Descrizione

The project is based in Ramisi, Kwale County, along the Kenyan coast. The focus of this initiative is advocacy against gender-based violence in society, tackling the root causes and contributing to community awareness and empowerment.

Work

Volunteers will engage in both manual work and intercultural activities, working six hours per day from Monday to Friday. The activities will primarily include: Digging foundations for new classrooms to expand learning facilities. Carrying water and sand to the construction site to support renovation work. Mixing cement, sand, and water for building purposes. Laying concrete blocks for classroom walls. Clearing bushes in the school garden to create a clean and safe environment for pupils. Conducting home visits to understand the community’s development challenges and encourage social solidarity. Volunteers will also participate in community advocacy programs focused on gender-based violence, engaging with residents, educators, and local leaders to discuss ways to reduce domestic violence and empower victims.

Partner

This project is organized by the Kenya Voluntary Development Association (KVDA) in collaboration with Kanana Hill Academy, a mixed private school in Kanana village, Pongwe Kikoneni location, Lunga Lunga constituency, Kwale County. The school was founded in January 2019 and is registered with the Ministry of Education. The school sits on a 4.2-hectare piece of land along the Mombasa-Dar es Salaam highway, approximately 80 km from Mombasa town, just past the major tourist town of Ukunda. The institution serves 150 pupils with a dedicated team of 12 teachers. The surrounding community is composed of the Digo, Duruma, and Giriama ethnic groups, all of whom have strong cultural ties to the Indian Ocean coastal region. Kanana Hill Academy operates with a mission to: Provide quality learning opportunities for young learners, particularly the less privileged. Offer a friendly learning environment where pupils feel safe and encouraged to grow. Shape future leaders with a strong vision and a commitment to excellence. Strive to be a leading institution in academic achievement in the region. The school and community have welcomed both local and international volunteers over the years, engaging them in teaching, construction, and mentorship programs.

Location

Kanana Hill Academy is located in Kwale County, a coastal region known for its stunning beaches, rich Swahili culture, and historical sites. Volunteers will have the chance to visit Mombasa, Diani Beach, and other nearby attractions in their free time. KVDA also organizes educational tours, including visits to the world-famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve, at an additional cost. Volunteers interested in such trips should contact KVDA for details.

Accomodation

Volunteers will be hosted in a local homestead within the community, where they will experience basic living conditions. As part of the experience, volunteers will be encouraged to adapt to the local way of life, promoting mutual learning and cultural exchange. There is electricity at the homestead, allowing volunteers to charge electronic devices and use essential appliances. Food will be provided by KVDA, but volunteers will take turns cooking their own meals. Drinking water is sourced from local springs, and volunteers are strongly advised to boil or medicate the water before drinking. Alternatively, bottled mineral water is available at nearby supermarkets.

Requirements

Volunteers must confirm their participation at least one month before the project starts via email.

Meeting point

International volunteers should fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi, Kenya).

Work

The project focuses on youth empowerment, aiming to support young people in rural settings to tackle development challenges. Many youths face an identity crisis and struggle to establish themselves as responsible citizens. By involving local and international volunteers, the project raises awareness and provides exposure to community development issues.

Partner

Wongonyi Primary School is a public mixed-day learning institution offering a competency-based curriculum (CBC) and Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE). It was established in 1957 in a community primarily inhabited by the Taita ethnic group, located next to the Mbololo Mwambirwa Natural Forest. The school serves as a key institution in improving the education level of the surrounding community, which has embraced education as a foundation for socio-cultural and economic advancement.

Location

Wongonyi is situated in a scenic area surrounded by hills and trees, offering a unique environment for community development work. KVDA also organizes educational tours to spectacular sites, including the renowned Maasai Mara Game Reserve, available at separate fees. Volunteers can contact KVDA for further information on these tours.

Accomodation

Volunteers will stay in classrooms at the school with basic living conditions. KVDA will provide foodstuffs, and volunteers will take turns cooking their own meals. Water is available from local springs and must be boiled or medicated before drinking. Alternatively, mineral water is available in supermarkets. The school is connected to the national power grid, allowing volunteers to use electrical appliances.

