Community work with Children near Mt Kenya

  Kenya

Nanyuki

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

Description: It says something about the quality of the wildlife that the people of Kenya are regarded as only the second best reason to visit the country. A friendlier bunch you couldn't wish to meet, but then they've had a lot of practice in the art of the warm welcome, given the numbers of visitors they get. They save a special welcome and a cup of local tea for those coming to volunteer though. This is a valuable project whose aim is to deal with the spiraling problems caused by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Many children have lost parents to the disease and now face a life on the streets without any support network. Volunteers will provide companionship to the children and teach each of them vital English language skills.

*What does this community project do?
This project encompasses a number of projects that aim to alleviate some of the difficult circumstances facing many young people living in the Mt Kenya region. There are opportunities to work with children who have been abandoned or orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS, or whose families live in poverty and are unable to take care of them. Many of the children are street kids who receive care and education at rescue centers and children's homes. These projects exist to rescue, rehabilitate, educate and relocate children who have suffered great hardships as a result of poverty and difficult family backgrounds.

*Why does this project need volunteers?
By 2001 an estimated 890,000 children in Kenya had been orphaned by the HIV/AIDS virus and with 15% of the population between 15 and 49 believed to be carrying the virus, there is an increasing number of children caught up in the epidemic. Children ranging in age from toddlers to teens are living on the streets, while those children who do have surviving relatives to take care of them are often provided with little more than a roof and the occasional meal. The projects we work with in Mt Kenya aim to alleviate the effects of poverty. Volunteers are desperately needed to support staff in running the centers and to provide the children with some basic skills and companionship. As English is a national language in Kenya, English teachers are a permanent necessity and by helping in this area you can bring invaluable skills to the young people you work with.

Highlights:
* Playing your part in helping a very needy community
* Living in a stunning region in the shadows of Mt. Kenya
* Learning about the real lives of people in Kenya and enjoying the friendship of the community

Qualifications: The skills you need:
You must have a love of children and commitment to your project. Be prepared to be flexible and to use your initiative and enthusiasm to face the many hurdles and challenges that you will inevitably encounter within your role. It is important to remember that many of the children attending these projects come from very difficult backgrounds, so you should be patient, caring and understanding; don't forget - you're a role model!

To ensure that you get the most out of and contribute fully to your project, a pro-active attitude is essential. Any skills that you have such as sports, music, drama, art or fundraising will be warmly welcomed and those with knowledge of sports or gymnastics can put their skills to use assisting with strenuous physical activities as part of detoxification and rehabilitation programs for children coming off drugs.

Your role as a volunteer:
Due to the nature of the centers, your role as a volunteer will be varied and full. A key activity at all the projects is feeding the children, who are often suffering from malnutrition by the time they reach the centers. Counseling the children is another important role in addition to befriending them and giving them the care, support and attention they need to become confident young people. Education is also likely to be an important part of your role; whether you're teaching English and other academic subjects, or more practical subjects such as health education and sanitation. In order to give the older children some more practical skills, there may also be the opportunity to give vocational training, such as carpentry or arts and crafts skills, to enable them to produce goods for sale.

Cost in US$: USD 1245.00 for 2 weeks, USD 275.00 for every week thereafter

* Accommodation: Shared room in a homestay
* Food: Breakfast and dinner
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 17-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: 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 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 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