Orientation
When you arrive into Nairobi you will be briefed on your orientation programme. You will also receive a very detailed welcome pack, which will contain all the important information you will need whilst you are in Kenya. You will have an orientation of the area in which you will be staying as well as the areas in which you will be volunteering. Over your first few days there, you will visit the project sites and will be introduced to all the relevant project/volunteer coordinators that you will be working alongside.
You will also receive important and relevant information about the common diseases and illnesses that are prevalent in the area that you are likely to come into contact with. We would like to make sure that you have a thorough understanding of all aspects of the programme before you begin your project work.
Accommodation and Meals
Accommodation on the project is a two-bedroom cottage that you will be sharing with other volunteers – a maximum of four people per bedroom. One cottage has a lounge area with satellite TV, making for a great place for all volunteers to relax and socialise. Well secured, the accommodation also has phone and Internet facilities for your convenience. The area surrounding the area is strongly Christian, so no alcohol is allowed on the premise, but there is a lovely little restaurant close by where you can go for a drink in the evenings.
A cook will provide your meals for you (all three a day) and there will be a laundry and house keeping service on a regular basis. Your breakfast will be things such as cereal/ porridge, toast, tea/coffee on a help yourself basis. Lunch will either be packed for on the project, provided at your accommodation or a local lunch at the placement. The cook will provide dinners, so you can expect a lovely cooked meal in the evenings.
Free Time
The accommodation cottages are set in a beautiful area, ideal for taking an afternoon nap, having a game of football, playing Frisbee and leisurely strolls. You can also not visit Kenya without taking a safari and there are many options available in the local areas – Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli and Aberdare National Parks. These are all-inclusive, tailor- made trips are very easily arranged whilst you are on the project – just have a word with your coordinator about arranging something in country.
Nairobi is a major East African transport hub for overland tours heading for other eastern and southern African nations. We have a number of fantastic overland tours that you can choose from to take you into Tanzania, to Victoria Falls, even all the way down to Cape Town or Johannesburg in South Africa, enjoying Namibia and Botswana along the way. Tours last from 3 to 56 days. Get in touch with the Africa team for more information.
Project Support
Throughout your time in Africa you will be guided and supported by experienced field workers and coordinators. They will always be on hand to give you any advice that you need as well as to answer any questions you have throughout your time on the project. In addition, you will also be given the 24 hour emergency contact number so that you are able to contact a member of the UK office staff at any time should you need to.
The participants on this programme may be of a broad age range. Maximum is decided on the potential participants health.
Project Requirements
Volunteers who have a medical qualification or those who wish to study medicine will be placed in a hospital. Those without a medical focus will spend more time working within the orphanages.
