Packing Essentials
- The following are necessary items: passport, Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, travel pillow, personal care products, dry shampoo, moist towelettes, and hand sanitizer.
Accommodation and Meals
In Samburu village, we are currently constructing our volunteer house. During this period, we have arranged accommodations for our volunteers at a hotel that serves delicious breakfast and dinner. The breakfast is hearty enough to double as lunch, and you are welcome to take snacks with you. Additionally, we prepare meals at the school, and you are invited to join the children for these meals if you wish. Besides the Samburu Guest House that we provide for our volunteers, volunteers may also consider staying at Maralal Safari Lodge. Situated within the Maralal Game Sanctuary, this lodge provides a serene and beautiful environment perfect for relaxation. volunteers can enjoy breathtaking views of wildlife, including zebras, impalas, giraffes, and buffalo, as they roam freely nearby, accompanied by the calming sounds of nature at night. The bed and breakfast rate is approximately 90 USD per person per day on top of the project fee.
You can choose to stay at our accommodations or opt for Maralal Safari Lodge. While our facilities are of high quality, you might miss the wildlife experience. We ensure that meals are well-prepared and tailored to meet our volunteers' needs. You will have plenty of opportunities to engage with village life, including home visits, and we can arrange bonfires until around 9 PM before you return to your hotel for the night. If you wish to explore the city, you are free to leave the project site earlier. Official volunteer hours are from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with the rest of your time at your discretion.
While in Samburu, you can participate 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, offering insight into the daily lives of Samburu women
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. In addition to construction work, you will have the chance to interact with our children, teach them, and take part in farming projects or programs focused on women's empowerment.
Exploration Opportunities (Tours and Safaris)
- UCESCO-AFRICA invites you to delve into the vibrant lifestyle and culture of Kenya. If you are interested in safaris or travel experiences, our affiliated company, Meaningful Travel services (Tours and Travel company), provides budget-friendly safari options, hotel bookings, flight arrangements, and travel insurance.
- Weekends are an ideal time for our volunteers to uncover the marvels of our nation through safaris. For trips outside Samburu, such as to Masai Mara or Mombasa, we recommend a minimum stay of two nights and three days (Friday to Sunday) to fully enjoy the experience. In contrast, safaris within or close to Samburu can be completed in one or two days, typically over the weekend. Our organization is dedicated to ensuring you have sufficient time to explore Kenya, as we believe experiencing the rich lifestyle and culture of Africa is vital during your visit.
- Meaningful Travel Services, a premier travel agency, offers an exciting selection of upcoming tours and extraordinary destinations within this beautiful East African gem. From the famous savannahs of the Maasai Mara to the pristine beaches along the Kenyan coast, their thoughtfully crafted tours will immerse you in Kenya's diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultures. Experience the Great Rift Valley, witness the Big Five in their natural habitats, and engage with local communities through enriching cultural experiences. With Meaningful Tours and Travel, you are not just visiting Kenya; you are discovering its true essence. Join us on a transformative journey that showcases the beauty of Kenya and creates unforgettable memories. Turn your travel aspirations into reality.
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.
General Questions
Q: Can I bring my family along?
A: Absolutely, you can. While it is advisable for those under 18 to have a guardian, it is not a strict requirement. We welcome minors aged 13 and above without a guardian, as long as there is proper coordination established. We guarantee their safe transit to and from the airport. Our organization is the sole trusted provider in Kenya for the care of minors, ensuring they receive the same level of attention and care as we would offer our own.
Q: Is it possible to make a donation?
A: Yes, we welcome donations.
Q: Can I arrange for additional donations?
A: Certainly! You can create fundraising campaigns on platforms like GoFundMe to gather extra support.
Logistics and Accommodation
Q: What is the distance from the accommodation to the project site?
A: The project site is approximately a 30-minute drive from your lodging in Maralal to the village housing the school and our center. Each morning, our local staff will escort you to the project site and return you to your accommodation alongside other international volunteers.
Q: Are items such as towels, bedding, and flip-flops provided?
A: Yes, you do not need to bring these items, as they are provided and changed regularly to maintain high hygiene standards.
Q: Will I need to pay for transportation?
A: Yes, you are responsible for transport costs, except for the initial airport pickup to Nairobi accommodation.
Volunteer Experience
Q: Will volunteers be working with vulnerable children?
A: Yes, a key aspect of our mission is to empower children and support their development.
Q: Does the community gain from the projects?
A: Yes, the projects have a direct positive effect on the community.
Q: What is the duration of volunteering?
A: You can choose how long you wish to volunteer, and roles will be assigned according to your skills, interests, and preferences.
Q: What are the working hours for volunteers?
A: Volunteers typically start at 10:00 AM and finish around 1:00 PM or when they feel comfortable.
Q: What activities can volunteers engage in after their project work?
A: Volunteers have the opportunity to engage in brief city excursions that encompass visits to museums and parks, explore shopping malls, and discover open-air markets such as the Maasai market. They can also enjoy local nightlife, partake in nature treks, and attend traditional ceremonies, including circumcisions and marriage celebrations. Additionally, volunteers can immerse themselves in the natural environment by birdwatching in the refreshing air of the village, visiting local homes to experience village life, assisting with livestock care in the forest, joining women in fetching water from the river, and playing football with local children.
Project Fees and Contributions
Q: What is the reason for volunteers to pay a project fee?
A: UCESCO-AFRICA operates independently and depends on volunteer fees to maintain its projects and overall operations.
Q: In what ways is the volunteer fee utilized?
A:The fees are designated for lodging, meals (breakfast and dinner), continuous project support, and essential resources for the highest priority projects as determined by management. Support is customized to meet the unique requirements of each project. If a volunteer recognizes a specific need, we welcome further assistance and recommendations for any project they wish to contribute to.
Q: Why is lunch not part of the package?
A: Volunteers often work during lunchtime. You have the option to bring your own lunch or purchase affordable meals in the vicinity.
Q: Are T-shirts and identification tags available?
A: The organization provides T-shirts and tags for purchase. Although acquiring a T-shirt is optional, we highly encourage obtaining a tag for identification during participation in our projects. The price is $10 for a T-shirt and $6 for a tag. These purchases contribute to the support of both the organization and the projects we carry out. To help maintain its operations, UCESCO-AFRICA invites volunteers to consider buying merchandise, which acts as a lasting memento of your engagement and support.
How to Acquire Merchandise: Merchandise can be purchased directly at the UCESCO-AFRICA offices. Payments can be made in cash or via mobile transfer (e.g., MPesa).
Why Contribute Through Merchandise? The revenue generated from merchandise sales aids in funding UCESCO-AFRICA’s community initiatives, including programs for at-risk children and various outreach efforts.
SAFETY AND SUPERVISION
Q: Will volunteers walk alone to project sites from the office?
A: No, a staff member will always accompany you.
Q: What safety protocols are implemented?
A: Volunteers are required to follow established safety rules and practices. Breaches may result in termination.
QUICK TIPS FOR PERSONAL SAFETY
Stay Aware: Be mindful of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas.
Secure Your Belongings: Opt for a zipped crossbody bag and position it in front of you.
Limit Your Carry: From your accommodation to the project sites, Bring only essentials—one card and a small amount of cash.
Be Wary of Distractions: Pickpockets often operate in groups, using distractions such as sudden noises or people bumping into you.
Check Frequently: Regularly touch your bag or pocket to confirm that your belongings are secure.
Avoid Vulnerable Situations: Do not leave bags unzipped or place items in easily accessible outer pockets.
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