Kenya
Volunteer Holidays currently have opportunities to help develop communities through our partner organisation 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.
Kenya 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).
Kenya Program
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 organising 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.
- 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 home-care, and providing emotional support to those affected by HIV/AIDS within the community. Volunteers have the opportunity to work in a community HIV/AIDS organisation to assist with home-care 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.
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 and Maasailand programs require a 1 month commitment
- Be eligible to obtain a tourist visa to Kenya
- Obtain a police check from your home country prior to volunteering
Program Cost
A US$97 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 our volunteer programs over the next 5 years.
Program Fee from $US 43 a day
2 weeks - US $1597
3 weeks - US $1797
4 weeks - US $1997
5 weeks - US $2097
6 weeks - US $2197
7 weeks - US $2297
8 weeks - US $2397
To see the cost in your currency, we recommend you look here.
The in-country fee covers administrative charge, airport pickup, transport to project (if necessary), 2 meals a day 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.
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 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.
Contact Us
If you would like more information on any of these projects, or if you have any questions, please email Lee-Anne or phone 03 6224 7444.
Back to Africa main page
