Volunteer in Kenya

The Global Volunteer Network currently has opportunities to help develop communities through our partner organization in Kenya. Volunteers have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of work, including education and training for children from under-privileged backgrounds and HIV/AIDS counselling. Through this program, volunteers will have a chance to make a personal contribution and connection to the people of Kenya.

The Program

The volunteer opportunities are in the following areas:

Children's Program: You have the opportunity to help children in need. Children who have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS, children who have been abused by their parents and children whose parents are not able to provide for them. These kids need love, attention, life skills and education so they can have successful futures free from poverty and filled with the same opportunities as others. As a volunteer you will mentor by becoming a big brother or sister to kids in a Children's Home. You will work along side local staff to help with classroom teaching and homework help, childcare, and daily operational running of the Home. Volunteers are also encouraged to initiate their own work by organizing art and crafts, music, dance, games, sports activities and day trips for the children. This role is suitable for a caring, motivated and self-directed person who has a love for children and has childcare experience.

Teaching Program: Quality education for both boys and girls is crucial in reducing poverty and promoting gender equality. Right now schools in Kenya are struggling with overcrowded classes and a lack of skilled teachers. As a volunteer you will help to empower girls and boys by giving them the skills they need to overcome poverty and to make their voice heard. We have opportunities for volunteers to assist with teaching at preschool, primary and secondary levels. At primary and secondary levels volunteer teachers can teach core subjects, such as English, mathematics, science, social sciences, and can initiate extra-curricular activities. Volunteer preschool teachers will teach basic English skills and carry out basic childcare duties. This role is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-directed person. A teaching qualification is not required (except for Secondary teaching) but volunteers need to be confident in the above subjects and preferably have or are studying towards a university degree.

Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp Program: Volunteers are needed to help those who were forced to flee their homes to avoid violence resulting from the 2007 Kenya Elections. Still unable to return home 1000s of internally displaced persons have found refuge in the Nakuru IDP Camp. An Internally Displaced Person has in general had the same experience as a refugee, except has not crossed an international border. The need is great. Many have very limited access to basic necessities, like food and education. While others who suffer the effects caused by their traumatic experiences are left with no help. Volunteers will work in the IDP camp offering help to children and adults. Volunteers are needed to provide counseling, youth mentoring, education and help with food preparation while being supervised by local camp staff. Volunteers require a flexible mindset and must be willing to work in all areas of the IDP camp program. This role is suitable for a mature, caring, motivated and self-directed person who has life experience and a desire to help.

HIV/AIDS Program: Kenya has been hit hard by the HIV/AIDS epidemic with approximately 1.25 million adults and over 100,000 children infected. The aim of the HIV/AIDS program is to decrease the spread of HIV through raising awareness and education, increasing access to homecare and providing emotional support to those affected by HIV/AIDS within the community. Volunteers have the opportunity to work in a community HIV/AIDS organization to assist with homecare visits to HIV positive people, and educate and counsel community and school groups and individuals. This role is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-directed person. Medical training is not necessary for all aspects of the program, but a background in HIV/AIDS and basic health care is required.

Medical/Health Program: Malaria, typhoid, pneumonia and tetanus are treatable diseases yet many still die in Kenya as a result of not receiving proper medical care. Government-run hospitals and medical clinics are ill equipped to handle the volume of people in need of care. As a volunteer you can help by sharing your medical skills and working alongside local staff to provide those in need with basic medical care. Volunteers have the opportunity to work in the areas of general medical practice, maternal health, minor surgery and laboratory work. This role is suitable for self-directed, caring people who are medically qualified.

Maasailand Program: The Maasai have largely managed to remain outside of mainstream African culture and maintain their traditional ways, although this becomes more challenging each year. For this reason Maasai are increasingly seeking the opportunities African society has to offer. With little government support Maasai struggle to find teachers and medical professionals to work in their schools and medical clinics.

Teaching Program: It is estimated that less than half of all Maasai children attend schools, teaching volunteers are urgently needed to help reverse this trend. Volunteers have the opportunity to educate children at primary school level. Subjects taught include English, math, science and social studies. Volunteers are also encouraged to initiate extra-curricular activities.

