from 367€

Brilliant 4.7rating (40)

Sports Training Assistant/Playtime Companion

location
2 - 8 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Experience rural Kenyan lifestyle and customs.
  • Live inside the school and the locals and get a taste of a different habitat!
  • Make your own memories, take videos and pictures of game sessions; go for local games with the boys & girls.
  • Indulge with the young ones about the knowledge of different sports; help the adults know the impact and influence it has on young minds & bodies!!
  • Visit the surrounding reserves in your free time and get a taste of the African adventures! Go for a beach walk or visit the famous tourist hotspots like fort Jesus!

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

The schools would like someone to help with sports training and be a playtime companion such as volleyball, football, badminton and add newness.

The language of sports is a universal messenger of joy and cultural unity. If you are into sports and share the same intent, we welcome you to help the kids.

Debrief – An ideal project for short-term volunteers, visitors and even working nomads, no specific skills are required. Just a love for any ...

About the program

The language of sports is a universal messenger of joy and cultural unity. If you are into sports and share the same intent, we welcome you to help the kids.

Debrief – An ideal project for short-term volunteers, visitors and even working nomads, no specific skills are required. Just a love for any kind of sports.

Volunteers should bring their own sports kit, headgear and light-weight scarf for dust protection, insect repellent, working boots and water bottle. Please also note, projects and volunteer roles will vary from school to school. You can also get local sports kit at a much cheaper rate, in case you want to travel light.

What is it about?

This project focuses primarily on anything to do surrounding sports. From helping and indulging with the PE teacher to devising new exercise routines or simply playing a few games with the kids, the volunteers don’t need any specific qualification for this particular project. Kenya is soccer crazy but if you have a knack for another sport or something that is new in Kenyan culture, you are more than welcome to share (Who knows we might have the next sports star in the making here!!). If you are somebody with a knack for outdoor engagements and a good level of fitness, this will be a perfect project for you.

Background

In African communities, Sport, like any other human activity, is set in the physical environment and is bound to have effects on it and be affected by it. Africa’s performance in sports is dependent on mostly nature, endurance and consistence by the candidates plus use of role model unlike in developed countries where the level of socioeconomic factors plays a major role in determining the outcome or success of a sportsman. In ancient times, the games were by males only. Women were neither allowed to participate nor spectate. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in the Western contexts, women were restricted, or forbidden, from participation in sport due to concerns over their perceived frailness and inability to cope with the competitive nature.

Impact

In 1995, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), together with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), hosted a World Conference on Sport and the Environment. The then IOC President Samaranch remarked that “The International Olympic Committee is resolved to ensure that the environment becomes the third dimension of the organization of the Olympic Games, the first and second being sport and culture”. But the question arises: what has Kenya done so far in imparting the ideology and the awareness of the necessity of sports in young lives? Kenya is slowly starting to overcome the hurdles of societal negativity of feminine involvement in sports but the pace has to be quickened. When it comes to agility and strength in sports, Kenya stands among the firsts internationally, especially when it comes to games like long distance running and rugby. Sports in Kenya are organized from two perspectives; educational for schools, and out of school for recreation or competition.

Location

Mombasa is a touristy coastal city of not just Kenya but also East Africa. It’s round-the-year hot and humid so expect to be surrounded by serene splash of waves on the beach and dusty roads. Overall, it is surrounded by forest reserves and hilly ranges which adds it to one of the most tourist-friendly attractions in the world. Kenyans are lovely, warm people with a heart for friendly exchanges and interactions with tourists.

Challenges faced

  • Lack of sporting goods and accessories.
  • Zero knowledge of proper physical fitness and it’s impact on long-term health.
  • Lack of trained personnel to assist the teachers.
  • Lack of motivation for the kids; someone must be around to constantly remind them and play with them. They miss that joy (for some, it would be a whole new experience).
  • Bureaucratic policies which do more harm than good to announce the betterment of sporting activities within the nation.
  • Lack of government support in building sports academies for schools.

Requirements

We are looking for volunteers to help us with newer ideas about indulging and playing different sports. Even making a routine for the fitness of students is a happy start. Visitors would also get a chance to experience local lunch sessions with staff and students.


Typical day

First Day

On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your accommodation by a local coordinator/staff member and allowed to relax and rest.

Following that, you will meet the admin and the organizational hierarchy who will explain the work and the ongoing projects to be done.

Weekdays ...

Typical day

First Day

On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your accommodation by a local coordinator/staff member and allowed to relax and rest.

Following that, you will meet the admin and the organizational hierarchy who will explain the work and the ongoing projects to be done.

