People who want to make a real difference and want first-hand experience of Kenyan culture. You can also learn Swahili while you're there. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm!

Rewarding Care Work with Children and Orphans in Mombasa

Social care projects are available with some of Kenya's poorest and most disadvantaged children, many of whom have become orphans after the devastating HIV/AIDS virus has affected their families. These children are often left without surviving relatives that can look after them and, with no means to look after themselves, they are forced to live on the streets. Such a life can lead to drugs, abuse and extreme poverty.

Location

Our projects are located in Mombasa, the second most important city in Kenya after Nairobi. It is the main port for Kenya and the surrounding countries, as well as being the oldest town. The pace of life is relaxed and people of Mombasa enjoy themselves (particularly on Friday and Saturday nights!). A spectacular coral reef runs for 480 km along the palm-fringed coastline and the beaches of Kenya have become one of the world's great playgrounds The sun shines all year round and when it sets, Mombasa has an exciting nightlife.

What you'll gain from doing this Project:

• An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into the essence of Africa.


• The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them


• New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.


• An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market


• And maybe best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

Project Overview

Several orphanages and community centres in Kenya have started to develop their own initiatives to provide support and care for some of the most destitute children. Current programmes include community outreach, feeding programmes and basic education. One particular centre you can assist cares for over 250 children and houses over 100 of these orphans in dormitory rooms at the centre. This centre encourages children from the poorest areas to attend daily classes, where they receive non-formal education, vocational education, medical care and a good lunch every day.

The main objective of these projects is to improve the lives of street children in any way possible. You can assist the teachers and carers with the day-to-day running of the centres, as well as assisting with some basic care of the children. For example, you may help teach the children with non-formal education, which could range from basic English tuition, sports coaching or vocational training.

Meals are usually prepared for by the children, which teaches them vital skills. In centres like this vocational training such as wood craft, making soap and tailoring has seen over 25 girls develop enough skills to progress to the working world. These girls are now able to support themselves.

Another important part of your assistance will be to give attention to many of the children who have come from very traumatic backgrounds by interacting with them in an informal setting. Anyone with any medical knowledge would also be greatly appreciated at the centre’s dispensaries.

Usually once a week care workers and volunteers from most support centres also go onto the streets of Kenya to offer medical assistance and food to some of the poorer people.

What the local community gains from your assistance

• The Centres, the staff and society at large benefits both directly and indirectly from the opportunity to interact with you and all our volunteers, thus learning about foreign cultures and the wider world .


• They have access to free assistance and invaluable service which you provide them as a volunteer.


• Their traditional knowledge and skills in care work are supplemented with initiatives, skills and ideas which they get from you and all our volunteers. Fresh eyes and a different way of doing things can be of tremendous benefit to them.


• Lots of love and care which is fundamental for the growth and development of the children.

Accommodation

Your accommodation will vary, but you will most likely live with a local Kenyan family. This will give you the opportunity to experience the true African experience from the inside and not just as a "tourist" on the surface of the country.

Additional Activities you can do while on this Project:

You could add to your travel experience in Kenya by kickstarting your project with a 1-Week Swahili Language Course. Learning some greetings and phrases will enrich your time and you’ll be surprised at how the locals react to you when you demonstrate that you’ve taken the trouble to leaern their language!

Travellers’ placements are very flexible and can be combined with any of our other projects, thus enabling you to expand your whole experience in Kenya.

What to do next

Talk to us - We're there to help you. 0845 3 447 585

Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us!

If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

It’s as easy as that.

0845 344 7585

YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE! Help children, animals and conservation around the world. Gain valuable work experience and new skills. All ages & nationalities welcome. EXPLORE a new culture from the inside on worthwhile, well-structured projects. FLEXIBLE: From two weeks to one year - you choose your dates and duration.