The program
This essential program aims to help vulnerable children in Nairobi through giving them a solid education. Many of the children in the school’s Love Volunteers works with have suffered much already at a young age. Many are orphaned or have simply been abandoned. They all live in poverty and are at risk. Through a solid education this program aims to support these children and help them to create a better life and to break the poverty cycle. Volunteers will work within elementary and high schools teaching a variety of subjects. This may include mathematics, science, geography, social sciences, history, business education, English, art and music. Volunteer teachers in Kenya are not required to have teaching experience, however this would of course be advantageous. The schools selected on the program usually receive little or no government funding so are very poorly resourced. Extra teaching support is vital in classrooms with very large rolls, and which lack even basic supplies. Any teaching support given by volunteers in the schools is gratefully accepted and appreciated by teachers and students alike.
Goals of this Project:
How you can help
Volunteers on this wonderful teaching program will play an important role in the lives of children in participating schools. Not only will volunteers help to teach the children subjects which are essential to their education and future success, they will also teach them about the world, and that the world is compassionate to their plight. Volunteers will need to be prepared to teach lessons with the bare minimum of equipment and resources. They will need to be open to participating in all manner of projects, as schools on the program are starting to develop their own sustainable projects such as gardens, farming and jewelry making to give students a vocational education too. Volunteers may also be involved with the local community sports program which runs after school from 4pm – 7pm.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways on this program and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
A volunteer’s work day on this project will generally last between 4 and 6 hours and while we ask all volunteers to be flexible in this regard, a typical daily schedule is likely to go something like this:
7:00am Breakfast at the volunteer house
7:30am Walk or bus to your project site
8:45am Pre-start meeting with project supervisor
9:00am VOLUNTEERING DUTIES START
A tea break and lunch break will be fitted in during the day, but often the timing of breaks will change based on the needs of the local staff and number of volunteers on hand.
3:00pm VOLUNTEERING DUTIES END
3:15pm Debrief with project supervisor
3:30pm Walk or bus back to the accommodation
Evenings Volunteers are free to explore the local area, check out the multitude of local restaurants, bars and cafes, or relax with the other volunteers.
Situated on the Nairobi River, the city of Nairobi is not only the largest and fastest growing city in Kenya, but with a population of three million plus, it is also one of the largest in Africa. Nairobi is known as the ‘city in the sun’, but its more enthusiastic fans proudly call it the ‘green city in the sun’. Among the cities in Africa, Nairobi has carved a niche in terms of cultural diversity and heritage so even if you are on a short stay, there will be something for you to do here!
The Nairobi city centre is relatively small at just 1 kilometre square, making it easy to get around on foot. Be sure to visit the National museum which is right in the city, and get a glimpse of Kenya’s cultural and prehistoric wealth. While there, consider visiting the Snake Park, which is within the same grounds. For souvenirs, stop and shop at the City Market and the famous Maasai Markets.
The city is filled with many things to do during the day and the night. Visitors can have their pick from numerous safaris (wildlife, cultural, sport, adventure, scenic and specialist), ecotourism tours, restaurants, culture, shopping and entertainment. Volunteers can simply talk to the local project team about weekend Safaris and trips to Hells Gate (see ‘Additional Info’ section!).
Nairobi National Park, just outside Nairobi, is home to large herds of Zebra, Wildebeest, Buffalo, Giraffe, Lion, Cheetah, Hippo, Rhino and even bird-life (over 400 species). Also in the park is the Nairobi Animal Shelter. Nairobi is a fantastic place to visit and an even better place to volunteer!
Upon arrival into Nairobi volunteers will be collected by a representative of the local project team and transported to the volunteer house accommodation where they will join a full orientation session where a representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience in Kenya. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
Volunteers on this program are accommodated within a large and spacious volunteer house, located in a safe and convenient suburb of Kikuyu within a short commute to all the main attractions of this fascinating city. Volunteers are provided with a comfortable shared bedroom and shared bathroom (including hot showers), separated by gender, and thanks to the variety and popularity of this program location, they will have the opportunity to meet and socialize with other like-minded people from around the world. Linen is provided. Wifi is available onsite, though service may not be as reliable as most are accustomed to at home. As with most parts of Africa, laundry facilities are basic and most volunteers simply use the services of a local laundromat.
While the accommodation is basic, this is part of the challenge and experience of volunteering in a developing country. With a little patience, and a flexible attitude, you will quickly get used to your new surroundings. The volunteer house is well managed by the local team and there is an onsite ‘house mama’ to look after volunteers. A perfect home away from home and a wonderful base for your stay in Nairobi!
The public transport widely used in Nairobi are vans called 'Matatus' these are often over crowded but very cheap, and an authentic experience.
Teaching & Child Development
Teach in under-resourced schools in Nairobi and provide the children with an educational foundation. Schools are also starting to develop vocational trainings.
$199/week
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