Capacity Africa Volunteers Programme in Kenya

Capacity Africa Volunteers Kenya Programme

Capacity Africa Volunteers is a Programme of Capacity Africa Institute. Capacity Africa Volunteers Programme specializes in year-round volunteer abroad projects available for 2 weeks to 6 Months in Africa. At the moment we organize volunteer programmes through our partner organizations in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Sudan, Tanzania and South Africa.

Capacity Africa Volunteer placement programme experience starts with five days of language and cultural immersion program giving volunteers an in-depth understanding of language basics, local culture, regional and local issues, and ways of life before the start of the volunteer programme. In Kenya we are presently focusing on 6 major volunteer service projects (working in orphanages, teaching English in rural schools, environmental conservation, Computer and entrepreneurship programmes, Women Rights, HIV/AIDS-education, and healthcare).

Capacity Africa Volunteers works with a network of over 200 local and international NGOs, orphanages, and community projects. Volunteers contribute to capacity needs of local communities and we are happy to continue offering meaningful placement for our valuable international volunteers.

Capacity Africa has its own facilities and experienced staffs. The uniqueness of our programme is that while we give importance and priority to the community service that volunteers enlist in, we also blend tourism, cultural immersion and adventure in the programme, making volunteering with us an exciting and lifetime experience! We are in discussion with some European and American Universities to develop a internships programme for college students so they can get a credit for participation in our programmes in the focused areas of study. We are committed to providing you a meaningful volunteer abroad program abroad.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME IN KENYA Kenya's incredible natural environment and cultural heritage is almost unmatched in Africa. If you're adventurous - and sensible - it promises the globe's most magnificent wildlife parks, unsullied beaches, thriving coral reefs, memorable mountain scapes, and ancient Swahili cities. Kenya's beauty is compromised by a cluster of familiar problems; HIV remains a major problem, along with cholera and malaria epidemics. Kenya has also experienced major floods and droughts; one drought led to food shortages in mid-2011 that were deemed a national crisis. While Kenya's diverse population has produced a vibrant culture, it is also a source of conflict that has led to ethnic fighting. The 2008 post election violence that claimed over 1500 and displaced 600,000 people almost brought the country to its knees. Other pressing challenges include high unemployment, crime, and poverty; most Kenyans live below the poverty level of $1 a day.

Geographically Kenya lies across the equator on the East Coast of Africa. It borders Somalia, Ethiopia and Sudan to the north, Uganda to the west, Tanzania to the south and the Indian Ocean to the east. Kenya covers an area of 225, 000 sq miles (582, 646 sq km); slightly more than twice the size of Nevada, U.S.A.

Volunteer Impact Capacity Africa Volunteers has acknowledged that volunteers make a big difference in the lives of community members by enhancing self-esteem and learning, sharing experiences and skills. It also helps the volunteer in learning or developing a new skill that could give you tangible work experience to enable you access the job market easily while being motivated and having a sense of achievement. Volunteering enables one to meet a diverse range of people thus developing one's interpersonal skills. Volunteers provide assistance to disadvantaged socio-economic groups within Kenyan communities, focusing primarily on orphaned children, HIV/Aids groups, the Maasai people, and school children.

As a volunteer in Kenya you can provide love, affection, education and support to disadvantaged children. You will help to improve education in schools ensuring children learn and flourish. As a volunteer you can practice and teach preventative healthcare, and hygiene. You will also provide education, inter-cultural exchange and understanding in Kenyan communities.

What else can I do in Kenya? Visitors to Kenya will have no shortage of activities to fill up their free time. Visit wildlife orphanage in Nairobi and witness feeding time, experience the hustle and bustle of market shopping, go on Safari and spy the Big 5! To cool off you can take a trip to the coast and soak up the sun and surf at the beach.

VOLUNTEER PROJECTS IN KENYA

Volunteers will be placed in program locations in the suburbs surrounding Nairobi in projects targeting:

Children

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 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 organizing 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

Quality education for both boys and girls is crucial in reducing poverty, promoting gender equality and creating opportunities for the poor. 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

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 homecare, and providing emotional support to those affected by HIV/AIDS within the community. Volunteers have the opportunity to work in a community HIV/AIDS organization to assist with homecare 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

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.

Maasailand Teaching

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.

EXPERIENCE KENYA'S CULTURE

You have a unique opportunity to learn a different way of living and culture, and to experience the traditional Kenyan diet. Accommodation in home stays and on-site have been selected to ensure volunteer well-being and comfort, to maintain safety and security, and to give an insight into Kenyan life.

Volunteer Placement Programme Package

• 2 weeks - US $500
• 4 weeks - US $1000
• 6 weeks - US $1500
• 8 weeks - US $1800
• 12 weeks - US $2500

What's included in the package:

• Accommodation: Home stay or onsite at your project.
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner.
• Project Donation: Included.
• Airport pickup: On arrival date.
• Training: In-country training on project management, proposal writing, monitoring and evaluation, african studies etc.
• Supervision: In-country staff supervision.
• Support: Pre-departure personal support from your volunteer coordinator, 24/7 in-country support from partner, and 24hr emergency line
• Personalized Local Guide and Volunteer Care and Other Services
• Emergency support
• Certificate of Appreciation/Completion
• For interns you get professional assistance to write report or project paper

If you are looking for a once in a lifetime adventure, relaxation and enjoyment, Kenya is certainly the place to be. When you are not in the volunteer programme, you can laze away on our soft sandy beaches at coast, enjoy the magnificent view of the snow peaked Mount Kenya, sample diverse habitats in the breathtaking Rift Valley, enjoy our abundant wildlife in the renown and the latest Eight World Wonder Maasai Mara and satisfy your curiosity at the tantalizing Lake Victoria islands. While you are in Kenya, we will go out of the way to make you feel at home because that's the way we all like it! Karibu Kenya! Welcome to Africa! Get the registration form Here>>

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. To download the registration forms Click Here>> Please return completed form to:

Ms Margaret Gathere Program Officer- Volunteer Placement Capacity Africa Volunteers Madonna House, Westlands, Opp Soin Arcade, Westlands Road, Nairobi 0ffice: 254-20- 4452674/4450937 Email: info@capacityafrica.org www.capacityafrica.org