Community Development Programs in Kenya

  Kenya

Rural

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Throughout the year

Description: Our partner organization aims to assist local communities to find solutions to social, economic, health, and environmental problems through a multitude of educational and empowerment programs.

Currently, the most prominent programs include:

- Mobilized VCT (Voluntary Counseling & Testing) Center
- Door-to-Door HIV/AIDS education and support
- Prison VCT services & outreach
- Smart Man's Club & Smart Lady's Club (empowering adolescents to live healthy lives)
- Big Brother Little Brother Program
- TB testing and treatment
- Malaria testing and treatment
- Food Security Initiative (empowering farmers to access agricultural inputs through micro-credit arrangements)

Other destinations you may be interested in include Mombasa - many sites to see in this old and historic coastal city including old town, fort Jesus, Hindu temple and local fabric shops. There are also plenty of banks, cyber cafes, restaurants and pubs. Lamu - magical island at the northern end of the Kenyan coast; Lamu seems to be the richest Kenyan preserve of Swahili culture. Malindi, Watamu and South Coast Mombasa are great locations for snorkeling and relaxing on pristine beaches. Tsavo (The theatre of the wild) and Amboseli National Parks - both great places to go on safari to see lions, zebras, giraffes, elephants and other animals that make East Africa famous for it's wildlife.

While maintaining all the charm of a rural African town, Kilifi offers a variety of good restaurants, a couple of nice Internet cafes, and shops that stock all the essentials. Its central location on the coast also affords volunteers the opportunity to visit several destinations spots on weekends. Mombasa, Gede Ruins, Malindi and Watamu are all less than an hour away, and transport is simple and affordable. It is also 2hours away from Tsavo "The Theatre of the Wild" National Park, Kenya's Largest National Park and inhabited by hundreds of animal, for those interested in going on a Safari.

Highlights:
- Affordable, enriching and fun programs.
- Safe and inviting communities.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to work in a variety of capacities, and partake in several different programs allowing them to gain a better understanding of development challenges facing the local communities. Although all college-educated volunteers are welcome, SCOPE encourages volunteers with strong business, medical, development, ICT, and administrative skills to apply, as the organization is working to improve these areas.

The program is located in Kilifi. Kilifi is located directly off of the Indian Ocean, and although it is relatively small compared with the coastal town of Malindi, has become somewhat of an expat hideaway and common tourist stop.

Kilifi is a small town, and is therefore relatively safe. Standard precautions should be taken against petty theft, but incidents are few and far between. As like many western small towns, you will quickly get to know your favorite newspaper or fruit vendor by name, and enjoy all the benefits of a closely-knit community. You can go for a jog in the mornings or just relax by the beach on weekends.

There are many cyber cafes, restaurants serving both western and local cuisine, pubs, and coffee shops.

Qualifications:
- Be 18 years or older
- College graduate
- Have no major health problems
- Have no criminal record
- Self motivation, patience, open minded and respect of local culture and traditions.

Cost in US$: from $600 for 2 weeks ($920 for 1 month)

Experience Required: no

Age Range: Be 18 years or older

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

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Come Kuona's Mission Statement: Supporting the work of grassroots development organizations engaged in finding sustainable solutions to poverty, illiteracy, diseases and promoting a learning exchange between volunteers/interns and the communities they serve. We believe a better world is possible!

Year Founded: 2002