Magangani Farmers

  Kenya

• Other Cities in Kenya: 
Rural

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: on going

Description: Introduction
Magangani farmers is a community based project of 600 members serving 205,000 people living around the araboko sokoke forest. Magagani Farmers are part of a larger group of 300 community groups under the umbrella of the araboko sokoke forest dwellers association (ASFADA)who live around the 45000sqkm forest. The centre is located 100km from mombasa town at a town called Gede.

Activities of the Group

1. bee keeping,
2. butterfly farming,
3. village forest conservation efforts,
4. traditional dancing,
5. mushroom farming,
6. fish farming amongst a host of other activities.

The Magagani farmers market their produce to the international community and to the major hotels along the coast through the kipepeo project. They also have a central meeting place which they also use as a resource centre for all their members.

Volunteers are needed to help in the marketing activities for their produce and also to assist in the general running of the centre.

Volunteer activities
1. General volunteering
2. Preparation of promotional materials and other marketing activities .
3. Monitoring of the farming activites.
4. Accounting, office and computer work at the administration block.
5. Any other activity/programme available during the volunteer placement.

what kind of volunteer are we looking for;

1. People who can do any of the work above.
2. Marketing proffessionals.
3. Accountants/financial experts.
4. Agricultural proffessionals in any of the above fields
5. Students.
6. Social workers
7. Community development officers

Length of Commitment: minimum of two weeks and a maximum of 1 year before renewing the commitment.

Accomodation: It is our policy that all our volunteers to stay with an African host family to learn more about day to day living of an average African home; we have trained selected host families with an experience of handling volunteers with all the care that they need; Some volunteers who come as a group are allowed to stay in the home; we have guest rooms that can be used by visitors. We receive volunteers at the airport and take them to an already booked hostel. We will have a big paper with your name/names on it e.g. JOHN They then rest for one day in the city. The following day we travel by day bus to the community. All this time you will be with a Touch Africa guide.

For young volunteers who are under the age of 18 need Either a letter from parent or guardian to Touch Africa indicating that they have agreed for you to come to this program. This letter can either be mailed to us or you come with it yourself as you come to join our program. Or a letter from the patron of your school club (e.g. interact volunteering club, model UN, community service club, school travel club etc) who should be an adult to tell us that he /she have released you to come to join our program. Or A letter from your school; to tell us that they are happy you have chosen and agreed to come to volunteer and learn more about Africa.

Donations: We want to give everybody a chance including those who do not have a donation to give.

Volunteers can also write an email to us specifically requesting to be attached to this project.

Highlights:
* Visit to places of interest including the coastal beaches
* Learn more about eco-conservation
* Home stay programme

Qualifications: any volunteer together with Marketing professionals, community development workers and agricultural workers and researchers

Cost in US$: USD 480 two weeks USD 780 for a month +USD 100 per every extra week

- You need to Get a valid visa for your stay here.
- Get vaccination/treatment against malaria.
- Tell us the local date and time of your arrival.
- Tell us the Flight Company and number.

Experience Required: yes

for general volunteers none but for professionals as listed above

Typical Volunteer: Willing to learn and energestic and creative

Age Range: 18-35yrs

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

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 1-10

Application Process Involves:

• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Touch Africa International's Mission Statement: To empower orphans and vulnerable children with quality knowledge to enable them contribute positively towards our national development. To provide shelter, care and education to our children. Revolves around issues of poverty, particularly the lack of education, economic opportunity and environmental concerns. Our goal is to train people to be effective business entrepreneurs, community leaders and global citizens through organizing of community work camps, internships, volunteer programs, community development projects and educational tours which focus on Four key issues of our work foundation namely Reducing poverty; Increasing global cooperation; Sustainable development; equality & social justice; Environmental conservation and protection; we believe in giving everyone a chance to contribute to a better society by organizing affordable programs as listed above and we ensure that they are interactive ,enjoyable ,educative and most of all life changing in short meeting real people in the real world to bring a real change in peoples lives.

Year Founded: 2005