Weekdays - A typical volunteer day would be as follows:

Day 1

  • 8:30 AM: Volunteer leaves for the project destination. The volunteer joins with the local staff and will be oriented about the work to be done.
  • 12.00 PM – 2.00 PM: Lunch break. During this lunch break, you are welcome to eat out or eat at the accommodation.
  • 2.00 PM - 4.00 PM: volunteer makes a note of things to be done and decides what to buy and how to buy, unless the blueprint is not ready. Work at the project usually ends. The volunteer at this point is free to travel around and explore or do anything at his/her own choice.
  • 7.00 PM: Dinner in the volunteer house.

Day 2 onwards

Volunteers have their own choice to work at their own pace and flexibility but it is advised to get to work in the early hours as the sun and humidity combines a massive scorcher past 10-11 am. The rest of the day goes on as usual.

Usual workdays: sports can be played anytime however, for special PE sessions, it is better to indulge during weekends as the academic pressure would be a bit lower.


Free-time activities

Official languages are Swahili and English.

Wildlife

Kenya has a considerable land area devoted to wildlife habitats, including the Masai Mara, where blue wildebeest and other bovids participate in large-scale annual migration. The “Big five” game animals of Africa ...

Free-time activities

Official languages are Swahili and English.

Wildlife

Kenya has a considerable land area devoted to wildlife habitats, including the Masai Mara, where blue wildebeest and other bovids participate in large-scale annual migration. The “Big five” game animals of Africa (lion, leopard, buffalo, Rhinoceros and elephants) can be found in the Masai Mara in particular. The annual animal migration occurs between June and September, with millions of animals taking part, attracting valuable foreign tourism.

During the weekend, volunteers have spare time to relax or take the opportunity to explore the Mombasa locale, such as visiting the beach, planning a fun and entertainment program with the kids, visiting local homes, etc.

  • Nice places to visit in Kenya
  • Samburu
  • Fourteen falls
  • Maasai village
  • Kibera and Mathare slum
  • Nairobi national museum and snake park
  • Nairobi national park
  • David sheldrick wildlife
  • Bomas of kenya / Karen Blixen
  • Kazuri beads factory and Giraffe centre
  • Mt kenya
  • Kiambethu tea farm in Limuru
  • Tsavo national park
  • Elephant hill hiking
  • Amboseli national park
  • Coffee farm tour
  • Nairobi safari walk
  • Maasai mara park
  • Zip lining at Kereita

During the weekend, volunteers have spare time to relax or take the opportunity to explore the Mombasa locale, such as visiting the beach, planning a fun and entertainment program with the kids, etc.


Please Note: The program coordinator can arrange for sightseeing, only after proper intimation and discussion.


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

Certificate of Education and Vaccination card

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

• Diligent. • Has a strong passion for sporting activities and games. • Flexible. • Willing to learn and share. • Healthy and fit candidates who can work for hours under the sun.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by LA4C

  • What's included:

    • Accommodation
    • Meals.
    • Pre-departure navigational and visa assistance.
    • In-country program orientation
    • Airport pick-up (if needed).
    • Certificate of International Volunteering or Letter of Internship from the organisation (performance-based).

    What’s not included – The visa arrangements, pre-departure PCR tests, vaccination costs (if the traveler is unvaccinated or partially vaccinated) and the flights have to be done on the applicant’s part. The program supervisors will try their utmost best to make the volunteer’s journey and stay hassle-free.

    SPECIAL CONSIDERATION -

    We do understand that some volunteers may not be able to spend as much so it is better that they discuss with the management prior to arranging a stay. In the post-pandemic era, empathy is a route to better communication and compassion. Although the money is directly invested for the provisions of the volunteers and the children and the caregivers, what we need in exchange for a budget compromise is your love, energy and ideas that can suit our betterment.

    Payment methods –

    While traveling, we know that travelers always don’t carry hard cash around as it might be lost or mishandled for some reason. And with the technological advancements in cross-country, we do our best to exploit the digital ways to the fullest. Volunteers can pay by third-party payment portals such as PayPal, Remitly or transferwise or even m-pesa (for those within East Africa) or can simply do it via direct bank transfer. We rarely accept cash payments as it’s hard to keep a provable record. Additionally, please note that there may be a nominal convenience fee which would be charged during banking transfers.

    **PLEASE NOTE THAT, FOR LOCALS, THERE WOULD BE A DIFFFERENT PRICING. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONSULT THE COORDINATOR.**

Accommodation

Volunteers have the option to stay in the school, where you can expect to share a room with other volunteers. Usually, the school doesn’t have much facilities but can be arranged with a ground carpet/mattress.


