Volunteer in Kenya

  Kenya

• Nairobi: 
Nairobi

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Ongoing opportunity

Description: Volunteers have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of work, including education and training for children from under-privileged backgrounds, HIV/AIDS counselling, and medical/health volunteering. Through this program, volunteers will have a chance to make a personal contribution and connection to the people of Kenya.

The volunteer opportunities are in the following areas:

* Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp Program:
Volunteers are needed to help rebuild the lives of those who were forced to flee their homes during the post election violence in Kenya in 2007. Still unable to return to their homes, 1000s of internally displaced persons found refuge in IDP Camps across the Great Rift Valley. An Internally Displaced Person has in general had the same experience as a refugee except has not crossed an international border. The need is great.

Many have very limited access to basic necessities, like food and education. While others who suffer the effects caused by their traumatic experiences are left with no help. Volunteers will work in the IDP camp offering help to children, youth and adults. There are two key areas where volunteers are needed:

Community Program: Volunteers are needed to provide counseling, youth mentoring, education and help with food preparation while being supervised by local camp staff. Volunteers require a flexible mindset and must be willing to work in all areas of the IDP camp program. This role is suitable for a mature, caring, motivated and self-directed person who has life experience and a desire to help.

Medical Program: In the IDP Camp in Gilgil there is a small clinic which services the 14 000 camp residents and is staffed by one volunteer doctor and nurse. Volunteers will be working together with the nurse doing basic medical procedures such as writing prescriptions, giving out medicine and attending to the patients. As a volunteer you can help by sharing your medical skills to provide those in need with basic medical care. There is also an opportunity for volunteers to help set up clinics and provide their services in other camps. This role is suitable for self-directed, caring people who are medically qualified.

* Children's Program:
You have the opportunity to help children in need. Children who have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS, children who have been abused by their parents and children whose parents are not able to provide for them. These kids need love, attention, life skills and education so they can have successful futures free from poverty and filled with the same opportunities as others. As a volunteer you will mentor by becoming a big brother or sister to kids in a Children's Home. You will work along side local staff to help with classroom teaching and homework help, childcare, and daily operational running of the Home. Volunteers are also encouraged to initiate their own work by organizing art and crafts, music, dance, games, sports activities and day trips for the children. This role is suitable for a caring, motivated and self-directed person who has a love for children and has childcare experience.

* Teaching Program:
Quality education for both boys and girls is crucial in reducing poverty and promoting gender equality. Right now schools in Kenya are struggling with overcrowded classes and a lack of skilled teachers. As a volunteer you will help to empower girls and boys by giving them the skills they need to overcome poverty and to make their voice heard. We have opportunities for volunteers to assist with teaching at preschool, primary and secondary levels. At primary and secondary levels volunteer teachers can teach core subjects, such as English, mathematics, science, social sciences, and can initiate extra-curricular activities. Volunteer preschool teachers will teach basic English skills and carry out basic childcare duties. This role is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-directed person. A teaching qualification is not required (except for Secondary teaching) but volunteers need to be confident in the above subjects and preferably have or are studying towards a university degree.

* HIV/AIDS Program:
Kenya has been hit hard by the HIV/AIDS epidemic with approximately 1.25 million adults and over 100,000 children infected. The aim of the HIV/AIDS program is to decrease the spread of HIV through raising awareness and education, increasing access to medical care and providing emotional support to those affected by HIV/AIDS within the community. Volunteers have the opportunity to work in a community HIV/AIDS organization to assist with homecare visits to HIV positive people, educate and counsel community and school groups and individuals, and provide basic medical care. This role is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-directed person. Medical training is not necessary for all aspects of the program, but a background in HIV/AIDS and basic health care is required.

* Medical/Health Program:
Malaria, typhoid, pneumonia and tetanus are treatable diseases yet many still die in Kenya as a result of not receiving proper medical care. Government-run hospitals and medical clinics are ill equipped to handle the volume of people in need of care. As a volunteer you can help by sharing your medical skills and working alongside local staff to provide those in need with basic medical care. Volunteers have the opportunity to work in the areas of general medical practice, maternal health, minor surgery and laboratory work. This role is suitable for self-directed, caring people who are medically qualified.

* Maasailand Program:
The Maasai have largely managed to remain outside of mainstream African culture and maintain their traditional ways, although this becomes more challenging each year. For this reason Maasai are increasingly seeking the opportunities African society has to offer. With little government support Maasai struggle to find teachers and medical professionals to work in their schools and medical clinics.

Teaching Program: It is estimated that less than half of all Maasai children attend schools, teaching volunteers are urgently needed to help reverse this trend. Volunteers have the opportunity to educate children at primary school level. Subjects taught include English, math, science and social studies. Volunteers are also encouraged to initiate extra-curricular activities.

Medical Program: Medically qualified volunteers are needed to work in community clinics to increase access to basic healthcare and promote health education in the local community.

Highlights: Volunteering in Kenya offers you an opportunity to experience a different way of life and culture. You also have the chance to learn new things about yourself and what you are capable of.
Kenya's incredible natural environment and cultural heritage is almost unmatched in Africa.
Work with the Kenyan people to help bring a much brighter future to many people in need.

Qualifications: Volunteers for this program must:

    * Be 18 years or older
    * Have no major health problems
    * A medical qualification is required for the Medical/Health program
    * Some related experience is required for the HIV/AIDS program
    * Teaching, Maasailand, and the IDP Camp programs require a 1 month commitment
    * Volunteers in IDP Camp program are required to be 23 years or older
    * Be eligible to obtain a tourist visa to Kenya
    * Obtain a police check from your home country prior to volunteering

Cost in US$: Please contact us for more information

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18 years and older

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and South African Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 10-20

Application Process Involves:

• Other

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Global Volunteer Network's Mission Statement: The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a private, Non Government Organization (NGO) based in Wellington, New Zealand. Our incorporation number is WN/1194442. Our vision is to support the work of local community organizations in developing countries through the placement of international volunteers. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.

Year Founded: 2000