Location
Kenya is located on Africa's east coast and offers beautiful landscapes, amazing wildlife populations, and ethnic diversity. This project will take place jointly in Nairobi, Kenya's bustling capital city, and in Limuru, a more rural community.
About the project
This project was established to help many aspects of the communities surrounding Limuru and Nairobi. Some of these include medical aid/public health initiatives, HIV/AIDS awareness and education, working with orphanages and impoverished students, and adult community work. Volunteers in this project will get the opportunity to spend time in both the capital city, Nairobi (about 2 days per week), and in the rural areas (the majority of the time) surrounding Limuru, exposing volunteers to the different life styles in the city and in rural areas of Kenya. There are over a million orphans in Kenya mainly due to AIDS; only 5 % get any kind of support at all. Kenya's health care suffers as much as any other public service sector in the country. Structures are in place for an effective health service, however there is an enormous deficit in terms of staff and resources.
Volunteer work and contribution
Volunteers will have the opportunity to assist in a variety of projects for the duration of their stay in Kenya. Some of these will include, but are not limited to:
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Assisting in pre-schools and orphanages by helping our with maintenance tasks that will enhance facilities AND teaching and caring for children
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Help to feed hundreds of hungry people at the Limuru feeding program
- If volunteers are currently studying medicine or are qualified in a medical profession,they could request a placement in a medical facility (public health center or hospital)
Accommodations
Volunteers will be staying at the Brackenhurst Baptist International Centre, where 2 houses are kept for volunteers. The centre is safe and secure and has everything volunteers will need; Internet and phone services are readily available.
Volunteers will be sharing a fully furnished room with other volunteers (maximum of five in one room). All meals are provided at the volunteer house. Laundry and housekeeping services are included daily. One of the cottages also provides a lounge area with a fireplace and satellite TV; be a wonderful social area for all volunteers. Volunteers will be provided with three meals a day. Breakfast usually consists of bread, fruit, eggs, tea and coffee. Lunches may also be packed or may be provided locally at the placement.
Not just work...
There will be opportunities during weekends to go on safaris not far from the project site, including one on the northern extension of the Serengeti. Volunteers may even get the opportunity to see the wildebeest migration (usually between July and November). They can also organize a hot air balloon ride over the beautiful reserves. The volunteer home also boasts beautiful grounds that are perfect for having an afternoon nap in the sun, playing sports, such as ultimate frisbee or soccer, or going for a jog. On a clear day, volunteers will be able to see Mount Kilimanjaro in one direction and Mount Kenya in the other.
Minimum Requirements
- Min age 18
- Good level of English
- Flexibility and open mindedness
- High level of independence and emotional strength
- Motivation to work with children and or in a hospital/medical setting
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)