Environmental Programme Gede

  Kenya

• Mombasa: 
Mombasa

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: january to december

Description: We organize for internships and partnership with coast based organizations dealing with environmental issues. Over the years we have developed good links and networks with governmental and non-governmental organizations, community based organizations in the coastal region. This programmes target students from both local and foreign universities, especially those who have completed coursework and want some field experience. It is also relevant for students who have graduated and would like to be prepared to work in Africa and in a coastal environment specifically.

Highlights:
This programme aims at tackling the coastal environmental issues in a very integrated and holistic manner. It is both for learning and experiencing environmental issues in the coastal region of Kenya. The programme will engage several stakeholders as environmental issues are very complex and interrelated so it cuts across sectors, communities, programmes, ecosystems, nations. We believe we have the best environment package that will make the Developed North interact more positively with the Developing South and embrace environmental practices that will lead to a better and more habitable environment for the present and future generation.

Environmental Volunteerism

Volunteers are required in various environmental related fields to work closely with local people and different organizations in the area to achieve sound environmental management for better health and development of the coastal region. Volunteers are required in areas such as community development, capacity building, fundraising for rural communities, community health. Those with experiences in these fields and would like to share with our organization are highly welcome and they will be connected to organizations and local communities.

Environmental Communication

To achieve high levels of environmental management and conservation, there is need for effective communication strategies that are interactive and have built in mechanisms for feedback. Different stakeholders need different information types that will enable them to make decisions in the management of natural resources. This programme is involved in interacting and communicating with various stakeholders involved in environmental management and conservation. Information is then packaged and shared with relevant organization. Use is made of modern technology for information to reach a larger number of people. The programme is currently exploring having digital villages in strategic areas for the people to easily access information they need planning and managing their resources through the establishment of community resource centres, mobile libraries, internet connectivity.

Cultural Exchange

Culture of the local people has a bearing on how the environment is managed and conserved. To help in understanding environmental issues, various cultural events will be organized and visits made to various natural resources dependent communities in the coastal region. We organize cultural tours to different communities and also organize home stays for tourists to get the feel of the local cultures and cuisine.

Projects

We have a wide range of projects in various fields and are continuously developing various projects with different communities to help alleviate poverty and improve food security. There are several proposals we have sent out and are also open to any ideas on how individuals and organizations can help in planning and implementation of various environmental related projects.

Forest Projects

Community based forest projects that contribute to the conservation of the forest are formulated and implemented with the forest-dependent communities. Several activities are conducted with particular focus on income generating activities.

Water Project

Water is a very important factor of production for the coastal human populations. The water resources in the coastal region are not yet fully developed and the people living in the drier parts of the coastal region are greatly affected. Water scarcity is already causing conflicts among local communities.   

Health Projects

Community health issues are very important for development to be realized. Delivery of health services to the communities is therefore very crucial. This programme works very closely with various health service providers from private and public sector to ensure that the rural communities get health services.

Energy Projects

The world over people are moving towards cleaner sources of energy. Rural communities have in the past relied heavily on fossil fuels which have greatly contributed to carbon emissions leading to global warming. We are currently exploring various energy alternatives, are moving towards green and clean energy technologies that are easily accessible and affordable to the local communities. These newer energy technologies will be environmentally friendly and technologically sound. Energy sources such as wind energy and solar energy are being explored to make the local people energy sufficient. We are currently working with the players in the energy sector and also continuously developing proposal and projects on clean energy for better and cleaner environment.   

Qualifications: This programme is conducted for people interested in environmental issues in the coastal region of Kenya. The programme is for those with a general interest and therefore not an academic program leading to a certificate. It is mainly for general interest tourists visiting Kenya who want to know more about the coastal environment. Programmes will be tailor made to meet specific interest of different individuals and groups that demand for them and will link you directly.

Minimum Education: Diploma/Certification

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Anybody who is ready to come learn and experience the culture

Age Range: 18 years to 70 years

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and 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 of minimum of 2

Application Process Involves:

• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

Touch Africa International's Mission Statement: To empower orphans and vulnerable children with quality knowledge to enable them contribute positively towards our national development. To provide shelter, care and education to our children. Revolves around issues of poverty, particularly the lack of education, economic opportunity and environmental concerns. Our goal is to train people to be effective business entrepreneurs, community leaders and global citizens through organizing of community work camps, internships, volunteer programs, community development projects and educational tours which focus on Four key issues of our work foundation namely Reducing poverty; Increasing global cooperation; Sustainable development; equality & social justice; Environmental conservation and protection; we believe in giving everyone a chance to contribute to a better society by organizing affordable programs as listed above and we ensure that they are interactive ,enjoyable ,educative and most of all life changing in short meeting real people in the real world to bring a real change in peoples lives.

Year Founded: 2005