voluntours

Volunteering Projects in Kenya
You can become involved in helping to develop communities in Kenya. With such a variety of projects this program has something to suit everyone. You have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of under-privileged children and adults by providing education and counselling in schools and orphanages, HIV education, and medical care. Whilst sharing your knowledge and compassion with the local people, you will have a chance to make a personal contribution and connection to the people of Kenya.


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.

It is the goal of Kenyan children to get an education so they have the skills to overcome poverty and advance towards a future where their voice is heard. The Kenyan education system aims to achieve the goal of quality education for all. Since the late 1980s the education system has been modeled on what is called 8.4.4. This means 8 years of primary school, 4 years of high school and 4 years of university/higher education. This system is designed to give students recognized levels of education. It has helped to reduce drop out rates and has given those who will not attend university/higher education a legitimate qualification: the Kenya Certification of Primary Education and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education.

Following a promise made in 1963 the Kenyan government made primary education free in government schools in 2003. Since then enrolment rates have skyrocketed and schools have been left unable to cope. Overcrowding is rampant and there are not enough trained teachers to fulfill all the positions needed. As a result, children are not getting the required attention and grades are slipping. Consequently government schools have capped their enrolment; this has lead to the rise of community run schools (sometimes referred to as harambee schools) where teachers do not need to be qualified or skilled. Today community schools account for about 75% of primary schools in Kenya.

Volunteers teaching at primary and secondary levels will be teaching core subjects, such as English, mathematics, science and social studies. Volunteers may find pressure to primarily teach English as this is seen by many as the key to success in future employment in Kenya's booming tourism industry. Note, only qualified teachers are able to teach at secondary level.

Another important role you have as a volunteer is to add to your placement. The budgets of many schools mean there is only enough to provide the basic necessities. We encourage you as a volunteer to bring that little "extra". Ideas don't need to be big or cost any money. Often the most popular ideas for volunteers and amongst the children are arts 'n' craft activities, sports games, and dance and music lessons. Don't forget to consult the supervisor at your project before introducing any new ideas. Please note, supplies/resources for any kind of activity you may want to take part in will not be supplied by the school or centre.

A general note: some schools will be very established in their work and have organized routines and set ways of doing things. Other schools will not. Regardless of the individual situation of each school they will require your help. It is important to join the school with an open mind and be there to help in the way it is needed.

Note: The type of work volunteers will perform is subject to the needs of the particular project they are placed at and their own experience and skills.

Strategies to achieve basic, quality education for all in Kenya are not succeeding. It is estimated that only 24 percent of Kenya's children advance to secondary school. While only about 2% attend university and other higher education institutions. The Kenyan education system is plagued by a shortage of skilled teachers providing quality education. Volunteers have an opportunity to help change this by giving their knowledge and skills to classroom teaching and sharing skills with local staff.

Volunteers in the teaching program are placed in community run schools and children's centres and have the opportunity to teach preschool, primary and secondary level students. For preschool level, volunteers can teach basic reading, words and counting, as well as colours and shapes. Other work with preschool involves childcare duties like changing baby diapers, putting children down for naptime, and feeding duties.

Volunteer work expectation

Volunteers are expected to work a minimum of 4 to 6 hours a day, 5 days a week from Monday to Saturday. Sundays are days off. Volunteers are able to work beyond this minimum commitment.
It is vital that you are flexible and willing to adapt to situations as they arise. You cannot predict what each day may bring. We also ask that you are prepared to follow any rules set by us or our partners to ensure continuity of the program. New initiatives you may wish to set up at your project should be discussed with VICDA and your project director supervisor before implementation to ensure that what you set up is appropriate for the project.

