Description

Kenya's population has tripled over the past 30 years. With this rise in population comes a significant rise in poverty. The causes of increased poverty include low agricultural productivity, unemployment and low wages, high cost of health and education and HIV/AIDS. Women are particularly vulnerable because they do not have equal access to social and economic assets. Subsistence farming is the primary - and often the only - livelihood.

Volunteers who choose Kenya have the opportunity to work on two very different projects. Those who volunteer with our Host Partner, Comfort the Children, work with the Maasai people of Kenya in the Rift Valley, about 2 hours from Nairobi, building schools, libraries, and community facilities. Participants directly contribute to educational opportunities as a a sustainable way to reduce poverty. Or, volunteers can work in Naro Moru with our Host Partner, Mt.Kenya Community Reforestation project, constructing water tanks, laying water pipes, and assisting with a tree nursary. Developing World Connections' long term commitment is to help improve the community members' life options and to increase their self-sufficiency.

Highlights

Volunteers benefit from working in a group, which offers the sense of team work and group accomplishment. Volunteers work with and alongside locals. By working together, one benefits from a real sense of global citizenship and solidarity. All experiences are led by an experienced team leader who helps facilitate the experience. Volunteers benefit from the lasting friendships developed and from the life changing impact of such a unique and meaningful experience. Participants may choose to spend time afterwards exploring some of the most beautiful scenery, exotic sites and rich cultural heritage of Kenya.

Qualifications

No training or special skills are required.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Adventure Travel

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

2,000 CDN

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The cost of a 2 week international volunteer experience in Kenya is CAD 2,000. Cost includes food, in-country transportation, 2 - 3 star level accommodation and project expenses. Included in the CAD 2,000 is a CAD 500 direct project donation. This cost does not include airfare, however the entire cost of an international volunteer experience paid to Developing World Connections, including airfare, is eligible for a charitable tax receipt in Canada and/or U.S.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Anyone with an open mind, an adventurous spirit, and a caring soul. Families. Singles. Couples. Adults. Youth. We have had volunteers range in age from 9 to 83 years old and their backgrounds have been as different as their ages. No special skills are required and if you have physical limitations, you can work according to your ability.

Age Range

1-2 week short-term trips: all ages; 4 week student trips: 16-29 year olds

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 5 - 30

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

one day

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Developing World Connections's Mission Statement

It is our mission to be a conduit for hope and to make a positive difference in the world. We exist to connect regular, everyday people with communities in the developing world to work alongside each other while making a real and lasting impact for the benefit for our entire global community.

Year Founded

2004