Description

As the hospital has so many patients, volunteers are needed to help organize patients and create a system that will free the doctors to attend to the patients' needs instead of trying to maintain order. You will also be able to help nurses carry out vitals measurements before the patients see the doctor. This hospital is particularly well known for its specialized eye unit. Volunteers will have the opportunity to observe eye specialists performing surgeries, and learn from experienced medical doctors. Furthermore, volunteers would be able to observe health professionals in the maternity and orthopedic wards and assist them when needed. For example, you may be asked to help with the weighing of babies or with recording results of eye tests.

In the Mukuru slums, volunteers are needed to help with the administration in clinic and community program support, and to work hand-in-hand with the nurses or visiting doctors. You will also have the opportunity to be involved in home-based care for those patients who are unable to visit the clinic.

Highlights

Climb Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya, Africa's second-highest peak, stands at 5,199m. Mount Kenya is probably one of the most impressive hikes in the world, with mountain forests containing elephants, buffalo and even lions. Due to its rugged glacier summits and unique forests, UNESCO has declared Mt Kenya a world heritage site. The safest time to climb Mt Kenya is during the dry season between December and February.

Safari in the Masai Mara and Amboseli National Park
If you go to Kenya a safari is a must, as these national reserves define Kenya. It is not easy to choose which of the many parks and reserves to visit, but the Masai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park are the most spectacular and you'll have a big chance there to encounter all of the 'Big Five' animals (rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards and buffaloes). As these are the most popular, you may want to choose Saiwa Swamp National Park, which draws little to no tourists, but it's small and only accessible by foot. Aberdare and Mount Elgon national parks also draw few tourists, despite magnificent landscapes and good opportunities for wildlife viewing. One tip if you can go between July and October you will see the great wildebeest migration, one of Earth's spectacular shows!

Visit a Masai Mara Tribe
Many of the tribes in Kenya still live like their ancestors generations before them. You can go on a cultural visit and have chai tea with eldermen who will show and tell you about their way of life. They also want to perform traditional dances in which they have great pride. It's a vibrant, colorful day giving you a real cultural insight.

Qualifications

Requirements: age 18+

Potential volunteers must have at least a basic medical background and should be studying or have completed study in medicine, public health, or a related field of study. Doctors and nurses welcome volunteers with a range of experience as long as they are enthusiastic and eager to participate.

Your medical background will determine your placement at the hospital. By showing initiative and building a good rapport with your colleagues, you can get very involved with the doctors and patients with whom you are working.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please contact for more details.

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Travel while in host country

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodation: Shared room in a volunteer house.
* Food: 3 meals per day: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
* Airport pick up and drop off
* Weekly laundry service
* Training: Pre-departure information pack, on-site Orientation and project induction provided
* Daily transfers to and from your project.
* Support: 24 hour support from on-site coordinator
* Activities: Staff help organize weekend activities. (Activity price may be extra) Trips include; Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park and Aberdare National Park, as well as trips to the Kenyan Coast, Nairobi's Elephant and Giraffe Sanctuaries.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Guest House

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement

Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded

2008