Volunteer Programs in Maasailand Kenya

  Kenya

• Nairobi: 
Nairobi

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: year round

Description: 1. Education:

Education is a means of solving the current problems facing the community. It touches all aspects of life of individuals and thus attaining quick changes in the society. We are committed to helping the most bright and less fortunate students in the community to achieve their education. It is however important to mention that we give girls the first priority as an affirmative action.

2. Health and fight against HIV/AIDS:

A healthy community has its maximum potentials in development. We will ensure that medical services are improved in the community. HIV/AIDS has been declared a national disaster in Kenya. We target to halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS. There will be creation of awareness against the scourge through solving some cultural practices that enhance the spread of the disease. It is our view that sexual discrimination and gender disparities are brought to an end.

3. Ensure environmental sustainability:

The organization will integrate the principals of sustainable development into country policies and programs, and reverse loss of environmental resources. There will be an effort to reduce by half the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water.

4. Conservation of culture:

As much as we would like to eliminate the negative cultural activities, we would also appreciate the positive impact of our Maasai culture in instilling discipline, respect and governance to our people. Literature will be gathered such that the present generations and other communities will get to learn the mode/way of life of the past generations and thus improve history of the Maasais.

5. Promote gender equality and economical empowerment:

An approach that will help eliminate gender discrimination will be adopted. Women are the most affected in the Maasai community. The organization will work to ensure that all members of the community are recognized in all social aspects of life. Since women and the youth encounter additional barriers related to their gender and age in relation to their economical gain, the organizations will enhance and open up opportunities to entrepreneurship.

6. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger:

The incidences of extreme poverty will be dealt with and reduced to reasonable levels that would be later contained and put into control, this will be enabled by appropriate capacity building in the community. Agricultural activities will be improved eg. Nomadism to programs like opportunistic ranching. The community will also be introduced to growing of foodstuffs and cash crops.

7. Charity activities and exchange/volunteer programs:

By utilizing the rich cultural heritage the organization will create events that benefit the entire community and especially those most in need. The organization with cooperate within international NGOs which will supply the community with volunteers that will motivate the community in achieving their goals as well as to provide the necessary knowledge.

8. Conservation of wildlife in the area:

Due to unique vegetation of the environment, he community is home to an abundance of wildlife. The organization will take the necessary precautions to protect the ecosystem and thus keeping it attractive to potential visitors.

9. Teaching in Maasailand:

Teaching children in a developing country is an extremely rewarding experience. People from all countries and backgrounds come to Kenya to experience volunteer teaching. Volunteer teachers can teach a range of subjects, including English, Math, Social Studies, Religious Education, Science and more. Volunteers are free to choose the subjects they teach, and can teach as many subjects as they like, but usually specialize in one or two subjects. Volunteers are also free to coordinate sports and arts at the end of the day.

Highlights: MEAC is a proud Maasai run organization, aiming to improve the lives of people in Maasailand, Kenya.

We coordinate a wide range of projects, including volunteer, homestay and sponsorship programs, all of which allow foreigners to personally assist in
developing our community, and directly benefiting children in the local community.

MEAC ensures that all guests have the opportunity to truly live as a Maasai. We do this not only by offering a wide range of activities that reflect the typical lifestyle of Maasai men, women and children, but also by using traditional Maasai huts as our accommodation.

Maasai huts usually have similar layouts and designs. There are usually two large beds, each sleeping two, with a small fireplace in the middle, which serves as the kitchen. There is also a small space provided for the keeping of livestock that may be at risk of predator attacks.

A Maasai Hut is made of sticks and dried mud. The Maasai people have lived like this for hundreds of years, and we welcome foreigners to truly experience Maasai living and culture.

Maasai people live by very simple means, and so our accommodation is quite basic. It is important for guests to understand that our accommodation is not as luxurious as hotels in Nairobi, but it does give foreigners the opportunity to see how our people live.

We look forward to welcoming you to our Manyatta.

Qualifications: * High school graduate
* Medically fit
* Self motivated
* Has a level of personal integrity

Cost in US$: depends on the programme duration

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18 years old and above

This Program is open to 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

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Maasai Education and Advocacy for Change's Mission Statement: Having a self-reliant community, free from social discrimination and improve the living standard of the Indigenous people.

Year Founded: 2007