Description:
There are two elements to this program - community and medical work. As part of the project, volunteers work in the local clinic situated on the outskirts of the slums. The clinic provides services such as maternal & child health care, family health care, curative health care, primary health care, voluntary counselling and testing, plus training in health and HIV/AIDS awareness. Within these slums we help schools with education and refurbishment, work within the local orphanages, and provide volunteers in the feeding program. The rest of your time is split up between Kikuyu Hospital and orphanage work in Limuru. Kikuyu Hospital offers medical care to the community regardless of whether they can afford their treatment or not. The hospital is therefore buzzing with patients, and doctors attend to around 350 patients a day.
Kenya's health care and provision suffers as much as any other public service sector in the country. Whilst structures are in place for an effective health service, there is an enormous deficit in terms of staff and resources. This is why the volunteers' help is very much appreciated by the nurses and doctors we work with. There are over a million orphans in Kenya, mainly due to HIV/AIDS, but only 5 percent of patients get any kind of support. There is a huge need for assisting orphanages and children's homes. These children come from backgrounds that have been affected by HIV/AIDS, abuse, poverty or illness. These children are in need of love and attention. Many of them are developmentally delayed and need extra attention in order to promote their development.
*Rural Medical Assistance in Kenya
Become a volunteer in Kenya and work on our Rural Medical Assistance Program in the heart of Africa. As part of the project, volunteers spend some of their time working in local clinics situated on the outskirts of the Nairobi slums. The clinics provide services such as maternal & child health care, family health care, curative health care, primary health care, voluntary counselling and testing, plus training in health and HIV/AIDS awareness. The rest of the time is spent in Kikuyu Hospital in Limuru which offers medical care to the community regardless of whether they can afford their treatment or not. The hospital is therefore buzzing with patients, and doctors attend to around 350 patients per day.
*Teaching and Community Outreach Program in Kenya
Become a volunteer in Kenya and work in a variety of schools and orphanages in the heart of Africa. This project really gives you the chance to see many aspects of Kenyan life as you will be working in orphanages and schools both in rural areas and in the slums of Nairobi. You will have the space to not only grapple with issues of poverty, illness and education but to work through them with the very people who are living these experiences.
Highlights:
*Climb Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya, Africa's second-highest peak, stands at 5,199m. Mount Kenya is probably one of the most impressive hikes in the world, with mountain forests containing elephants, buffalo and even lions. Due to its rugged glacier summits and unique forests, UNESCO has declared Mt Kenya a world heritage site. The safest time to climb Mt Kenya is during the dry season between December and February.
*Safari in the Masai Mara and Amboseli National Park
If you go to Kenya a safari is a must, as these national reserves define Kenya. It is not easy to choose which of the many parks and reserves to visit, but the Masai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park are the most spectacular and you'll have a big chance there to encounter all of the 'Big Five' animals (rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards and buffaloes). As these are the most popular, you may want to choose Saiwa Swamp National Park, which draws little to no tourists, but it's small and only accessible by foot. Aberdare and Mount Elgon national parks also draw few tourists, despite magnificent landscapes and good opportunities for wildlife viewing. One tip if you can go between July and October you will see the great wildebeest migration, one of Earth's spectacular shows!
*Visit a Masai Mara Tribe
Many of the tribes in Kenya still live like their ancestors' generations before them. You can go on a cultural visit and have chai tea with eldermen who will show and tell you about their way of life. They also want to perform traditional dances in which they have great pride. It's a vibrant, colourful day giving you a real cultural insight.
Qualifications / Skills Needed:
Participants must possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the people. Additionally, a love of working in the community and interacting with people is essential.
Language:
English
Cost in US$: Please visit the website for more information.
Cost Includes:
* Accommodation: Brackenhurst Baptist International Centre, shared cottage accommodation.
* Food: 3 meals per day: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
* Airport pick up and drop off
* Training: Orientation and language classes provided
* Support: 24-hour support
* Excursions: Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park and Aberdare National Park, as well as trips to the Kenyan Coast, Nairobis Elephant and Giraffe Sanctuaries
Experience Required: no
Typical Volunteer Projects:
AIDS,
childcare/children,
counseling,
health,
health care,
health education,
hospital,
medicine,
nutrition,
organizational development,
orphans,
population issues,
social services, social work
and volunteering
Typical Volunteer: A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the local residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.
Age Range: Must be more than 18 years old
This Program is open to
Worldwide
Participants.
.
Typical Living Arrangement:
Home-stays
Participants Travel to Kenya
Independently
Or
in Groups
Typically Participants Work
Independently
Or
in Groups
Application Process Involves:
- Online Application plus Application Assessment
Post Services Include:
Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement: Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.
Year Founded: 2008