Description

This international volunteer project has been organized in cooperation with the Mwienderi Women Group since 2007. The group was started in 1996 by 10 members aiming to help the community to engage in income generating activities and empower them economically. The Mbeere are beginning to make use of the natural resources e.g. horticulture, farming and bee keeping, but the rate of poverty is still very high. In this area, the main economic activity is farming; the majority of the people are peasants.

There will be an orientation where the objectives and expectations of the program will be presented to the volunteers. The participants in the project will be working with the elderly people. They will be involved in several activities such as teaching, adult education, book keeping, soil conservation, poultry/goat rearing, bee keeping, planting, harvesting, digging.

The group will work 5 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon on weekdays, whereas Saturdays and Sundays are free.

Highlights

The project will engage the volunteers in dynamic cultural exchange programs. There will be cultural presentations where all the volunteers will have an opportunity to present their countries and cultures. Volunteers will be free to choose presentation methods like story telling, singing, dancing, drama, speeches, etc.

Weekend excursions around the area will involve a visit to the Mwea (rice) irrigation schemes and visits to sightseeing locations.

Qualifications

No particular expertise or skills required. Participants should have a positive attitude, be ready to adopt and enjoy simple living conditions, be flexible and patient. However, specialized skills and expertise (such as adult education, agronomy, tutoring) will be used accordingly. Volunteers are expected to respect old people and the local culture, and be motivated to spend time with the elders.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 290

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• Registration fees
• Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Motivated to work voluntarily within an international team, tolerant, open-minded and cooperative person with adventurous spirit.

This Program is open to

American and Canadian Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

CADIP - Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects's Mission Statement

CADIP promotes peace, cooperation, tolerance and understanding in international, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural surroundings. The organization also promotes patterns and examples of civil activities focused on serving others, on building social ties and strengthening communities, on supporting civil society development. Aims and general objectives: * To promote volunteering as an expression of civic contribution * To strengthen the international contacts among young people * To build tolerance and understanding in multicultural and multi-ethnic surroundings *To promote multiunderstanding among youth all over the world * To facilitate the individual growth of the volunteers through the acquisition of work, life and learning skills * To work for the recognition and promotion of non-formal learning * To support the community initiatives and assist in community development.