $250(domestic) $400(international) per individual, $500 per family per year.

Application Process Involves:

• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Global Citizens Network's Mission Statement: Global Citizens Network recognizes the interdependence of people around the world, and that social and economic injustice, racial and ethnic inequality, and ecological loss affect all people. But through cooperative effort, individuals of all cultures can experience and enhance their ability to make a difference in their community and their world. To foster that cooperation, Global Citizens Network sends short-term teams of volunteers to communities in other cultures where participants immerse themselves in the culture and daily life of the community. Each volunteer team is partnered with a local grassroots organization active in meeting local needs. Global Citizens Network creates a worldwide network of people and organizations committed to addressing global issues. By providing participants the opportunity to learn about the society, knowledge, art and livelihood of other cultures, Global Citizens Network seeks to honor and help preserve those cultures. By providing the resources of participating volunteers and project grants, Global Citizens Network seeks to assist human and community development in those cultures. By creating a network of people and organizations, Global Citizens Network also seeks to enhance participants' impact on issues of local and global concern.

Year Founded: 1992