Improve Quality of Life for Kenyan Street Children and Orphans with Travellers Worldwide

  Kenya

• Mombasa: 
Mombasa

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Available all year round. Flexible start and finish dates.

Description:
You can make an honest, true difference to the lives of some of Kenya's poorest and disadvantaged orphans who have lost parents to the devastating HIV/AIDS virus. Give Kenyan street children food, shelter and love to better their lives and keep them safe in these centres! Enthusiastic & compassionate volunteers will assist the teacher and caregivers with the day-to-day running of the centres, as well as assisting with some basic care of the children such as non-formal education, medical care and playtime!

Overview:
Several orphanages and community centres in Kenya have started to develop their own initiatives to provide support and care for some of the most destitute children. Current programmes include community outreach, feeding programmes and basic education. One particular centre you can assist cares for over 250 children and houses over 100 of these orphans in dormitory rooms at the centre. This centre encourages children from the poorest areas to attend daily classes, where they receive non-formal education, vocational education, medical care and a good lunch every day.

The main objective of these projects is to improve the lives of street children in any way possible. You can assist the teachers and carers with the day-to-day running of the centres, as well as assisting with some basic care of the children. For example, you may help teach the children with non-formal education, which could range from basic English tuition, sports coaching or vocational training.

Meals are usually prepared for by the children, which teaches them vital skills. In centres like this vocational training such as wood craft, making soap and tailoring has seen over 25 girls develop enough skills to progress to the working world. These girls are now able to support themselves.

Another important part of your assistance will be to give attention to many of the children who have come from very traumatic backgrounds by interacting with them in an informal setting. Anyone with any medical knowledge would also be greatly appreciated at the centre's dispensaries.

Usually once a week care workers and volunteers from most support centres also go onto the streets of Kenya to offer medical assistance and food to some of the poorer people.

What You'll Gain From Doing This Project::
--> An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into the essence of Africa.
--> The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them
--> New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
--> An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
--> And maybe best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

What The Local Community Gains From You Doing This Project:
--> The Centres, the staff and society at large benefits both directly and indirectly from the opportunity to interact with you and all our volunteers, thus learning about foreign cultures and the wider world .
--> They have access to free assistance and invaluable service which you provide them as a volunteer.
--> Their traditional knowledge and skills in care work are supplemented with initiatives, skills and ideas which they get from you and all our volunteers. Fresh eyes and a different way of doing things can be of tremendous benefit to them.
--> Lots of love and care which is fundamental for the growth and development of the children.

Additional Activities You Cab Do While On This Project::
--> 1-Week Swahili Language Course: Kick-start your time in Kenya with An optional 1-week language course that will intensify your Kenyan adventure! Learning some greetings and phrases will enrich your time and you'll be surprised at how the locals react to you when you demonstrate that you've taken the trouble to learn their language!
--> Exploring the Country: There are many beautiful beaches in the region that you can go to during the weekends. You're within fairly easy reach of some of the world's most famous Game Reserves, like the Masai Mara with its huge populations of Big Five animals. There are also loads of tourist sights to see as well as cultural activities. African towns and villages are fascinating and so different to what we're used to in the Western world.

This project can also be combined with any of our other projects in Kenya, or you can venture further afield into Zambia and Zimbabwe to take part in one of our fascinating projects there.

Highlights:
What To Do NexT?...
Talk to us - We're there to help you.
Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us!

If you'd like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we'll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen. It's as easy as that.

Location:
Our projects in Kenya are located in Mombasa, the second most important city in Kenya after Nairobi. It is the main port for Kenya and the surrounding countries, as well as being the oldest town. The pace of life is relaxed and people of Mombasa enjoy themselves (particularly on Friday and Saturday nights!). A spectacular coral reef runs for 480 km along the palm-fringed coastline and the beaches of Kenya have become one of the world's great playgrounds The sun shines all year round and when it sets, Mombasa has an exciting nightlife.

Accommodation:
Your accommodation will vary, but you will most likely live with a local Kenyan family. This will give you the opportunity to experience the true African experience from the inside and not just as a "tourist" on the surface of the country.

Our Users Say...
"My family were fantastic and went beyond their duties to make me welcome. Njeri [Travellers' Mombasa Organiser] was always helpful should I need anything."

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications: No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit Sports enthusiasts who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative.

Cost in US$: Varies depending on length of stay. Starts at 820 USD

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required: yes

No qualifications or experience required just plenty of enthusiasm and a desire to help.

Typical Volunteer: This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of children! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range: Ages 17-100+ are welcome!!

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

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is within 5 working days

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement: Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded: 1995