Volunteer Work with Abandoned Babies Children Home

  Kenya

Nairobi

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: All year

Description: Located in the lush tropical central region of Kenya working with abandoned orphan babies is very rewarding.

The home opened its doors to vulnerable children in August 2006 and admits children below six months, with priority given to those who are HIV positive. Severely malnourished or children needing special medical care are transferred to the main home in Kilimani, Nairobi which is registered as a private medical clinic. With support from the local community, Children Officers, police and the hospitals, the New Life Home Trust Nyeri team will give many children an equal opportunity to life, as are other children in the society.

Since the first year of operations the homes have placed a great emphasis upon placing the babies in adoptive families. As much as the TRUST seeks to give the children a full-life through its care programme, we believe that God's ultimate desire is the placing of the desolate, abandoned or orphaned child in its own family. This ethos has been fulfilled in over 70% of its babies and infants being placed with adoptive families. The majority of the remaining children have either returned to their biological families who have later claimed them or have for medical reasons remained in one of the TRUST'S long-term family homes.

Highlights: The Children's home is an ideal placement for those looking for places to initiate projects that would strike a positive and immediate effect to a needy person's life for long period of time. Its a great opportunity to have an impact on babies who really have no hope.

One must be prepared to face hash realities of life, with regard to the levels of need and sufferings. In return the children will give you a rewarding and memorable time you will never forget. The staff are also very warm and welcome help where they will offer you much friendship and assistance. The area is safe and simply stunning and our host family accommodation is better than most volunteer companies can offer. For those willing to spend their days caring for baby orphans and who really want to make a difference but value your own comforts, this is for you.

The home is situated 45 minutes away from Nyeri town, where it is possible to find all things modern from Internet to pubs and five star safari clubs. Nyeri sits just a couple of hours drive north of Nairobi where you would fly into and have your induction. This part of the country has a beautiful topography that is well covered by tall and green trees that gives a perfect setting for bird watching, or evening walks. For the adventurous, Mt Kenya is only an hour away, thus an attempt to climb to any of its three peaks would be a fulfilling move. Besides that, most of us would visit Meru reserve that is famous for Joy and George Adamson's hand rearing and releasing of animals. The famous lioness 'Elsa', whom most of us know from the film 'Born Free' The area is rain forested so game spotting is hard and an easier alternative is Aberdare a few hours away, or Samburu where you are likely to spot the elusive Leopard

Qualifications: People willing to offer compassion, skills and support. This placement would best suit someone looking for a chance to do some good away from home and cities. It would also suit groups of two to six people with a wish to effect a major and positive change in the lives of truly destitute babies. Experience with handling young children would also be of great benefit although being warm, adaptable and have a love for young children is paramount.  The trip can be perfectly combined with a holiday. For instance, an individual could volunteer at the home for three weeks then take on a holiday safari for a week at a special cost. You could combine this with a second month at a clinic where we have a placement. Volunteers are expected to take part in all duties to help staff in this location. Tasks included washing by hand, sweeping and helping cooking and other jobs that form an essential part of the running of these placements. Potential volunteers must understand this prior to booking. Be ready for a warm welcome and lots of fun.

Cost in US$: See website for latest prices

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Inspire volunteers like to travel and see the world as it rally is. They are flexible, friendly people who want to encounter life as a local and thus gain an understanding of how most of the world live as well as donating their time and skills. They have a sence of humour and love learning new things.

Age Range: 18+

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

Application Process Involves:

• Resume

Inspire Kenya's Mission Statement: To send groups of people to Kenya to contribute to the people and culture in a productive and meaningful way.

Year Founded: 2006