VVolunteer in Kenya opportunities are available amongst the Masai tribe of Kenya. The volunteer jobs are close to the Masai Mara Game reserve in Narok. Volunteers work in a rescue centre which accommodates Masai women and Masai girls rescued from forced marriages and those rescued from forced Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practices. Volunteers teach Masai girls the importance of being a woman in a society where they are highly undervalued. Masai women and Masai girls are also taught hygiene, nutrition, small business skills etc. These help in enhancing the status of Masai people and the Masai tribe in society.
Volunteer opportunities are available amongst the Masai tribe of Kenya. The Maasai have by and large managed to sustain their traditional ways including diet, dressing, and female circumcision. Many have not attended school and they struggle to find qualified teachers and medical personnel to work in schools and medical clinics in Masai land.
The volunteer jobs are close to the Masai Mara Game reserve.
Watch a Video on Masai Tribe in Kenya, took by our Operations Lead - Sahil on his trip to Kenya in July 2008
Volunteers work in a rescue centre which accommodates Masai women and Masai girls rescued from forced marriages and those rescued from forced Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practices.
Volunteers teach Masai girls the importance of being a woman in a society where they are highly undervalued. Masai women and Masai girls are also taught hygiene, nutrition, small business skills etc. These help in enhancing the status of Masai people and the Masai tribe in society.
Other volunteer work available includes teaching at both primary and secondary schools located near the Masai Mara. All children at the schools come from the Maasai tribe.
Subjects taught include English, Mathematics, Science, Christian Religious Education, Arts & Crafts, Music and Social Studies. Volunteers amongst Maasai are also encouraged to use their initiate to come up with extra-curricular activities, sports and other learning activities.
Skills and Educational Requirements.
There is no educational requirement for this project; anyone with a heart to help is welcome on this project! However proficiency in English is required. People should be patient,
committed and willing to learn.
Project Location.
The programs take place in Masai village Oloitokitok on Kenya side of Mt Kilimanjaro, Kenya
What we provide
Airport Receive/ Transfer: Our representative will greet you at the airport and will transfer you to your hotel/placement/home stay.
Orientation: A half day orientation will be provided by our staff. We cover areas like, culture, greetings, locations, transportation etc. Each participant will be provided with a local Map of the city. o
Lodging: Almost all placements have residential accommodation arrangements, however if that is not available volunteers will be staying with a local welcoming and educated family.
Food: 3 meals will be provided in this project depending on accommodation type.
Insurance: All participants are covered for full comprehensive travel and medical insurance for their time of stay in our project.
In – Country travel assistance: If participants like to travel around, we provide with full support for bookings & arrangements to travel within the country.
In-country support: 24 hours support provided by our local staff.
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.
Project & Facts
Arrival/Start Point - Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi - Kenya
Airport Code- NBO
Arrival Date - Arrive 1 day prior to your start date and Volunteering Solutions would arrange pickup and accommodation.
Working Hours - 25-30 hours per week
Food Type - Vegetarian and sometimes meat
Accommodation Type - Host Family or On-site accommodation. Volunteers share room with fellow volunteers.
Local Transport - Volunteering Solutions does not provide any local transport. All volunteers use local transport to travel arround.
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Start Dates.
Start on any date! Volunteering Solutions provides complete flexibility and you can start on any date on the year to join our programs.
Program Costs
Volunteering Solutions strives hard to keep costs low and offer you the lowest prices with professional services to volunteer abroad. Compare our prices and services to other organizations and you would be surprised to see the difference.
Application Deposit - $200 - An application deposit is required along with the application to process your application. This is not a seperate fee but is part of your total fee.
Program Fee Kenya Volunteer Program-
1week
2 weeks
3 weeks
4 weeks
5 weeks
6 weeks
7 weeks
8 weeks
Extra Week
$495
$645
$795
$945
$1095
$1245
$1395
$1545
$150
--Every Extra week is charged at $150 extra.
