Key Facts
| Region: | Africa |
| Country: | Kenya  |
| Type: | Medical, Teaching, Children, Refugees / Displaced People, |
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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 education and counselling. Through this program, volunteers will have a chance to make a personal contribution and connection to the people of Kenya.
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), and Nyeri (115km from Nairobi).
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 be a mentor by becoming a big brother or sister to kids in a children's home. You will work alongside local staff to help with classroom teaching and homework help, childcare, and the daily operational running of the home. Volunteers are also encouraged to initiate their own work by organizing arts 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. Schools in Kenya are currently 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 be studying towards a university degree.
Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp Program
The post election violence that occurred in Kenya in 2007 left between 180,000 and 250,000 people internally displaced. Thousands of people fled their homes and found temporary refuge in public sports grounds and show grounds across the country which are called Internally Displaced Person (IDP) Camps. Many IDPs 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, youth, and adults. There are two key areas where volunteers are needed:
Community Program: Volunteers are needed to provide counselling, youth mentoring, and education 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.
Medical Program: In the IDP Camp in Gilgil there is a small clinic which services the 14, 000 camp residents and is staffed by one volunteer doctor and nurse. Volunteers will be working together with the nurse, carrying out basic medical procedures such as writing prescriptions, giving out medicine, and attending to the patients. As a volunteer you can help by sharing your medical skills to provide those in need with basic medical care. There is also an opportunity for volunteers to help set up clinics and provide their services in other camps. This role is suitable for self-directed, caring people who are medically qualified.
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 medically qualified 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.
Massailand 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, so 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, mathematics, 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.
About Kenya
Full country name: Republic of Kenya
Area: 583,000 sq km
Population: 37,953,838
Capital City: Nairobi
People: 22% Kikuyu, 14% Luhya, 13% Luo, 12% Kalenjin, 11% Kamba, 6% Kisii, 6% Meru, 16% other
Language: English (official), Kiswahili (official), numerous indigenous languages
Religion: Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 33%, Muslim 10%, indigenous beliefs 10%, other 2%
Government: Republic (Multiparty State)
Major Industries: Small-scale consumer goods (plastic, furniture, beer, batteries, textiles, flour), Agricultural Processing, Oil Refining, Chemicals, Cement, Tourism
Major Trading Partners: Uganda, Tanzania, UK, Germany, UAE, South Africa, Pakistan
© Copyright 2008 Lonely Planet Publications. All rights reserved. Used with permission. www.lonelyplanet.com
Facts About Kenya
Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa. (Mount Kilimanjaro, which is in Tanzania along the Kenyan border, is the highest peak on the continent).1
Around 25,000 species of animal and 7,000 plants have so far been recorded, along with at least 2,000 fungi and bacteria.2
The current population of Kenya is 34,707,817, with nearly 43% being children under the age of 15.3
Kenya is struggling with chronic rural poverty. Over 16 million Kenyans survive on less than $1 a day, with rural areas accounting for about 90% of Kenya's poor.4
Over 2 million people in Kenya are HIV positive, while 1.5 million have already died from AIDS.5
In 2002, around 15,000 Somalis fled civil conflict in south-west Somalia, across the border into Mandera, leaving thousands of street kids and orphans to fend for themselves.6
Statistics reveal that Kenya has the worst forms of Child labour with over 1.9 million children in Nairobi alone living on the street, with a considerable proportion engaged in child labour.7
According to estimates by the Women’s Health Organisation, approximately 10% of the population has a disability.8
On 26 December 2004, a quake occurred under the sea near Aceh in north Indonesia (8.9 on the Richter scale); this produced tsunamis causing flooding and destruction in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Thailand, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and the east coast of Africa (Kenya and Somalia).9
1Mount Kenya
2Kenya – Biodiversity and Protected Areas
3Kenya Demographics
4Islamic Relief – Kenyan Programmes
5Some facts and statistical data on HIV/AIDS
6Islamic Relief – Kenyan Programmes
7Is There Hope for Child Labourers
8Disability and Poverty in Kenya
9Rough Guides
Program Requirements
Volunteers for this program must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have no major health problems
- A medical qualification is required for the Medical/Health program
- Some related experience is required for the HIV/AIDS program
- Teaching, Maasailand, and the IDP Camp programs require a 1 month commitment
- Volunteers in IDP Camp program are required to be 25 years or older
- Be eligible to obtain a tourist visa to Kenya
- Obtain a police check from your home country prior to volunteering
The Application Process
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 organisations that allow you to transfer your application fee to another program at no extra cost.
