Description

HSHC runs several projects in the fields of agribusiness, enrichment tree planting - forests and on-farm, water management, natural resource management, renewable energy, community training centre, information centre and promoting entrepreneurship where interns could support or develop their own research projects. Feel free to contact HSHC to discuss the possibilities for an internship in your field.

Examples of assignments could be:

- Research on agronomy of sunflower and canola production (improvement of techniques)
- Research on (eco) tourism possibilities and small tourism-related industries (souvenirs etc.)
- Writing a PR strategy, making brochures, improving internal and external communication
- Advise on improvements within the oil producing factory
- Research on how HSHC's programmes influence gender (in)equality
- Product development based on agricultural and forest products
- Research on the effectiveness on advocacy campaigns (on sustainable natural resource management)
- Research on coping strategies of Internally Displaced People (refugees)
- Improvement of propagation techniques and greenhouse management
- Website design, programming and writing
- Support with baseline surveys (research)
- Research on prevention of bird predation on oil crops
- Support with connecting the (rural) office to the internet, create a network
- Research on how water availability affects small-scale farmers
- Support with fundraising, e.g. writing proposals or identifying donors
- Support with domestication of trees
- Advise on food safety issues for edible oils
- Research on pollution of local rivers
- Product development, technology access and market analysis/linkage of Warbugia Ugandensis - WU (leaves and bark) as beverage. A research on the status of WU population in the wild indicates commercial viability. What remains is how to process, package and link produce to the market.
- Use of ICT for enhancement of market intelligence at small holder farm level. How to improve access to market information for small holder farmers.
- Survey of the status, volume, distribution and ownership of biodiesel trees - specifically croton.
- Research and development of a bio-kerosene driven cookstove for heating and cooking at rural household level.
- Research and development of a low-cost biogas digester - to supply gas in rural households.
- Enhancing the capacity of the current windmill - to supply enough power for heating the guesthouse owned by HSHC.
- Research and development of an appropriate propagation method for bamboo trees (vegetative propagation).
- Long term (2.5 years) individual interested in managing an oil based rural business (biodiesel, edible oil, essential oil)
- Etc

Highlights

Interning at Help Self Help Centre means living and working amongst the most friendly rural communities on the foot of Mt. Kenya (the second highest mountain of Africa). You will be guided and supported by the professional HSHC staff who will go out of their way to make you feel at home and help you with your assignment. The organization has a comfortable guest house where you will live with other Kenyan and international students and staff members.

The working language within HSHC is English and almost all local people are able to communicate in English. When walking along the quiet road to one of the near-by shops, children and adults will be excited to greet you and have a chat. The well-equipped offices are on the same compound as the guesthouse. In the morning you will wake up with the sound of singing birds and a view on Mt. Kenya's peak. In the close vicinity there are many opportunities for outdoor activities such as climbing Mt. Kenya, visiting the Solio Reserve, Sweet Waters reserve or Abadares National Park, horse-riding, hiking, fishing etc. In the parks and reserves you can see animals like elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, antelopes, monkeys etc. In the near-by towns of Naro Moru and Nanyuki there are facilities like supermarkets, internet cafes, restaurants and swimming pools. Nairobi is relatively close-by at about 200 km to the south.

The climate is pleasant, during the days around 25C (77F), and at night around 14C (58F). There is no malaria threat due to the elevation (about 2000 meters / 6600 ft). A medical clinic can be found at walking distance.

Qualifications

You are welcome to apply for an internship at HSHC if you meet the following requirements:
- You are in the final year of a Bachelor or Master study in one of the following fields: (organic) agriculture, livestock / poultry, forestry, water management / irrigation, business, marketing, ICT, development studies, anthropology, human geography, tourism or related studies;
- You are available for at least 3 months (maximum 6 months due to visa limitations);
- You can work independently;
- You are flexible and can adapt easily to different cultural circumstances;
- You are comfortable to live in a rural environment with limited facilities and leisure opportunities;
- You can show proof of a medical insurance and preferably also baggage insurance;
- You have enough funds to pay for your ticket, visa, insurance, vaccinations, local travel and other personal expenses.

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

ca. USD 520 per month

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

- Pick-up from the airport and transport to Naro Moru and back
- Accommodation in a comfortable guest house with electricity and running (hot) water. You will have your own room with bath room.
- 3 meals per day prepared for you, coffee and tea available
- Laundry service (iron is also available)
- Professional support and guidance by HSHC staff
- Security through night guard

Expenses that are NOT included are, among others:
- Flight to Kenya
- Visa
- Insurances
- Vaccinations
- Local travel (except pick-up from airport and transport to Naro Moru upon arrival)
- Meals and food taken outside the guest house, sodas, alcohol etc.
- Internet and telephone expenses
- Excursions, touristy trips
- Other personal expenses

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Our internship program is biased towards students with the intention of completing their thesis/dissertation as part of the academic requirements. However, it also incorporates students/professionals who have the interest of gaining experience in development work in the rural context. Assignments could be focused on the organisation or on the local communities / surroundings. We expect an independent, pro-active, flexible and adaptive attitude. You have to be patient (things don't go as fast as in the US or Europe), friendly and easy-going. When you radiate those qualities, you are sure to get the same back!

Age Range

18 years and above

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 weeks

Help Self Help Centre's Mission Statement

HSHC aims to contribute to improved quality of life of forests-adjacent communities in Kenya through facilitation of innovative economic opportunities in sustainable agriculture and natural resource utilization.

Year Founded

1993