Medical Program: Medically qualified volunteers are needed to work in community clinics to increase access to basic healthcare and promote health education in the local community.

Program Location

Volunteers will be placed in program locations in the suburbs surrounding Nairobi, including Dagoretti, Kibera, Rongai, Kahawa, Lower Kabete, and Wangige. Other locations are Limuru (40km from Nairobi), Ngong (50km from Nairobi), Olkajiado (60km from Nairobi), Nyeri (115km from Nairobi).

Program Requirements

Volunteers for this program must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Have no major health problems
• A medical background is required for the Medical/Health program
• Some related experience is required for the HIV/AIDS program
• Teaching and Masaailand programs require a minumum 1 month commitment
• Be eligible to obtain a tourist visa to Kenya
• Obtain a police check from your home country prior to volunteering

Program Schedule

Volunteers can stay from a period of two weeks to six months. Your stay can be extended beyond six months on a case-by-case basis (depending upon our partner's requirements). You can start your placement on the 1st or 15th of each month. Note the Teaching and Maasailand programs require a one month minimum commitment. The Teaching program is also closed during school holidays which run during April, August and December/early January. Volunteer teachers can work during school holidays if the majority of their placement is during the school term. These volunteers need to come prepared to volunteer in the orphanage program during holiday times.

Program Cost

A US$350 application fee (fully refundable if you decide not to go) will secure your place on the program, with your program fee due for payment eight weeks before you begin your placement. You only pay your application fee once and then you can access any of GVN's volunteer programs over the next 5 years.

Your application fee includes the following benefits:

• Personal Staff Support
• Your Kenya Program Guide
• Your Fundraising Guide and Software
• Access to Your Own Online Journal
• Online Video - Preparing For Your Trip
• Opportunities for Discounts on Airfares

Once your application fee is paid the remainder of the cost for your time in the Kenya program is:

• Cost for 2 weeks - US $547
• Cost for 3 weeks - US $697
• Cost for 1 month - US $797
• Cost for 6 weeks - US $997
• Cost for 2 months - US $1197
• Cost for 10 weeks - US $1397
• Cost for 3 months - US $1597
• Cost for 4 months - US $1997
• Cost for 5 months - US $2397
• Cost for 6 months - US $2797

To see the cost in your local currency, we recommend you .

The in-country fee covers administrative charge, airport pickup, transport to project (if necessary), meals and accommodation during placement, and supervision.

The other costs you will need to meet are your flights, visa, vaccinations, travel insurance, your departure from the program, and airport departure taxes. You will also need to bring additional funds to cater for all your other expenses like bottled water, personal costs, beverages and entertainment.

Your program fee includes the following benefits:

• Your In-Country Fee
• In-Country Support
• 24hr Emergency Line
• Membership To The Change Makers Club
• International Travel Advice
• Letter Of Completion

Apply for the Kenya Program

Your application process is free and seamless and if you are successful we will provide you with a choice of application fee payment options that include a secure online service. We also are one of the few organizations that offer a full money back guarantee on your application fee if you decide not to go.
Click here to apply for the Kenya program.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have put together the following page, which answers the majority of questions people have. Click here to read our Frequently Asked Questions.

Volunteer Journals

If you would like to read about the experiences of some of our volunteers who are currently in Kenya, you can do so here. This journal service is provided free to all our volunteers.
Click here

Articles

Read articles written about our volunteers in Kenya.
Click here.

Application Process

All applicants will be notified by email as to whether their application has been successful.

(1) Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form below. Upon receipt of the form we will assess your suitability for the program within two working days.

(2) Contact You: If you are successful we will then email you a letter of acceptance.

(3) Decision Point: Once you have read through the letter of acceptance and we have answered any questions or concerns that you might have, it is time to pay your US $350 application fee to secure your place on the program. Please note that we will fully refund your application fee if you decide not to go.

(4) Confirmation: Once the application fee is paid, our volunteer partner will contact you to ensure everything is organized. We will also send you the link to our program guide which covers topics such as country information, travel links, visa application process, fundraising ideas and much more!

(5) Communication & Support: Throughout the application process, we are committed to working with you to answer any of your questions or concerns. During your placement we are also available as a form of support to you as a volunteer and will email you while in country to discuss how the program is going.

To apply for this program, click here