What's Included?
Pre Departure Information
Airport Pickup
Project Drop
Orientation
Food
Accommodation
Travel Insurance
Staff Assistance and visit
What's NOT Included?
Airfare
Visa and Visa extension fee
Airport drop, airport taxes
Any personal expenses
Gifts to project staffs and host family
Laundry
Telephone
Immunization
Q.
How is the climate in Kenya?
Ans.
Kenya lies directly on the equator and elevations vary from sea level at the coast to 7,000+ ft. Generally, the days are warm and pleasant and the nights are cool. Summer clothes are worn throughout the year. In some areas, nights can be chilly. In the northern region, days are quite hot. The coast is hot and humid.
There are two rainy seasons; the long rains in April and May and the short rains in November and December. The hottest periods are from January to March and August to November. The coldest months are in July and the beginning of August. Average temperatures in Kenya range from10 Celsius to 35 Celsius.
Q.
What vaccinations/immunizations are required?
Ans.
where yellow fever is present you will need to take a yellow fever vaccination. Several vaccinations are highly recommended, they include:
• Yellow Fever
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A & B
• Polio
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Rabies
• Meningitis
• Cholera
• Tuberculosis
Contact your doctor several weeks before you travel and seek advice regarding the vaccinations to take.
Q.
What about malaria in Kenya?
Ans.
Make sure your doctor knows you are traveling to Kenya (don't just say Africa) so she can prescribe the right anti-malarial medication. Malaria prevention medication should be taken according to your doctor’s instructions before, during and after a visit to affected areas. Malaria is a serious tropical disease, which is spread by night-biting mosquitoes which transmit a parasite. Avoiding getting bitten is important and usually the most effective means to prevent the disease.
Long sleeved shirts and trousers should be worn in the evenings and insect repellent can be used in areas with mosquitoes. If the area you are volunteering has mosquitoes, use a mosquito net at night. The most effective are those treated with an insect repellent.
It is important to treat malaria as soon as symptoms arise. Its symptoms include chills, fevers, headache, nausea and vomiting. If you suspect you have malaria, see a doctor as soon as possible even if you have the treatment for malaria with you so that a correct diagnosis can be made.
Q.
What if I get sick while volunteering in Kenya?
Ans.
Health care services in Nairobi, Mombassa, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu and other major towns are good and up to date.
A Flying Doctors Service is available to provide medical evacuation from remote areas to Nairobi hospitals in cases of emergency.
Q.
How is the Kenyan food?
Ans.
Foods served during your volunteer period include traditional Kenya foods like ugali and sukuma wiki (corn meal and greens), githeri (maize and beans), irio as well as chapatis. Kenyan meals also consist of other universal dishes such as beef, fish, rice and pasta.
French fries, burgers, sandwiches etc are available in restaurants and hotels. Breakfast usually consists of bread, eggs and at times bacon, sausage, and baked beans. Fruits and vegetables are plenty in Kenya and feature frequently in menu preparations. Kenyan-grown coffee and tea are common beverages. Dessert is generally not served in homes.
Q.
Is it safe to drink the tap water in Kenya?
Ans.
It is generally recommended that you drink bottled water during your volunteer stay in Kenya both in Nairobi and whilst upcountry or on a safari. You can buy bottled water from any supermarket and most shops in Kenya.
The most common water-borne diseases in Kenya are typhoid, cholera and dysentery. Other less common ones include gastroenteritis, amoebiasis and dysentery.
Q.
Is it safe to volunteer in Kenya?
Ans.
Kenya is one of the safest countries in Africa. 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.
Q.
Is it safe to go shopping in Nairobi?
Ans.
Nairobi is a major metropolitan area and the largest city in Kenya. Like any big city, it has criminal elements. Common criminal incidents involve snatching of purses, watches and jewellery.
