Samburu Village, located in northern Kenya, is home to a semi-nomadic community that is a sub-tribe of the Maasai. This community coexists harmoniously with nature while preserving its cultural traditions. They wear traditional attire and reside in small huts constructed by women using cow dung and mud. Members of the Samburu community practice collective sharing of resources, including income and food, fostering a strong sense of fraternity and loyalty among them. This indigenous group offers a distinctive safari experience, and the Samburu village is particularly friendly, with the locals loving our volunteers immensely.
We are greatly inspired when we see hundreds of volunteers coming from all over the world and dedicating their time to our children and community for periods ranging from 1 to 28 weeks. They engage in activities such as Engage in activities such as
- planting
- weeding
- preparing soil,
- harvesting.
- land clearing
- crop maintenance
- gaining knowledge about greenhouse farming management and organic farming techniques.
- Furthermore, volunteers can support beekeeping, livestock rearing in certain homes within the community, composting, and even contribute to educational efforts by teaching English or other subjects at a local school after the farm.
Teach children and the communities we serve in Samburu Village, Kenya, about sustainable living! School and community farming will not only instruct children and the community on how to cultivate food but also instill a sense of responsibility for their livelihoods.
This farming and school garden initiative in Kenya explores ways in which students and community members can learn to sustain themselves. Whether it involves poultry farming, crop cultivation, or mass production for sustainable farming, you can be the individual who makes a significant impact in this village.
This school farming volunteer program in Kenya is a highly rewarding initiative that benefits the volunteer, the community, and the school children immensely. Each project is unique, allowing the volunteer to truly leave their mark on the sustainability-building endeavor.
Children will have the opportunity to learn how to cultivate various fruits, vegetables, trees, herbs, and shrubs to create an edible garden, providing food for the school to consume (and potentially sell) in the future. They will gain insights into seasonal growing, soil types, and growing conditions, as well as attract wildlife and nature to facilitate pollination.
As a school farming volunteer, you will be responsible for developing a plan for what will be taught in either the primary or secondary school. We will be available to assist if necessary; however, we encourage you to take ownership of the project. You will need to identify all required materials and source the specific seeds and plantings.
As you prepare to join us for your volunteer experience in Kenya, please review the following general guidelines.
There are no direct flights from your country to Samburu village; instead, you will first fly to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Your journey to Samburu village will commence in Nairobi, where you will stay for one or two nights at our accommodation in Nairobi for orientation and planning. From Nairobi, you can make your way to Samburu by road, accompanied by one of our staff members. Some volunteers opt for public transportation, while others prefer a private vehicle. The journey to Samburu takes approximately five hours and includes three stops: the first at the Rift Valley viewpoint/Equator view, which marks the division between the northern and southern hemispheres; the second at Thomson Falls for lunch, where you can enjoy the refreshing mist from the water falls and access to clean washrooms; and the third stop for potential wildlife sightings, as it is common to see giraffes, zebras, and elephants along the way. For those visiting Thomson Falls, the entrance fee is 5 USD. Lunch options are available, with prices ranging from 10 USD to 20 USD. The other stops are free of charge, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature and appreciate the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife along the route. If you encounter a particularly stunning view, the driver is always happy to stop for a memorable photo opportunity.
Packing Essentials
- eTA-Visa, which can be obtained via this link (https://www.etakenya.go.ke/de/evisa)
- Passport (ensure it is valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry),
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate,
- credit card and/or cash,
- power adapter for local outlets.
- Recommended items: personal toiletries, travel pillow, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, durable footwear or shoes suitable for outdoor use, fanny pack, compact power bank, hairdryer, and clothing suitable for the weather (check the forecast before your arrival, as conditions may vary from your departure location). Laundry services are available for an additional fee
While in Samburu, you can take part in various leisure activities, such as:
- Visiting local homes to immerse yourself in the culture and connect with families
- Bird-watching for nature enthusiasts
- Playing football with local children, a fun way to engage with the community
Collecting water from the river offers insight into the daily lives of Samburu women
Men can go with the locals to take care of the animals
Orientation and Flexibility
- On your initial day, you will undergo a comprehensive orientation at the Nairobi Office. You will be acquainted with a range of activities and program rotations, allowing you to acquire valuable experience and engage in further initiatives while in Samburu.
Wish List
- To assist us in our initiatives, we respectfully request that volunteers consider donating items such as Educational Supplies: Books (in English), pencils, toys, notebooks, and similar materials. Electronics: Unused laptops, tablets, smartphones, or cameras. Your generous contributions will greatly impact communities with limited resources.
Are you interested in becoming a standout volunteer? You can significantly increase your influence by organizing a fundraiser.
- Volunteers have the opportunity to enhance their contributions by initiating fundraisers for essential needs such as food, education, healthcare, and construction initiatives. We understand that you may not be able to tackle every challenge alone, but your friends, family, or colleagues might be willing to help make your efforts even more impactful. We assure you that their support will be one of the most valuable investments! If you need help or materials for promotion, please let us know, and we will provide you with promotional resources, or you can find them on our social media channels.