Communication & Support:
Throughout the 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.
Program Schedule
You can start your placement on the 1st or 15th of each month.
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).
Teaching, IDP Camp, and Maasailand programs require a one month minimum commitment.
The Teaching program is 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.
Apply Now
Program Cost
A US$350 application fee (fully transferable) 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 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 program is:
- Cost for 2 weeks - US $697
- Cost for 3 weeks - US $797
- Cost for 1 month - US $897
- Cost for 5 weeks - US $997
- Cost for 6 weeks - US $1097
- Cost for 2 months - US $1297
- Cost for 10 weeks - US $1497
- Cost for 3 months - US $1697
- Cost for 4 months - US $2097
- Cost for 5 months - US $2497
- Cost for 6 months - US $2897
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.
Apply NowWe have compiled a list of frequently asked questions which we receive at the GVN inbox. This is a great place to start if you have questions about Global Volunteer Network and our placement process. This information should answer the majority of questions you may have.
What is the climate like in Kenya?
What kind of volunteer work is available?
Is there any time of the year when I can’t volunteer?
When will I know specific details on my placement?
Tell me more about flying into Kenya?
When do I need to arrive in Kenya?
Tell me more about the accommodation?
I have relatives/friends in Kenya. Can I live with them while volunteering?
Do you make provision for special diets?
Are there holidays or festivals I should be aware of when traveling?
What age do I need to be to volunteer in this program?
What immunisations/vaccinations will I need?
How does GVN choose volunteers for this program?
Do I need to speak English to volunteer?
Can I bring my own family with me to the program?
Are there more expenses once I arrive?
How safe is it to volunteer in Kenya?
How many volunteers are there on site at the same time?
What is the course content of the orientation?
What hours am I expected to take part in the program?
Are we able to do any sightseeing?
What clothing is appropriate for the program?
What resources will be available?
Can you tell me more about your partner in Kenya?
Who organises my visa for my volunteer placement?
Question not covered here?
Please check the generic FAQ, and if still unanswered, please ask us a question here. (We aim to answer all email within 48 hours).
Don't just take our word for it, hear what previous volunteers have to say out the program.
Volunteer Diaries
We would like to thank these volunteers for taking the time to write about some of their experiences in Kenya.
HIV/AIDS program
Annie, from Australia
"I myself learnt a lot about the difficulties these people face with the fear and stigma that surrounds their illness. They told their personal stories and many talked about how their families see them as a burden...." > Read More
Orphanage program
Mark, from the U.K.
"The next day we'd arranged to go and distribute some food aid in Maasailand. The morning we did this a truck carrying lots of donated trees up to Simba got stuck in the mud in the forest." > Read More
Tessa, from the U.K.
"The kitchen shack at Marys flooded and we continued to cook lunch in there with rain pouring through the roof... My shoes are now unrecognisable, and I cleverly wore long baggy trousers which by the end of the day were fully saturated in Kibera love mud! ummm lovely, my skin is now ingrained with Kenyan dirt!" > Read More
Mary, from the U.S.A.
"Friday, I had Terezia (age between 5 and 7) fall asleep on me for the better part of an hour while I was singing songs with the other girls. Which reminds me, I really have to look up the words to "Sixteen Going On Seventeen", because it's one of their favourites, and I actually don't know the words." > Read More
Andy, from the U.S.A.
"The reason this little girl was crying....was simply because she did not know the answer....After Perez and I were finished, she looked up at me after wiping her eyes and said in the quietest voice to where I had to lean in to hear her, "Thank you." That made this whole trip worth it." > Read More
Josee, from Canada
"Becky and I brought Mama Tunza and head teacher to visit an organization that is 'supposed' to help orphanages. I got a glimpse at the bureaucracy and the realities of life here. First, they had no food or clothes. They are constantly seeking donations from churches, locals, etc. We left with 10kg of cooking fat." > Read More
Joelfre, from the U.S.A.
