Volunteer and explore the wonders of Kenya

GVN follows the philosophy of 'local solutions to local problems'. Local communities are in the best position to determine their needs and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.

While working in Kenya you will be working with our partner organization, a Kenyan volunteer placement organisation established in 2003 by Irene Wairimu. Our partners objective is to help local community projects develop by placing international volunteers in children's homes, schools, hospitals, medical clinics and HIV/AIDS community groups.

The Children's Project works with children who have lost a parent or both parents to HIV/AIDS, children who have been abused by their parents and children whose parents are not able to provide for them. Most children find shelter in children's homes which are purpose built to provide a home and education to kids in need. The Homes which the program works with are run by both community groups and the Kenyan Government. Community run Homes are usually started by private members in the community who are motivated to do something about homeless or abused children in their area.

Regardless of the individual situation of each children's home they will require your help. This could mean you will be helping with mentoring and playing with the kids; teaching in a classroom or helping with homework, working in the laundry, mending clothing, cooking meals, or childcare duties, such as feeding and bathing.

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.

The Kenya Volunteer Program also offers a Teaching Project.  Following a promise made in 1963 to provide quality education for all the Kenyan government made primary education free in government schools in 2003. Since then enrolment rates have skyrocketed and schools have been left unable to cope. Overcrowding is rampant and there are not enough trained teachers to fulfill all the positions needed. As a result, children are not getting the required attention and grades are slipping. Consequently government schools have capped their enrolment; this has lead to the rise of community run schools (sometimes referred to as harambee schools) where teachers do not need to be qualified or skilled. Today community schools account for about 75% of primary schools in Kenya.

Volunteers in the teaching program are placed in community run schools and children's centres and have the opportunity to teach preschool, primary and secondary level students. For preschool level, volunteers can teach basic reading, words and counting, as well as colours and shapes. Other work with preschool involves childcare duties like changing baby diapers, putting children down for naptime, and feeding duties.

Volunteers teaching at primary and secondary levels will be teaching core subjects, such as English, mathematics, science and social studies.

Medical Health Projects
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 community medical clinics are ill equipped and skilled to handle the volume of people in need of care. As a volunteer you can help by sharing your medical skills and working alongside local staff to provide those in need with basic medical care.

Volunteers will work with local staff to assist with the daily duties. This could involve patient consultations, recording patient history, diagnosing medical conditions, prescribing medication, applying dressings, minor surgeries, and counselling patients. Volunteers have the opportunity to work in the areas of general medical practice, maternal health, minor surgery and laboratory work.

If you have a background in HIV/AIDS and knowledge of basic health care volunteers are need in the HIV/AIDS Project.  The aim of this 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, education and counselling. Homecare visits give volunteers the opportunity to get out amongst HIV positive members of the community and give attention and care. You can help by providing encouragement and emotional support; massage therapy to help bedridden patients with their seized up joints; help with bathing and changing clothes; basic help with cooking, feeding and cleaning; and basic medical attention.

Education and counselling is crucial to preventing the spread of HIV. With education and counselling, people are empowered to make decisions which will prevent the spread of HIV and an understanding will be created to lessen the stigma of the disease. Volunteers have an opportunity to be involved with education and counselling community and school groups, and individuals.

Program Details
Projects are available year round and start on the 1st and 15th.  Volunteers can join the program for a minimum of 4 weeks. 

Find out more at http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/kenya