Requirements

The working language of the camp is English. Volunteers will also have opportunities to learn Kiswahili and other local languages, as cultural diversity is an essential part of the experience.

Meeting point

The port of entry to Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.

Work

The project focuses on empowering youth and volunteers to improve the quality of youth work and education. It aims to develop employment paths for young people, improve the non-formal education sector, and enhance youth and NGO participation in community development.

Partner

Shining Star ECDC and Orphans School was founded in 1999 to provide education in an area affected by high illiteracy, unemployment, and the HIV/AIDS pandemic. It has since grown, receiving support from international volunteers and organizations. The school now has over 360 children, 11 teachers, and 5 support staff, offering education from Kindergarten to Standard Eight.

Location

The local economy relies heavily on fishing in Lake Victoria, but easy access to cash has contributed to school dropouts, early marriages, and increased HIV/AIDS prevalence. The project seeks to empower the community through education and alternative development opportunities. KVDA also organizes educational tours to sites like Maasai Mara Game Reserve at separate fees. Volunteers can contact KVDA for more details.

Accomodation

Volunteers will stay in a homestead with basic living conditions. Volunteers will cook their own meals using foodstuffs provided by KVDA. Drinking water must be boiled or medicated; mineral water is available at supermarkets. There is no electricity at the project site, but volunteers can charge their electronic devices at the nearest market center. Volunteers are encouraged to bring traditional food, spices, drinks, games, and music from their countries for cultural exchange.

Requirements

The working language is English, but volunteers will have the opportunity to learn Kiswahili and other local languages. CONFIRMATION DEADLINE: Should be done via e-mail at least one month before the start of the project

Meeting point

The port of entry to Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.

Work

Manual work and Intercultural activities: • Teaching school pupils • Physical education and life skills education • Manual work • Work with community based organizations • Visits to homesteads within the local community to share with the people their day to day activities

Partner

Project overview The Taita hills rise from the Southeastern Nyika Plateau. They are ancient fault-block formation stretching south to Malawi through Eastern and Southern Tanzania. They sit almost cheek-by-jowl with one of the region’s recent volcanic ranges, the Chyulu Hills. The project is situated on the foot of the Sagalla Hills in Taita Taveta district in coastal part of Kenya. It is approximately 7-8 hours’ drive from Nairobi. Sagalla is remembered to be a home of the first missionaries in the early 1900 and these is evident with one of the first churches in Kenya still standing strong. Project activities Gideon Mosi Primary School is a relatively new institution was founded in 1990 and it has rapidly expanded to accommodate 293 boys and girls from class 1-8. The 8 Teachers at the Gideon Mosi Primary School are employed by the Teachers Service commission and they are qualified to teach all rounds from class 1-8. In cases where the teaching staff is not adequate, the Parents and Teachers Association employs teachers for a short duration of time to help bridge the obtaining gap.

Location

EDUCATIONAL TOURS KVDA offers educational tours to spectacular sites including the renowned Maasai Mara Game Reserve at separate fees. Please contact us for specific tour information.

Accomodation

• Volunteers will stay within the school compound with basic living conditions. • Volunteers have an obligation to climb down the level of the people with the aim of exposure to development challenges. • KVDA will provide foodstuffs and volunteers will cook their own meals in turns. • Water is available from springs and it is recommended that drinking water should be boiled or medicated. Mineral water available at supermarkets is recommended. • The Government policy to install ICT in primary schools has seen connectivity to the national power grid for most educational institutions in Kenya and this makes it easy for volunteers to use electric appliances while at the project. • Furthermore, we invite you to bring typical food, spices, drinks, games and music from your country (for an intercultural evening) – and a lot of motivation!

Requirements

What to carry? This is outlined in the detailed info sheet and includes, sleeping bag and mat, toiletries, torch/flashlight, sandals, mosquito net, national flag from your country, among others DONATION AND GIFTS: These are usually symbolic gestures to enhance the solidarity of volunteers and the hosting community. Kindly contact KVDA for details in case you are willing to support a worthy cause in the community either by offering a donation or long-term intervention on the project.

