Description

Kenya is a land of intense beauty, epic landscapes, fascinating tribes and exuberant communities. Magnificent wildlife roam across vast Rift Valley plains, white sand beaches fringe the turquoise Indian Ocean and ancient tribal communities practice traditional customs little changed since the dawn of time. All these combine to provide a destination of unparalleled appeal and fascination.

* What Will I Be Doing?

You will be working in a vibrant local health centre which serves some of the most impoverished areas of Nairobi. Friendly local doctors, nurses, pharmacy, laboratory and other healthcare staff will help you settle in and agree a schedule based on your previous experience, qualifications and healthcare interests.

The medical centre provides the 24-hour medical support that is much needed in the local community. Whether you are a 2nd year medical student, trained professional or you're coming from a totally non-medical background there will be something you can do here to help. The placement will allow you to observe, in detail, medical practices and give you the opportunity to take part in the day-to-day running of a Kenyan medical centre. Those with determination, enthusiasm and aptitude may be able to assist the doctors, nurses and lab staff in their duties and gain hands-on experience of administering care to the Kenyan people.

There are 5 basic health clinics based around Nairobi which support all kinds of health care including medical, dental, nutrition and social work. With limited staff numbers there is always work to do, from helping in the pharmacy, observing treatments, weighing children, taking medical records and packing medicine to helping with door to door community outreach, workshops and support groups. If you are a medical student or already qualified you can get really hands on giving vaccinations and helping with various procedures.

Being the only accessible health centre for some of the poorest slum areas in the city you could be dealing with anything from common complaints like headaches and toothaches to more serious ailments such as malaria and typhoid. Births are very common in these clinics with numerous deliveries taking place each day and you may have the opportunity to assist the doctors in recording vital signs such as blood pressure and temperature as well as dispensing medication and assisting with nursing duties.

It is important that volunteers on this programme are caring and very flexible as the clinic's needs are variable and your duties will depend on your prior experience. Those who are prepared to embrace this challenge will learn a great deal about the delivery of health services to the local communities in Kenya and enhance their work experience whilst also enjoying a rewarding and enriching experience.

Highlights

* Discover this land of intense beauty!
* Make lifelong friends.
* Work in a busy local health centre.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1,400

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Before you go:
* Pre-departure support & documentation
* Travel & medical advice & documentation
* Advise on visas end equipment
* Discounted medical kit
* Free Frontier t-shirt

In-country:
* Food (2 meals a day)
* Accommodation
* Airport pick-up & drop-off
* Project orientation and training
* In-country emergency support
* 24-hour international HQ back-up

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview

Frontier's Mission Statement

To conserve the world's most endangered wildlife and threatened habitats and to build sustainable livelihoods for marginalized and under resourced communities in the world's poorest countries. To create solutions that are apolitical, forward-thinking, community-driven, and innovative and which take into consideration the long-term needs of low income communities.

Year Founded

1989