You'll be staying in a homestay, ensuring a comfortable and private room equipped with essential amenities like a bed, 2 sheets, pillows, a carpet, a chair, a table, sink, and a private toilet. Occasionally, two volunteers may share a room, but larger rooms can easily accommodate up to 2 volunteers of the same gender, each having their separate beds. Couples will have the privilege of enjoying private rooms, separate from other volunteers.

Inside the homestay, you'll have access to shared facilities, including a sitting room, a kitchen, a convenient laundry machine, and reliable electricity. This setup provides you with the flexibility to prepare your meals according to your preferences at your own cost, as the kitchen comes complete with a gas cooker and utensils. Living with the host family allows you to become a cherished member of their household.

This immersive experience grants you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in cultures that may be different from your own, facilitating personal growth. To ensure a fulfilling stay, keep these two principles in mind:

  1. Feel comfortable within the host family.
  2. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance when needed.

The volunteers are strongly advised to get a mosquito repellent and other essentials as the school may not be able to cater to all the needs.

Food & Beverages

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are prepared and served by the host family. Everyone sometimes assemble in a sitting ​room ​to eat.  Sometimes when someone is busy during the recess, they may come later to eat. His/Her meal will be covered.

The first break first is at 8.00 AM, and second maybe at 10.00 AM and 4.00 PM but optional. Your breakfast is a mixture of snacks, fruits, tea, bread, honey,​ jam, fresh milk, or eggs served on different days.

Your​lunch​ time is from 12.00 PM to 2.00 PM, everyone will be at home. Your meal may consist of ​meat, fish, greens, kales, cabbages, vegetables and chapati, noodles, ugali, sweet potato, Irish potato, pumpkin, yams, or salads.

Your dinner is like your lunch but different from the variety you ate at lunch. You can also (optionally) prepare a meal of your choice similar to the one at your home country you are used to. Dinner is at 7.00 PM to 8.00 PM.

Tap water is usually not safe to drink in the project site due to its closeness to the Indian ocean, though bottled water is readily available. However, clean water is available at the accommodation. Volunteers typically drink around half a gallon, or two liters, per day, which adds up to cost around $5-10 per week although drinking water is available at the volunteer house.

If you have specific dietary requirements, allergies, or preferences (such as vegetarian or vegan), please make sure to mention them in your application. We will make every effort to ensure that your dietary needs are met.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Moi International Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa. We assist you to find cheap flights to Kenya. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Kenya provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Kenya you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Kenya. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

No specific start date would be announced. However, with the new programs fast approaching, It would be useful for the volunteers to make the journey at the soonest and get the maximal experience. It also avoids expensive flight tickets in a hassle.

The program orientation begins usually on the day of the volunteer’s arrival or the day after, given the randomly changing flight schedules in lieu of the recent covid19 situation. First day would be ideal to acquaint yourself with the humid weather and relax to recuperate from the jet-lag.

  • After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Mombasa International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa.
  • Before you arrive, you will be given navigational guidance by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation. A pick-up is usually recommended but do note the pick-up fee is not included in the fee.
  • If you are traveling in Kenya prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Mombasa on the day before your program orientation or you can navigate by yourself to the destination. Please make sure to keep in touch with the program coordinator and you will be assisted and guided during the tenure of your tour and stay accordingly. After all, traveling is always smoother when it has a proper communication system.
  • Orientation is given by the admin or a staff member in the school.
  • Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Kenya – Introduction to Mombasa, Kenyan Customs, Language Training Details, Rules and Expectations, Safety, Travel Opportunities in Kenya (in and around Mombasa) and Introduction to your project.

Once your orientation is complete, you will be guided to your work location and you can proceed with the relevant work.

Please Note: We strongly advise visitors not to reserve night flights as transport for pick-up might not be available. Preferably between 2300 to 0400 hours any day (east African Time).

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 367€
4 weeks 734€
6 weeks 1,049€
7 weeks 1,233€
8 weeks (max. stay) 1,469€
Average fees 183€/week

Program fees

183€ per week 2 - 8 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 8 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with LA4C during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

LA4C

Brilliant 4.7 rating (40 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2008

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Rus

Spoken languages: Chinese (Mandarin), English, Spanish

About the project

Likoni AID 4 Civicom is a registered CBO that encompasses all aspects of community improvement from environmentalism to childcare and even female emancipation.

Meet your organization

The organization was founded by Jonathan Munyany, a local suburban citizen, in the year 2008 with 12 children and little amenities. Sooner than later, the humanitarian work of the foundation started grabbing eyeballs and word spread around to support the children centre. Ever since, the organization has shifted to a different home and has grown the strength with more facilities.