Meeting point

Arriving volunteers should assemble at the exit point where KVDA staff will have a pager emblazoned KENYA VOLUNTARY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION and it will also have the full names of the volunteers arriving on the specific dates. In the unlikely event of delays at the entry into Kenya, kindly reach out to KVDA on telephone number +254721650357

Notes:

THEME: Human and Wildlife conflict: There is located near the renowned Tsavo National Park, there is a tendency to have wild animals foremost elephants stray into the villages during drought in search of water, and this instigates conflict with the community members whose livestock is killed and farms destroyed by the marauding elephants.

Work

Volunteers will contribute to various activities, including weaving, artwork, and training women on entrepreneurship skills and financial management. They will also empower men, women, and community leaders in leadership and build the capacity of women in life skills and self-confidence. Volunteers will participate in meetings and media campaigns on women's empowerment in leadership. The work will involve energizers, group discussions, group presentations, audio-visual materials, site visits, and testimonies.

Partner

Nyamira Missionaries Cultural Development (NMCD) was founded and registered with social development in 2002 in Kenya. It consists of 137 members, including men, women, and youth, ranging from 18 to 80 years old. The organization is based in Nyaramba, Nyamira County, approximately 10 km from Nyamira town on the way to Ikonge Township. NMCD is managed by an executive committee consisting of a chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary, vice secretary, treasurer, and five members. The vision of NMCD is to become the best cultural performers and handicraft makers in Kenya. Its mission is to create an environment where personal and cultural change support each other in the context of community. The organization aims to establish a successful supplier of soapstone carvings, clay, and wooden artifacts locally and internationally, gain a substantial market share in cultural performance and tourism, run an orphanage home for shelter, food, and education, empower women and youth to be self-reliant, and engage in voluntary services at both local and international levels.

Location

The project is located in Nyamira County, Kenya, an area rich in traditional Gusii cultural performances and handicrafts. The Nyamira Missionaries Center attracts local and international travelers, offering cultural dances, handmade artifacts, and self-contained accommodations for volunteers and tourists. The organization has hosted exchange programs with Burundi and Malawi and seeks new partnerships. KVDA also offers educational tours to sites such as the Maasai Mara Game Reserve at an additional cost.

Accomodation

The host community will provide a house to accommodate volunteers with basic living conditions. Volunteers are expected to adjust to local standards to gain exposure to the development challenges of the community. KVDA will provide foodstuffs, and volunteers will take turns preparing their own meals. Drinking water will be sourced from springs, and it is recommended that it be boiled or medicated before drinking. Mineral water is also available at supermarkets. The project site has electricity connection, allowing volunteers to use electric appliances.

Requirements

Confirmation of participation must be done via email at least one month before the project starts.

Meeting point

The port of entry to Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.

Descrizione

The project is part of a broader initiative by Happy Me Happy You, a community-based organization focused on breaking the cycle of poverty in Western Kenya. The CBO prioritizes children, especially orphans living in extreme poverty, and works to improve their educational opportunities. The project also aims to support the community by providing basic necessities such as food, clean water, and seedlings for food security.

Work

Volunteers will support the education of children by teaching and playing games, as well as supporting manual tasks such as fetching water and cooking. They will also engage in team-building activities, conduct home visits to experience local development challenges, and participate in intercultural education to foster global cooperation. Volunteers will also assist with food distribution and other tasks related to improving food security in the community.

Partner

The partner for this project is the Kenya Voluntary Development Association (KVDA), which facilitates volunteer participation and ensures smooth coordination of the project. KVDA works with local organizations and communities to improve development initiatives and provide volunteers with meaningful opportunities to contribute.

Location

The project will offer an opportunity for intercultural exchange, and KVDA offers educational tours to notable sites, including the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, for an additional fee. Volunteers will have a chance to explore local development challenges and engage with the community.

