Intern or Volunteer with a Grassroots Environmental Organization in Kenya

  Kenya

• Mombasa: 
Mombasa

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: See FSD Website

Description: Examples of how you can support Environmental initiatives in Kenya:

* Work to protect the Kakamega forest Kenyas only mid altitude rainforest and home to rare species of birds, reptiles, insects, and monkeys. Educate farmers to co-exist with the forest and offer lessons to local schools on ecology, agroforestry, beekeeping, and/or horticulture. Take students on nature walks through the forest so they may experientially understand their environment.

* Research various environmental issues and solutions significant to marginalized communities such as the use of genetically modified organisms and/or the cultivation of alternative recycling methods that may be effectively integrated with existing systems.

* Help teach community members to cultivate organic gardens at their homes to ensure proper nutrition for their families.

* Assist the development of an elephant sanctuary that generates revenue for contributing farmers, reduces human-elephant conflict, and protects plant species. Create information materials for eco-tourists about the sanctuary and its plants and animals. Support marketing efforts to attract travelers and develop ways to enhance the viability of the sanctuary.

* Help develop methods for rural communities to access clean water and manage waste disposal. Research current systems and support the design/implementation of sustainable solutions.

* Support the education of local farmers in the use of alternative agricultural methods to sustainably reap better crop yields.

For more opportunities in environment in Kenya visit our website or contact us directly.

About FSD

The Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1995 to support underserved, international communities in a collaborative and sustainable manner. Our model incorporates three overlapping programs:

1. Sustainable Development Training Programs for Interns and Volunteers
FSD provides comprehensive training and immersion programs for interns and volunteers seeking hands-on experience in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Program participants come from countless professions and more than 300 universities worldwide to collaborate with our partner organizations on community-driven projects that reflect sustainable practices.

2. Grantmaking to Projects and Initiatives Led By Our Partner Organizations
Donations and grants given to FSD are used to support projects and initiatives implemented by our partner organizations, site teams, interns, and volunteers.

3. Sustainable Development of Community-Based Organizations
Our professional field staff, consultants, and program participants provide on-site technical training and capacity building to more than 200 community-based organizations.

Highlights: Development Issues Addressed by FSD in Kenya
The environment is an increasingly important issue in development in Kenya. Those living below the poverty line rely directly on the water and land resources surrounding their communities. With seventy-five percent of its workforce engaged in agriculture, Kenyan farmers face growing problems of soil erosion, deforestation, water pollution, and desertification. The recent drought the most severe in independent Kenyas history devastated the country, leaving 3.5 million people with scarcely enough food to survive. Meanwhile, in Northern Kenya, pastoralists have lost their herds to starvation and conflicting tensions are mounting over scarce water resources.

While global warming may be responsible for Kenyas severe droughts, current farming practices are also leading to the growth of environmental problems. Rampant pesticide use contaminates water resources while food production is declining due to soil erosion. Farming and daily life are also complicated by sharing the land with abundant wildlife. Both Kenyas natural ecosystem and its well-known tourism industry will be greatly endangered if wildlife conservation is not made a high priority.

Sustainable agriculture, water and waste management, environmental conservation, and environmental education are just a few areas in which FSD partner organizations work. By contributing technical expertise, new ideas and creative solutions, FSD interns and volunteers are able to partake in a crucial aspect of Kenyas sustainable development.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: Depends on Program Selected. See FSD Website.

Included in the fee is: a one-week orientation; family homestay will all meals provided; language lessons (not available in Latin America); development trainings and workshops; group sessions; midterm retreat (9+ weeks only); final debriefing session; on-going in-country support from FSD site team and U.S. staff; $200 mini-grant; eligibility for additional project funding up to $500, medical evacuation and limited health insurance; and pick-up from the airport.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: FSD supports participants who boldly wish to initiate the change they believe is necessary in the developing world. Interns are passionate about sharing their practical knowledge, heart-felt enthusiasm, and economic resources with communities abroad that suffer unnecessary hardship. They wish to gain hands-on, grassroots development experience because they believe change is most powerfully cultivated on a community level. The aim is to experientially learn how their work can empower the community toward applying sustainable development solutions, rather than increasing reliance on foreign aid. Participants choose FSD because the program structure enables them to design and implement their own sustainable projects in collaboration with their host organization and the FSD Site Team. They are able to test their ideas and theories in the most direct way possible, giving them the experience and knowledge they seek. The flexibility of the host organizations allows for participants at all stages and levels of experience in international development to participate, thus opening the programs to a diverse group of capable applicants.

Age Range: 18 - 75

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

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 3-10

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Foundation for Sustainable Development's Mission Statement: FSD supports the efforts of grassroots organizations in the developing world that are working to better their communities, environments, and the economic opportunities around them. We believe community development is only sustainable if it empowers the people to effectively use and cultivate their own resources in a conscious manner. Through our programs, we aim to raise international awareness of the economic challenges in developing countries and to support cross-cultural communities in finding more effective solutions to development issues.

Year Founded: 1995