Accommodation

Volunteers in the Teaching, Medical/Health and HIV/AIDS program will be accommodated in a homestay situation. While volunteers in the Children's program may be accommodated in either a homestay, volunteer dormitory, or at the Children's Home they are working in. Accommodation at homestays is with everyday members of the community who have invited international volunteers into their homes. Each host situation is different in terms of the number and make-up of people living in the house, their personal circumstances, style of accommodation, and their expectation of you as a guest in their home.
Volunteer dormitory accommodation is where volunteers live together in a house located near their placement and are cared for by househelp.Accommodation at a Children's Home is located onsite and provides the volunteer with separate sleeping quarters from the children. Volunteers are cared for by the Home's staff.
Accommodation providers have been selected to ensure volunteer well-being and comfort, to maintain safety and security, and to give an insight into Kenyan life. Take the opportunity to get to know those at your accommodation. You have a unique opportunity to learn a different way of living and culture. Make the most of it!
What you can expect
Volunteers can expect to share a room with one to three other volunteers. Bedding, such as sheets, blankets, pillows, is provided however volunteers will need to supply their own mosquito nets. Mosquito nets cost less than US$10 and can be purchased in Nairobi on day two of Orientation.
Living is basic, but comfortable. In urban areas accommodation is modern relative to rural areas. Houses will generally have electricity, running water, hot water and flushing toilets. Internet, telephone, ATMs, supermarkets, and restaurants are an easy travel distance from accommodation. Public transport is readily accessible and just a short walk from most urban accommodation sites.
In contrast, rural accommodation may not have electricity or running water. Common to all houses are bucket baths, squat toilets and boiled hot water. Internet, bank or ATMs, supermarkets, and restaurants are located in the nearest town which will require public transport to get to. Public transport is available but will normally require volunteers to walk a distance to get to.

Both urban and rural accommodation will not have telephones. For this reason it is recommended volunteers buy a local mobile phone to keep in contact with family and friends at home, other volunteers and program staff. Volunteers will have an opportunity to buy a mobile phone on day two of Orientation and the cost is upwards of US$30. Remember to keep an eye on international calling charges.

Meals
Volunteers will be served two meals per day: breakfast and dinner. While meals will differ from accommodation to accommodation, volunteers can expect the style of food served to be in keeping with the traditional Kenyan diet. An example of the types of meals served:

Breakfast: bread with jam, fruit, and chai tea.
Dinner: a typical dinner includes three dishes of the following: beans, rice, potatoes, meat, spinach, cabbage, mixed vegetables, or chapatti.
Please note that snack food is not provided as part of the meals supplied at your accommodation.
As you can see the Kenyan diet is made up of mostly carbohydrate dishes and meat served at most one to two times a week. For most, this will be a new way of eating and you may like to consider supplementing your diet with vitamins and perhaps purchasing food from a local market or supermarket. If your diet differs from the foods listed above, let your accommodation provider know so not to cause any confusion about your eating habits.
Water

As it is not advisable to drink tap water we recommend that you purchase bottled water. This is widely available in Kenya and you can expect to pay about US$10 per week. This would provide you with 2 liters of water per day. Be sure to check that the seals are not broken.

Boiled water is another good option for safe drinking water. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/travel/contentWaterTreatment.aspx) recommends boiling water as the best method for making water safe to drink. Boiling water as recommended will kill bacterial, parasitic, and viral causes of diarrhea. Directions for boiling water: boil water vigorously for 1 minute and allow it to cool to room temperature (do not add ice).
Where to buy? What you can buy?

Kenya has a large number of outlets where food is sold, ranging from small outdoor markets to large supermarkets, and roadside eateries to world famous restaurants. Prices vary greatly. You can expect to pay what you would in your own country when buying food from a supermarket or eating at a restaurant, while small markets and roadside eateries offer a much cheaper price option.
Transport

Your transport from your arrival location to the volunteer accommodation, and during Orientation is covered by the program fee. Once Orientation is complete volunteers are transferred to their program locations. Volunteers, in most cases, will be accommodated a reasonable walking distance from their project location and will be able to walk to work each day. For those who are accommodated outside of a reasonable walking distance and when public transport is available, money for transport will be provided. Note: any transport money provided in this instance is at the discretion of VICDA.

Transport on departure from the program is not covered by the program fee. Volunteers will need to organise and pay for their own transport when leaving the program.