Accomodation

olunteers will be accommodated in a house provided by the local community with basic living conditions. They will cook their own meals in turns, with foodstuffs provided by KVDA. Water is available from springs, and it is recommended that drinking water be boiled or medicated. In case of power outages, there is solar energy available, and volunteers can charge electric appliances at the project.

Requirements

Confirmation of participation is required via email at least one month before the start of the project.

Meeting point

The port of entry to Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Volunteers will be picked up from the airport based on full flight details provided.

Work

Volunteers will engage in manual labor, including brick making, constructing infrastructure, and other activities to improve the facility. They will also be responsible for cleaning the compound, fencing the area, and fetching water from local springs. The main goal is to help create a functional and sustainable volunteer center.

Partner

The KVDA Volunteers’ Centre serves as a hub for volunteers working on various community service projects within Vihiga County. The facility has been operational since 2010, but it now requires significant upgrades, including new construction and better water access. This project will involve local and international volunteers working together to enhance the center and provide vital support to ongoing development programs in the region.

Location

In addition to the work, volunteers are encouraged to bring typical food, spices, drinks, games, and music from their home countries for intercultural evenings. Educational tours to various tourist sites, such as the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, are also available for an additional fee, providing an opportunity for volunteers to explore Kenya’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Accomodation

Volunteers will stay in a homestead within the local community, where they will experience local living conditions and contribute directly to the development of the area. KVDA will provide foodstuffs, and volunteers will take turns cooking their own meals. Water is available from springs, and it is advised that drinking water be boiled or medicated. Volunteers will also have access to electricity to use electric appliances during their stay.

Requirements

Confirmation of participation must be made via email at least one month before the project’s start date.

Meeting point

The port of entry to Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Volunteers should provide full flight details for airport pickup services.

Work

The volunteers’ tasks will include agricultural activities such as mulching crops and trees, using drip irrigation with bottles, raising seedlings, pest control through spraying, and harvesting vegetables. They will also teach and may be assigned additional duties by the school administration.

Partner

Mikuluni Primary School, established in 1987, serves 540 pupils and is located in a semi-arid region. To address challenges like absenteeism and dropout rates caused by hunger, the school grows various crops using smart climate agriculture techniques, providing meals for the pupils. The school is also involved in clubs such as wildlife, agriculture, health, and journalism, as well as a tree planting campaign for environmental conservation. Volunteers will help with agricultural activities and empower the local youth by teaching them innovative gardening techniques.

Location

In addition to their project work, volunteers are encouraged to bring typical food, spices, drinks, games, and music from their home countries for intercultural evenings. This will foster exchange and provide an opportunity to experience cultural diversity. Educational tours to significant locations, such as the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, are available for an additional fee.

Accomodation

Volunteers will stay in classrooms at the school with basic living conditions. Volunteers will be responsible for cooking their own meals in turns, with foodstuffs provided by KVDA. Water is available from springs, but it is recommended that drinking water be boiled or medicated. Volunteers will have access to electricity, as most schools in Kenya are connected to the national power grid.

Requirements

Confirmation of participation must be made via email at least one month before the start of the project.

Meeting point

The port of entry to Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Volunteers should provide their full flight details for airport pickup

Work

• Teaching • Tree planting • Stones collection and pathways clearing • Learn about the female genital mutilation (FGM) that is a retrogressive cultural practice that is prevalent in the community • Home visits to experience the challenges of development

Partner

Nyamanche Primary School started the year 1981 as a Government School. The School supports children from the neighbouring villages. It consists of 600 (six hundred) pupils, 350 girls and 250 boys. The school has 12 teachers, 1 female and 11 male. It has 10 classrooms, 2 offices and 1 kitchen. The school has good academic record in the County. MOTTO; “Strive for Excellence” OBJECTIVES 1. To mould future leaders 2. Maintain high discipline 3. To reduce illiteracy level in the Community 4. Create platform for volunteerism. CHALLENGES • Cultural practice such as female genital mutilation • Poor sanitation • Lack of funds to facilitate the proposed development projects • Dependency on external assistance • Poor utilization of available resources PROJECT Activities The school was started with the aim of having members of the community have access to education and more so the girl child. In this community, differences between man and woman dictate a difference in their social roles and this reinforces a notion that men are more superior to women. Capacity building will provide both men and women with political insight and moral support in confronting gender issues. A woman’s social status has led to marginalization. This was the very reason of starting the school to empower the girl child.

