Volunteer Masai Teaching Program in Kenya

Volunteering Solutions offers a unique opportunity to teach in Masai Community Schools in Kenya. Teaching in the Masai Areas is a unique experience in itself. Volunteers work in community schools and teach subjects such as English, Maths, General knowledge, Geography and Sciences. The schools in Kenya are open for the following months/terms – January –March, May-July and Sep – Nov. During the breaks in between volunteers teach children in the extra classes and tutorials.

All the volunteers joining this program live with the Masai host families where they learn the traditional way of living and Masai culture.

The project is highly recommended for volunteers who love working outdoors and are looking to get an experience of the life of the traditional Masai people.

During the free time and on weekends, volunteers can travel to the volunteer’s home in Nairobi and meet with other volunteers to make travel plans and go on Safaris.

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Program Requirements

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program. Volunteers do not need to be a qualified teacher to join this program. You need to be completely fit, healthy and prepared to live in a rural environment.

Project Location

Volunteer Projects are located in the Masai Villages of Kimuka and Olosho Oibor which are located at a distance of 18 kilometers from NGong town. NGong is a 40 minute drive from Nairobi. Volunteers travel to NGong to get access to ATM’s, internet café and for grocery shopping. Volunteers are also provided placement in Dol Dol region which is located in Rift Valley Province of Kenya.Dol Dol is in Laikipia District, Rift Valley Province of Kenya. It 45 minutes from Nanyuki town on a rough road. Nanyuki is 3 hours away from Nairobi on public transport.

During the weekends, Volunteers can travel to the volunteer’s home in Nairobi and stay there (if space available) You get to meet with other volunteers to make travel plans and go on Safaris.

During your Free Time

During their free time volunteers just relax or choose to go to Nairobi on the weekends. Volunteers can visit the volunteer’s home in Nairobi and stay there on the weekends (if space available). During the long weekends volunteers prefer to travel and go on a safari.

What we provide

Airport Receive/ Transfer: You will be met by our representative at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi from where you are transferred to the accommodations in Nairobi itself. Volunteers who will be already in Kenya or arriving overland would need to give us their contact details so that the pickup can be arranged from a specific location.

Orientation: On arrival in Nairobi, volunteers will be given orientation and guidelines about safety, customs and their project by the coordinator.

Lodging: Volunteer Accommodations are provided with a local Masai host family. By staying in a family you will get to know their customs , traditions , way of living , food etc. Volunteers should note that the living conditions are basic with no running water or electricity. Some of the homes have got solar panels installed for electricity. Volunteers need to carry a sleeping bag with them.

Food: 3 meals will be provided in this project depending on accommodation type. Typical meals include Ugali, Chapatti, Chai ( Tea) , Bread and rice with vegetables. Volunteers can buy large bottles of bottled water in Nairobi and in NGong on weekends or before joining the project. For those volunteers going to Dol Dol area, they can go to Nanyuki which is 45 minutes away to buy any grocery items.

Insurance: Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here

Pre-departure information: After we receive full and final payment all participants are provided by a pre-departure information booklet by e-mail which will have all vital information about your program. The Pre Departure Information Booklet provides the complete details of the country, project locations, Visas, immunizations, Things to Pack list, Accommodations, Contact Information etc.

In-country support: 24 hours support provided by our local staff. You will be provided with the contact details of the local coordinator and staff who will be contactable 24 hrs once you are in country.

Start Date

Volunteers can begin their project placement on any Monday of the month. Volunteers need to arrive one day prior to their program start date.

Program Costs

Volunteering Solutions strives hard to keep costs low and offers one of the most affordable volunteer abroad programs. Compare our prices and services to other organizations and you would be surprised to see the difference.

USD GBP EUR

1 Week	2 Weeks	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	5 Weeks	6 Weeks	7 Weeks	8 Weeks	Extra Weeks
$270	$370	$470	$550	$650	$750	$850	$950	$100

Please Note: -An application fee of $200 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

1 Week	2 Weeks	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	5 Weeks	6 Weeks	7 Weeks	8 Weeks	Extra Weeks
£189	£259	£329	£385	£455	£525	£595	£665	£70

Please Note: -An application fee of £140 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

1 Week	2 Weeks	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	5 Weeks	6 Weeks	7 Weeks	8 Weeks	Extra Weeks
€216	€296	€376	€440	€520	€600	€680	€760	€80

Please Note: -An application fee of €160 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

What are you Paying For ?

24 hrs Assistance and support from Staff
Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
Airport Pickup
Orientation
Food - 2 meals a day
Accommodation
Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)

What's NOT Included ?

Airfare
Return Trip to Airport (Can be arranged at an extra cost)
Local Transportation
Visas
Vaccinations

What are the Program locations in Kenya?

Volunteering Solutions offers programs in Nairobi and its suburbs such as Kikuyu, Riruta, Zambezi and Kawangware. The Masai Teaching placements are located in Kimuka, which is located around 1.5 hours from Nairobi and 40 minutes from NGong town.Volunteers are also provided placement in Dol Dol region which is located in Rift Valley Province of Kenya.Dol Dol is in Laikipia District, Rift Valley Province of Kenya. It 45 minutes from Nanyuki town on a rough road. Nanyuki is 3 hours away from Nairobi on public transport.

Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?

Receiving a tourist visa for tourism purpose is the volunteer's responsibility. Volunteering Solutions strongly recommends all volunteers to apply and get a tourist visa before departing for Kenya, although a visa on arrival could also be obtained at Nairobi Airport. If needed, Volunteering Solutions do provide with written document which would help volunteers in getting the Visa.

When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Kenya?

We are able to offer placements from any Monday of each month year round. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply in advance to secure their spots.

How long does it take to process my application?

Once you have applied, we will send you details of your placement usually within 7-10 working days.

When do I need to arrive in Kenya for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Kenya?

All volunteers need to arrive one day before their program start date. Volunteers are picked up from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by the local coordinator or representative. Those volunteers who are arriving overland or are already in Kenya will be picked up at a meeting point decided beforehand.

How do I get to the program location?

Your country coordinator will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc.

I want to know more about accommodation arrangements?

We provide you with accommodation from your start date to the end of the program. Volunteer Accommodations are provided within a modern volunteer home . The volunteer’s home is taken care by local host mother and has all the modern amenities available to ensure a comfortable stay for the volunteers. In certain cases, volunteers are also accommodated in the orphanage project premises itself. Volunteers working in the Masai project live in Masai manyattas in rural masai lands.The accommodations in Masai project are very basic with no running water and electricity.

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Kenya-based volunteer programs?

The only qualifications are: -

-- Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the beginning of the program

-- Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.

-- The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.

-- Be in good health.

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?

We recommend you speak to your doctor before coming. The following are recommended vaccinations: -

Yellow Fever
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid

Are there more expenses once I arrive in Kenya?

Your program fee covers you for food, accommodation, airport pick up, Orientation, Pre departure information and in country staff support. You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as traveling, telephone, internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. Traveling within Kenya is cheap; however, you should carry around $50 - 75 per week for your basic personal expenses, such as water, local transport, phone etc.

What hours will I volunteer every day?

Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekend off so you can go to travel on weekends. However some organizations will need you to work on some Saturdays as well.

Where can I change my money in Kenya? Are there ATMs in Kenya?

You can change money in any bank or at the airport by showing your passport. Volunteers can exchange money at the currency exchange counters located at the airport. There are ATMs located all around the capital city, Nairobi.The major banks in Kenya are Barclays, Equity Bank, NIC Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank.

Can couples or families join the volunteer program?

Yes, couples and families are welcome to join our programs. We make special provisions for families joining our volunteering programs; we will be able to provide them with program placements and accommodations together.

Do I need to buy health insurance?

Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here

Is it safe to volunteer in Kenya?

Kenya is one of the most popular destinations for tourists and volunteers. We ensure you are placed in safe environment and you will be very well looked after while volunteering in Kenya. The Kenyan people are very warm and friendly towards foreigners.

Volunteers are informed of all the safety precautions which they have to take during their stay in Kenya during the Orientation session as well as in the pre departure information guide. You will have the assistance and support of the in country coordinator in Kenya.

What clothing is appropriate? Any cultural restrictions?

Bring along some comfortable, casual and semi-casual clothing: sweat shirts, shorts, jeans, skirts and any other clothing that you would ordinarily wear. Include warm clothing for nights, especially if you volunteer in July and August. Avoid flashy items.

When out in the community, it is good to follow local etiquette. Female volunteers need to wear pants and/or long skirts. Dressing in Nairobi is quite liberal. However, approach it with cultural sensitivity in mind and you will be fine. Please ask when you are not sure what is and is not appropriate. Footwear can be hiking boots, old sports shoes or open-toed sandals.

Do you recommend any cheap airlines flying into Kenya?

Volunteering Solutions recommends the following airline options for arriving into Nairobi, Kenya :-
--Kenya Airways
--Egypt Airways
--Ethiopian Airways
--Emirates Airways
--KLM
--British Airways

Maureen Lynn Pohoresky (Canada)

Maureen Lynn Pohoresky-Masai Volunteer Program

My placement was fantastic. What a life changing experience ! The school was so welcoming and the students truly affected my heart. I hope i brought a small amount of joy to them as they did to me !..... read more

Soyeon Yea (North Korea)

The real Masai experience I had with the Masai people was the highlight of my trip. Living with them was a definitely GREAT experience, one of the best I have ever had...... read more

Frank Walsh (Ireland)

Our family has really gone out of their way to provide a new and interesting food to us every meal time, and they have been delicious! The flexibility was superb and made my stay even more enjoyable...... read more

I throughly enjoyed working and playing with the children.Going to miss everyone in Kenya :(read more Janine Cain United Kingdom

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Kenya - Staff Profile

Joe - Country Director - Kenya Joe has been working with Volunteering Solutions since the company was established in 2007. He holds a Masters in International Economic Law from University of Warwick , United Kingdom. He coordinates all the arrangements for the volunteers in Kenya to ensure their safe and comfortable stay. He holds a considerable personal volunteering experience in both Kenya and UK. He loves travelling to different parts of Africa, playing tennis and swimming.
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