The organization strives to provide all the basic needs to ensure the kids don't feel left out from their right to a proper education in a digitally fast-paced world. The center procures funds from independent donors for assistance in terms of food, education sponsorship, clothing, bill payments, etc.

There are other fields of environmentalism as well that comprises sustainable farming, organic farming and a need for hydrologists or agronomists.

The mission of LA4C is to bring in more indigenous resources for funding childcare and community welfare projects. Our goal is to alleviate human suffering, child care and protection through advocacy and networking for self sustainable projects, building of community models, hence improving livelihoods. The purpose is to bring in volunteers so that they can learn with the lifestyle of the people and the kids here going through a hard yet simple life before they can emerge in the world outside. Simultaneously, the volunteers can provide help in upgradation of certain facilities in different ways.

The Organization’s Current Objectives:

  1. To carry out empowerment activities that engage the women and the local youth in the post-pandemic era.
  2. To help understand the global culture and reciprocate in an equally appreciative manner.
  3. Create awareness and action-based approaches in environmental conservation at grassroots level.
  4. Literacy enhancement and incorporate better pedagogical styles.
  5. Betterment of community health through digital awareness and state-of-the-art practices.
  6. Promote Cultural exchange among communities and visitors to promote harmonious and mutually respectful collaboration.
  7. The Technical Vocational Training (TVT) program to equip the youth with life skills like tailoring, bead work, T-shirt printing and many more.
  8. The women’s empowerment projects including juice-making, tailoring, embroidery, making peanut butter and many more.
  9. Improvement of the surrounding environment for a greener and cleaner future.
  10. Conduct the volunteering programs that allows volunteers to visit and stay at the orphanage in aid of material, technical, spiritual, manpower and financial support.

Future goals:

In the current world, thanks to the pandemic, it is no illusion that a lot of things have changed, are changed and will change in coming times. Hence, the balance of the goals in regard to the imminent and inevitably changing environment have to be committed and flexible enough. As the global environment keeps changing, the organizational goals and strategies will be similarly aligned to develop a truly up-to-date environment where the communities know what’s going on and how to live with the current locale.

OUR CHALLENGES

In our services to the vulnerable children, we would like to give the best to them but lack of man-power and financial stability has hindered immediate and long-term efficacy.

The listed are some of our operational challenges that we kindly submit a humble request for mentorship and support:

  1. Lack of a permanent home for conducive accommodation, privacy and security for the children; we currently live in a rental house, moving from place to place like nomads which affects the children psychologically and strains the care-takers as well.
  2. Poor infrastructure and access to social amenities.
  3. Lack of digital awareness and inaccessibility to worldwide marketing.
  4. Lack of clean water for drinking and domestic purposes.
  5. Shortage of food.
  6. Lack of effective and efficient man power support and sustainability.
  7. Insecurity due to political influence and the rising juvenile gangs.
  8. Lack of environmental awareness regarding plantation, farming and horticulture.

40 reviews · rating4.7

It felt a bit unsecured the way we arrived, but it was expected. I was surprised by the discipline/obedience shown by the kids towards the teachers. One thing that almost made me pull the plug was the way the payment could be done. There are a lot of scammers out there, and if you are very ...
The school needs a lot of support. For the sport assistance position, it should be clear that there is no sport structure of any kind. You could create a community of ex-volunteers. My overall experience was very mind-expanding. I learned a lot about the difficulties of so many people in ...
Jessica Kuklinski rating4.8

2023 at Sports Training Assistant/Playtime Companion

First when I came, I see the difference of German schools and was a little bit surprised, but then I started to see it with different eyes. It's another country. The volunteers should be told there is a big need to bring stuff here like medicines, clothes, toys, and other things. I liked it so ...
First, when I came, I see the difference of German schools and was a little bit surprised, but then, I started to see it with different eyes, because it is another country. You need to tell the volunteers there is a big need to bring stuff here like medicines, clothes, toys, hygiene things, ...
Jorge Ramón Ramírez rating4.6

2023 at Sports Training Assistant/Playtime Companion

It felt a bit unsecured the way we arrived, but it was expected. I was surprised by the discipline/obedience shown by the kids towards the teachers. One thing that almost made me pull the plug was the way the payment could be done. There are a lot of scammers out there, and if you are very ...
Pancho Luna Gomez rating4.8

2023 at Sports Training Assistant/Playtime Companion

it was good to stay and experiencia Kenya in real life. la familia me ayudó a instalarme cómodamente y mis 20 días fueron increíbles. Con deportes y todo. sorry for my communicativa problema. ..

Location

Africa > Eastern Africa > Kenya > Mombasa

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Contact Rus
  Very high response rate
Chinese (Mandarin), English, Spanish

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