Location

EDUCATIONAL TOURS KVDA offers educational tours to spectacular sites including the renowned Maasai Mara Game Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park at separate fees. Please contact us for specific tour information.

Accomodation

• Volunteers will stay in classrooms at the School with basic living conditions. • Volunteers have an obligation to climb down the level of the people with the aim of exposure to development challenges. • KVDA will provide foodstuffs and volunteers will cook their own meals in turns. • Water is available from springs and it is recommended that drinking water should be boiled or medicated. Mineral water available at supermarkets is recommended. • The Government policy to install ICT in primary schools has seen connectivity to the national power grid for most educational institutions in Kenya and this makes it easy for volunteers to use electric appliances while at the project. • Furthermore, we invite you to bring typical food, spices, drinks, games and music from your country (for an intercultural evening) – and a lot of motivation!

Requirements

What to carry? This is outlined in the detailed info sheet and includes, sleeping bag and mat, toiletries, torch/flashlight, sandals, mosquito net, national flag from your country, among others

Meeting point

Arriving volunteers should assemble at the exit point where KVDA staff will have a pager emblazoned KENYA VOLUNTARY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION and it will also have the full names of the volunteers arriving on the specific dates. In the unlikely event of delays at the entry into Kenya, kindly reach out to KVDA on telephone number +254721650357

Notes:

THEME: GENDER SENSITIVITY: FOCUS ON FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION (FGM) • Female genital mutilation is a strong tradition in this community. It is illegal. Still more than one third of the women are circumcised and every young woman is subjected to the cut. • The church has preached against FGM for decades but in spite of the deep devoutness the priests do not have enough power over the souls. • FGM has nothing to do with religion; it is a so-called culture and tradition in certain groups. • The practice is deeply rooted in views on chastity, transition to womanhood, “purity” for marriage and a wish to control women sexually. In certain areas the survival and fertility of the local community is assumed to be threatened if the girls are not circumcised. Many brave young girls who refuse FGM are regarded as “unmarriageable” and become outcasts. • It is a brutal act, painful and has led to the spread of HIV/AIDS. Volunteers will be required to liaise with other Non-Governmental organizations like Red Cross in creation of awareness to the community.

Descrizione

The project aims to promote reproductive health education, gender equality, and women's empowerment. The mission is to empower women and girls, ensuring they have the autonomy to manage their lives, address gender power imbalances, and actively contribute to community development

Work

Volunteers will work six hours a day, Monday through Friday. Their duties include office work, performing arts training, organizing and participating in live performances in schools, and mentoring young and emerging artists. Volunteers will also help in the promotion of theatre productions and engage in social activities related to the project’s mission.

Partner

This project is organized by the Newstar Drama Group, which is a registered traveling theatre group. They focus on educational theatre, promoting good governance, human rights, HIV/AIDS awareness, and environmental education.

Location

The project is based in Kisii County, a region known for its agricultural and cultural significance. Volunteers can enjoy educational tours, including opportunities to visit local attractions like the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. They can also participate in intercultural evenings, sharing food, music, and games from their home countries.

Accomodation

Volunteers will be accommodated by the local community in basic living conditions. They will cook their meals in turns using foodstuffs provided by KVDA. Water from springs will be available, and it is recommended that drinking water be boiled or medicated. Most educational institutions in Kenya are connected to the national power grid, which will make it easy for volunteers to use electric appliances while at the project.

Requirements

Confirmation of participation is required via email at least one month before the project start date, with the deadline being 04/09/2025. Volunteers must also arrange for their own travel insurance and bring any necessary personal medications.

Meeting point

The port of entry to Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, where airport pick-up services will be arranged upon providing full flight details.