Community Work with Children in Kisumu, Kenya

  Kenya

Kisumu

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Departures every month

Description: Have you got a lot of heart and even more energy?

The thought that occurs to most people as they travel is that the most beautiful places in the world are also the most troubled, and unfortunately the town of Kisumu supports such an idea. In this handsome little town on the shores of Lake Victoria the AIDS epidemic that has hit Africa so hard has shown no mercy; a large number of children have lost their parents to the disease and rely on the support of local projects. We work with children's homes and orphanages that offer the children a little TLC as well as a more formal education. Unsurprisingly, in the face of such a big problem the project is under-staffed and under-resourced and you will be an English teacher, sports coach and cook amongst other things!

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Highlights: If you're looking to bond with the locals while discovering a real travellers' jewel, this is it! In this beautiful Kenyan town, which has been badly hit by HIV/AIDS, youll be working with orphaned and disadvantaged children, helping them to build a brighter future.

In your spare time you'll have plenty to do! Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, the largest body of water in Africa, Kisumu is an attractive town with a leisurely pace of life. Here you can spend your free time browsing the markets for African carvings, visiting the wildlife parks and sanctuaries or taking boat rides on the lake!

You'll get the chance to bond with fellow volunteers, as you'll be staying in a shared room in a volunteer house which is a 20 minute walk/5 minute drive from the shops in the city. The house is basic but clean and has hot water and electricity.

Qualifications: The most important thing you need to work at this project is a love of children and a commitment to the work at the project. You should be flexible, as there are a range of different activities to get involved in, and you should be able to work on your own initiative as the projects are generally understaffed and under-resourced. You will also need to be patient, due to the large numbers of children at the projects. It is also important to understand and be sensitive to the fact that many of the children come from difficult backgrounds.

Cost in US$: US$ 1355.00 for 2 weeks, US$ 195.00 for every week thereafter

Food:
Breakfast and dinner

Airport Pickup:
Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!

Training:
In-country orientation and Online TEFL course

Support:
Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers are desperately needed to support the staff running the centres and to provide some basic skills and companionship to the children. As English is a national language in Kenya, English language skills are a permanent necessity and by helping in this area you can bring an invaluable skill to the children you bond with.

Age Range: 17 and up

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Resume

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: Founded in 1994, i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 15,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 300 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994