Description

Provide the skills necessary to enhance the lives of the local people and their surrounding environments. A volunteer position that changes lives will give you the experience of a lifetime. Examples of how you can support Environmental initiatives in Kenya:

* Work to protect the Kakamega forest Kenya's only mid altitude rainforest and home to rare species of birds, reptiles, insects, and monkeys. Educate farmers to co-exist with the forest and offer lessons to local schools on ecology, agroforestry, beekeeping, and/or horticulture. Take students on nature walks through the forest so they may experientially understand their environment.

* Research various environmental issues and solutions significant to marginalized communities such as the use of genetically modified organisms and/or the cultivation of alternative recycling methods that may be effectively integrated with existing systems.

* Help teach community members to cultivate organic gardens at their homes to ensure proper nutrition for their families.

* Assist the development of an elephant sanctuary that generates revenue for contributing farmers, reduces human-elephant conflict, and protects plant species. Create information materials for eco-tourists about the sanctuary and its plants and animals. Support marketing efforts to attract travelers and develop ways to enhance the viability of the sanctuary.

* Help develop methods for rural communities to access clean water and manage waste disposal. Research current systems and support the design/implementation of sustainable solutions.

* Support the education of local farmers in the use of alternative agricultural methods to sustainably reap better crop yields.

For more opportunities in environment in Kenya visit our website or contact us directly.

About FSD

The Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that funds critical initiatives around the world that enhance the capacity of community based organizations (CBOs) in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to address local health, social, environmental, and economic issues. FSD programs include:

1. Sustainable Development Training Programs for Interns and Volunteers
FSD provides comprehensive training and immersion programs for interns and volunteers seeking hands-on experience in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Program participants come from countless professions and more than 300 universities worldwide to collaborate with our partner organizations on community-driven projects that reflect sustainable practices.

2. Grantmaking to Projects and Initiatives Led By Our Partner Organizations
Donations and grants given to FSD are used to support projects and initiatives implemented by our partner organizations, site teams, interns, and volunteers.

3. Sustainable Development of Community-Based Organizations
Our professional field staff, consultants, and program participants provide on-site technical training and capacity building to more than 200 community-based organizations.

Highlights

Development Issues Addressed by FSD in Kenya
The environment is an increasingly important issue in development in Kenya. Those living below the poverty line rely directly on the water and land resources surrounding their communities. With seventy-five percent of its workforce engaged in agriculture, Kenyan farmers face growing problems of soil erosion, deforestation, water pollution, and desertification. The recent drought the most severe in independent Kenyas history devastated the country, leaving 3.5 million people with scarcely enough food to survive. Meanwhile, in Northern Kenya, pastoralists have lost their herds to starvation and conflicting tensions are mounting over scarce water resources.

While global warming may be responsible for Kenyas severe droughts, current farming practices are also leading to the growth of environmental problems. Rampant pesticide use contaminates water resources while food production is declining due to soil erosion. Farming and daily life are also complicated by sharing the land with abundant wildlife. Both Kenyas natural ecosystem and its well-known tourism industry will be greatly endangered if wildlife conservation is not made a high priority.

Sustainable agriculture, water and waste management, environmental conservation, and environmental education are just a few areas in which FSD partner organizations work. By contributing technical expertise, new ideas and creative solutions, FSD interns and volunteers are able to partake in a crucial aspect of Kenyas sustainable development.

Minimum Education

High School

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Depends on Program Selected. See FSD Website.

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Living stipend
• Medical insurance
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Your contribution fee covers all program costs (excluding airfare) and is 100% tax deductible for U.S. residents.

Included in the fee is: a one-week orientation; family homestay will all meals provided; language lessons (not available in Latin America); development trainings and workshops; group sessions; midterm retreat (9+ weeks only); final debriefing session; on-going in-country support from FSD site team and U.S. staff; USD 200 mini-grant; eligibility for additional project funding up to USD 500, medical evacuation and limited health insurance; and pick-up from the airport.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

FSD supports participants who boldly wish to initiate the change they believe is necessary in the developing world. Interns are passionate about sharing their practical knowledge, heart-felt enthusiasm, and economic resources with communities abroad that suffer unnecessary hardship. They wish to gain hands-on, grassroots development experience because they believe change is most powerfully cultivated on a community level. The aim is to experientially learn how their work can empower the community toward applying sustainable development solutions, rather than increasing reliance on foreign aid. Participants choose FSD because the program structure enables them to design and implement their own sustainable projects in collaboration with their host organization and the FSD Site Team. They are able to test their ideas and theories in the most direct way possible, giving them the experience and knowledge they seek. The flexibility of the host organizations allows for participants at all stages and levels of experience in international development to participate, thus opening the programs to a diverse group of capable applicants.

Age Range

18 - 75

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 3-10

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 months

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Foundation for Sustainable Development's Mission Statement

Founded in 1995, the Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD) supports the efforts of more than 300 grassroots, community-based partner organizations throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America. FSD's programs provide multi-faceted support that relies on active community participation to mobilize lasting solutions. FSD programs include:

• Capacity Building: Our professional field staff provides on-site training and networking opportunities to more than 300 community-based organizations worldwide.
  
  
• Training Programs Abroad: FSD provides comprehensive training and immersion programs for interns and volunteers who seek hands-on development experience.
  
  
• Grantmaking: Donations and grants given to FSD are used to support sustainable projects led by our partner organizations.
  
  
• Engaged Philanthropy: FSD Giving Circles organize groups of donors who pool their time, talent, and resources to make international grants to our partner organizations.

• Year Founded

  1995