It is safe to shop in most sections of the city. We shall recommend and guide you regarding appropriate areas to shop and visit during your volunteer orientation and training. While out, do not wear any expensive clothing and jewellery; leave all your jewellery at home. Avoid dark alleys and take a taxi at night.
Q.
What other safety issues should I be aware of?
Ans.
There is real poverty in Kenya and you are likely to be more fortunate than most local people you meet. You will probably attract souvenir hawkers as well as street children and beggars in smaller towns. Be sure to take some precautions such as:
• Have a copy of your passport and keep it in your luggage.
• Do not walk on your own at night in the major cities.
• Do not wear jewelery.
• Do not carry a lot of cash with you.
• Do not carry a lot of camera equipment.
• Wear a money belt that fits under your clothes.
More safety issues will be discussed at your orientation.
Q.
What clothing is appropriate? Any cultural restrictions?
Ans.
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.
Q.
What do I need to pack?
Ans.
Volunteers need to bring their own towels, face towels and other personal effects. Volunteers are responsible for their own laundry.
It is safe to bring your laptop, cameras, video cameras, hair dryers, shavers and other electrical products.
Other suggested items:
• Malaria tablets; consult your doctor for suggestions
• Adapter plugs and converters for electrical appliances
• Good walking shoes (running/tennis shoes are fine) and sandals
• Moisturizing cream and suntan lotion
• Insect repellent (e.g. Tabard, Rid, Jungle Juice, OFF, etc.)
• Basic medical kit (e.g. aspirins, plasters, Immodium, antiseptic cream, and Anti-histamine cream, etc.)
• Remember your visas, tickets, passports, money, etc.
Q.
What about the electricity supply for laptops, hairdryers etc?
Ans.
Before traveling to Kenya, you need to know the type of electric plug and socket in your destination and also the voltage of the electric power, the frequency (Hertz) and any special requirements like fuses or earth connections that may interfere with the use of your equipment.
The electricity supply in Kenya is 220/240 volts/50 Hz (240V 50 Hz D & G). The electric sockets are three-pin square (British-type).
Remember that simple adapters do not convert voltage or frequency. Incorrect use may keep you from using your equipment, damage it and even cause personal injuries. Using a plug adapter just changes the shape of the prongs. Countries with different voltages and frequencies may use similar plugs. Check to need if you need a power converter and not simply a plug adapter.
Q.
Do I need a visa to enter Kenya?
Ans.
Most visitors to Kenya need to obtain a visa including Europeans, Americans and nationals from Commonwealth countries such as New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and the UK. Volunteers need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Kenya. Visas are valid for three months from the date of entry and can be purchased upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
You can also get a visa before you travel from Kenyan diplomatic missions overseas. You should apply well in advance, especially if you are doing it by mail.
A single-entry Kenya visa costs USD50 and a multiple entry visa USD100. Tourist visas can be extended for a further three month period.
If you are planning on visiting just Kenya, a single-entry visa is all you need. If your travel plans include visiting Uganda or Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro or visit the Serengeti, then you will need a multiple-entry visa if you wish to re-enter Kenya again.
Q.
What is the Kenya currency?
Ans.
The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling. The shilling comprises 100 cents. Coins are in denominations of 50c, 1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 shillings. Bank notes are in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 shillings.
Importation of foreign currency is unlimited and does not have to be declared on arrival.
The value of the shilling fluctuates. Check the value of the shilling with a currency converter just before you go. Do not change too much money at one time and use the banks not the money changers.
Q.
Are credit cards accepted in Kenya?
Ans.
Major credit cards such as MasterCard and Visa are accepted. American Express, Discover, Solo, Switch and Diners Club are often not accepted. ATMs will mostly accept MasterCard, Visa and Visa Electron cards.
Major credit cards are accepted at supermarkets and expensive restaurants and hotels. However, it is advisable to carry some cash.
Information Request Form:
Kindly provide us the following information and we shall revert to you soon:
Your Role in the Program.
