Children's Program

  Kenya

• Other Cities in Kenya: 
Kisumu

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: all year round

Description: Volunteer and Work with children, help in the kitchen preparing meals, and washing dishes and clothes. Visit them in their homes and participate in the feeding programs, do counseling to the affected and infected through play therapy and others.

Highlights: Shangilia day care is helping economically challenged children in Wagusu village Bondo District of Nyanza Province western Kenya, the day care center help the children realize their right to an education. The initiation for orphan's program grew out as a result of an increase in the number of orphans in Wagusu village and the pathetic living condition due to lack of support once they loose their parents. The organization therefore identified, as a priority to start a child care program within the community to cater for the orphans and the vulnerable children. Supporting these children has been a great challenge and volunteers have lent an upper hand with the aim of creating opportunities where unprivileged children can have equal opportunity to grow.

Many of these children are sent to live with neighbors or relatives. Most of them live with elderly grandparents who are barely able to sustain themselves.This result to malnutrition and sickness, no access to education and children are sometimes being left to find food and clothing for themselves. Some of these children are also HIV positive and without a regular diet and medical care, they will die from preventable illnesses.

The Daycare Center currently serves 35 children, Some children come from a broken families and may be are physically abused and what they need is a shoulder to lean on. Some of these children are totally orphans without both parents and other than material insufficiency, they need every one of us who they can trust and open up to like a mother, sister, brother or father. Together in one spirit, and with your kind assistance, let us revive their hope by providing a healthy environment for a meaningful future life.

The Center operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each child is provided with vitamins, regular medical check-ups, daily bathing, playtime, naptime and additional food assistance if needed.

This program suits volunteers from all walks of life. Someone willing to reach out and inspire hope and assistance where it is most needed someone with a passion for children. As you volunteer with us your presence is such a blessing to these children and it will really show you what a big difference you can make in a relatively short period of time.

Qualifications: No particular expertise or skills required. Participants should have a positive attitude, be ready to adopt and enjoy simple living conditions, be flexible and patient. However, specialized skills and expertise (such as early childhood education, teaching math, English, sciences, tutoring) will be used accordingly. Volunteers are expected to love kids and be motivated to spend time with them.

Language: English

Orientation: All volunteers will first be met in Nairobi for orientation before traveling to the project.

Leisure activities: Carried out on weekends

Age: 18 + years

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: from USD 527 for 2 weeks and additional USD 100 Per week

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers will be placed in program locations in Wagusu/Abimbo village of Central/South Sakwa Location in Bondo District, Nyanza province, Western Kenya.

Age Range: From 18 years

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of from two people

Application Process Involves:

• Disciplinary Clearance Form
• In-Person Interview Required
• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

Kenya Voluntary and Community Development Project's Mission Statement: Volunteer in Kenya with a community based organization offering the volunteers the opportunity to participate in short or long term voluntary work development in western Kenya.

Year Founded: 2005