Volunteer in Kenya

Training and support for young adults with special needs
Kiambu       1 - 12 months

Volunteer project: There are around 2.9 million individuals with various forms of mental disabilities in Kenya. These Kenyans face many obstacles in their daily lives since many communities still consider mental disability an ailment caused by witchcraft and black magic. These individuals are more than capable of developing useful skills given adequate support. The current education system is unable to support young adults who have mental disabilities since they cannot enrol in an ordinary secondary school and are often too old to attend primary schools.

A Center for people with special needs in Kiambu County was established in 2010 to help individuals with disabilities aged 16 to 50 years. It is a vocational training center that offers support for these individuals and their families. There are around 40 Kenyans enrolled in this center who have different disabilities including Autism and Down Syndrome. The students are divided and grouped into classes depending on their abilities, and they are trained on important vocational skills such as beadwork, baking, farming, activities of daily living among others.

The mission of this center is to make a difference in the life of young adults with special needs and disabilities by helping them become self-reliant and easing their integration into mainstream life without fear of stigmatization.

Volunteer tasks:
• Assisting in teaching of various subjects (mathematics, language, writing, computer skills)
• Promoting core activities such as such as drawing, sewing, beadwork, gardening
• Support with activities of daily living such as cleaning, personal hygiene
• Organizing extra-curricular activities such as sports and nature walks
• Provision of guiding and counseling services to the students

Language: English

Duration of the project: 1 to 12 months

Arrival and orientation: There will be a 3-day orientation seminar for new volunteers including Nairobi city introduction. The orientation starts on the first Monday of every month. It is recommended that volunteers arrive at least one day before the orientation starts.

Accommodation: The volunteers will be accommodated at the training center. Please, bring your sleeping bag.

Location: Kiambu County

Terminal: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi

Age range: 18 and over

Participation fee: $690

Extra fee: 250 Euro per month
Airport transfers are included.
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival.

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Capacity development program in Kisumu
Kisumu       1 - 12 months

Volunteer project: The Resource Center is located in Kisumu County, about 25km east of Kisumu town and offers a variety of services to the local community. The center is equipped with training facility and provides capacity building opportunities in Agriculture, Entrepreneurship and venue for community group meetings. The in-class training is complemented by practical learning on the adjacent Farmer Field School i.e. a model Farm which encompasses a greenhouse, open farm and poultry house that provide practical examples of modern farming practices. The resource center is also equipped with comprehensive rainwater harvesting infrastructure to fully utilize the short and heavy rains in the region.

Occasionally, depending on the availability of funds, 30 school going orphans and vulnerable children get free lunch at the center to improve their concentration and school performance. Additionally a borehole provides a reliable and affordable source of safe water for the community. The construction of two water kiosks in the wider area connected with the borehole will improve accessibility to clean and safe water in the community significantly.

Volunteer tasks:
• Working in the Model Farm of the center and helping to improve the agricultural methods, crops, etc.
• Promotion of the center’s agricultural activities in the community
• Improving the record keeping of the center’s activities
• Assisting in preparation of meals for the feeding program for orphans and vulnerable children
• Supporting the promotion of the center and its activities

Language: English

Duration of the project: 1 to 12 months

Arrival and orientation: There will be a 3-day orientation seminar for new volunteers including Nairobi city introduction. The orientation starts on the first Monday of every month. It is recommended that volunteers arrive at least one day before the orientation starts.

Accommodation: The volunteer will stay in a host family near the project site. Please, bring your sleeping bag.

Location: Ahero, Kisumu County

Terminal: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi

Age range: 18 and over

Participation fee: $690

Extra fee: 250 Euro per month
Airport transfers are included.
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival.

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Teaching and counseling high school students in Nairobi
Nairobi       1 - 12 months

Volunteer project: Volunteers will help at a secondary school in Kayole Estate, Nairobi County. The school aims to enhance the quality of education offered in Kayole, and improve the transition rate of students joining public universities. The school currently has over 80 students.
In addition to its academic mission, the school aims at nurturing the talents of some former school dropout teenagers. As a result, the school soccer team became Embakasi District champions and proceeded to Nairobi County games.

Volunteer duties:
• Teaching a combination of subjects i.e. Mathematics, English, Chemistry and Sciences
• Counseling sessions on issues relating to drug and substance abuse
• Assist local volunteers in provision of basic needs to the children such as cooking, cleaning etc.
• Visiting and helping orphans and vulnerable children in the nearby slums
• Playing and organizing games and sports with the neighboring schools

Language: English

Duration of the project: 1 to 12 months

Arrival and orientation: There will be a 3-day orientation seminar for new volunteers including Nairobi city introduction. The orientation starts on the first Monday of every month. It is recommended that volunteers arrive at least one day before the orientation starts.

Accommodation: The volunteer will stay in a host family near the project site. Please, bring your sleeping bag.

Location: Kayole Estate, Nairobi County

Terminal: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi

Age range: 18 and over

Participation fee: $690

Extra fee: 250 Euro per month
Airport transfers are included.
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival.

Join now  ►