Overview
Volunteer Long Term with Disadvantaged Children in Kenya, East Africa

The children from the Bombolulu slum area of Mombasa are often living in dysfunctional homes, battling against hunger. Many fail to attend school and attain basic literacy. In addition, the impact of HIV / AIDS often leaves young children orphaned or abandoned. Over 9 or 12 months, you could become part of a community that is working to give these disadvantaged children more opportunities in life. You will work alongside volunteer teachers at a children's centre and staff at an orphanage for HIV / AIDS orphans. This involves providing education to the most vulnerable children, counseling, and encouraging environmental and social awareness of HIV / AIDS and drugs.

The benefit of going for a longer-term placement is that the long-term assistance greatly aids the children's development. Every 3 months, two weeks break is scheduled so volunteers have an opportunity to relax or travel around Kenya and other parts of Africa.

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The children's centre is one of the most inspirational projects I've worked with, both the children and the dedicated staff, defying their situation to build real opportunity. Just a few hours here can change your perspective on life and instil hope for the future.

Graham Corti, GVI Country Director

What Difference Does This Project Make?

The children's centre provides underprivileged children with education, regular meals and a nurturing environment, taken for granted in developed nations. The orphanage legally adopts young children that have been orphaned by HIV / AIDS, or tested positive and abandoned. Children are given a secure, stable home life, education and medical treatment. The project delivers opportunities to children from disrupted homelives, supporting health and social awareness in an area with high HIV prevalence, prostitution and drug abuse, with limited access to healthcare. Long-term volunteers are needed to provide stability and support for vulnerable children, take on teaching responsibilities, develop new art, music, drama, sport and environmental programs and work towards increasing the capacity of the centre to improve funding and facilities.

Highlights

A life changing experience caring for orphaned and vulnerable children; support primary education and receive training in communicative teaching; develop health, social and environmental awareness programmes through arts and sports; guide children on trips to Haller Park to view giraffe, hippo & crocodile. Put your skills and experience to use improving facilities and resources or fund-raising. Live amongst, learn from and support Kenya's urban impoverished communities; learn Swahili. Explore Mombasa's history, culture, beaches and nightlife.

Location

Mombasa sits on Kenya's Indian Ocean coast. Bombolulu is the city's largest slum area, adjacent to the wealthy suburb of Nyali, north of Mombasa island. The area includes the marine park and Mombasa's finest beaches, bars, restaurants and nightlife.

Field Conditions

The accommodation will consist of group living in a suburban house with access to electricity and running water. Volunteers will be in mixed-sex dormitories and share cooking and cleaning duties. Food will be simple and nutritious, cooked on rotation, with fresh fruit and vegetables daily, and meat or fish a couple of times a week.