"If you cannot be open to seeing bound chickens in a staff room, 67 children in a classroom, eating more than you desire because it's offered, seeing 8, 9, and 10 year olds handling machetes the size of your leg, then you may want to rethink your placements and mostly your personal mission for coming to a developing nation." > Read More
IDP Camp Program and HIV/AIDS Program
Annie, from Australia
"I can't believe I'll be back at my desk next week - Yuck!! But reality calls for paying the bills and saving some more money so that I can return here again next year." > Read More
Medical Health Program
Alison
"I had felt badly that we hadn't done more to support the hospital or advance it's programs. But it was made clear to me that our work was more than sufficient and very greatly appreciated." > Read More
Volunteer Feedback
Catherine
"I am writing to you to let you know about my recent trip to Kenya. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Kenya - it is a beautiful and wonderful country and the people were among the nicest I have met in my life. I was made to feel home away from home and my host family in Nairobi were so welcoming and appreciating. I feel privileged to have been taking my program to Children orphanage project which I think it was worthwhile and I would like to wish you every success with it in the future. Irene was a wonderful coordinator, who did her utmost, and often went well beyond the call of her duty for volunteers. I hope sometime in the future to return to Kenya, as I feel that I have made some life long and great friends there and I have greatly benefited from the time I spent there."
Christine
"I volunteered at Cherlys children orphanage for 1 month. My program was very good and interesting. The kids are so sweet and I was also teaching some of their classes in the orphanage and the life is so challenging to Kenyan. I made Kenya my home away from home where I learnt different interesting cultural life. During my program I discovered another life in the world which is very friendly and how precious the life is. My host family (Mugane's) was very appreciating. I never regret for my trip to Kenya."
Chas
"Going to Kenya with GVN was the most rewarding experience of my life so far. GVN works with a great organization in Nairobi (VICDA) who were very supportive and offered up a great safari at a discounted price. But the best part of my travels was not watching lions mate 10 feet away, but the children. They are beautiful gems, both inside and out. Their smiles and laughs can light up any room and leave a stamp on your heart that will never go away. I thank GVN for making it possible for me to go in such a safe and inexpensive manner. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, but next time with my whole family."
Volunteer Journals
Different Manner of African Wildlife Experience
Saturday, November 07th, 2009
Beginning of a new, my fourth week in Kenya brings new rain drops in Kahawa. Two water buckets in front of the house get almost full. I can do some clothes hand wash. Having no running water makes dreams of taking a shower just a small piece of the water shortage mosaic. Water that is used to wash the clothes is later on used for flashing the toilets. Boiling some food means first planning what and how much to boil for current as well as the next day needs. However, by the end of the day I am neither dirty [...]
Click here to read the full blog entry
Extremes Sitting One Next To Another: Kenya?s Diversity As Exclusion As Well Its Strength and Opportunity
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
I have never really been interested in observing the sky. It was a friend of mine who made me aware that having stars above our heads is something to appreciate. Living in a city might make the latter invisible, either due to all smog or the lights. In Kenya, I rather don’t see them because I am far in between the four walls if not in bed by the time they appear on the sky. However, just as is the Kenyan time ?different?, as pointed out by VICDA at the introduction, is its sky every single day. Either being on [...]
Click here to read the full blog entry
We lower the flag and the boys march out. End of my first week at school.
Friday, October 23rd, 2009
I am back to the primary school. With a different role and focus though. ?Teacher, teacher.? That is how students call me. In addition, I am supposed to be a ?positive role model?, as my program code of conduct dictates. I always taught and it seems logical that the two roles should walk hand in hand. Teaching is not my profession. However, if the teacher’s purpose is to believe in pupils and inspire them, as I believe, then I am trying to do my best to play my role while at the same time learning from the students. Learning a [...]
Click here to read the full blog entry
Please visit volunteerjournals.org for more journals and feedback from past volunteers
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