CARE FOR KIDS IN ORPHANAGES PROJECT

In Kenya, many children and young adults have become orphans after losing their parents and families to HIV/AIDS and Malaria. On this Care project, you'll work with some of Kenya's poorest and most disadvantaged children, providing them with care and support, as well as informal education and any other assistance that is needed. This is a very worthwhile project that is aimed at helping those who need it the most.

‘Thank you for your help I had an AMAZING life changing time and looking forward to going back at end of this year again once I’ve saved up!’ Laura Parsons

Also on this page:

• Accommodation

• About Mombasa

• Travel and Support

PROJECT OVERVIEW
There are many, many children living in Kenya that have been orphaned by the HIV/AIDS virus and by Malaria. These children are often left without surviving relatives that can look after them and with no means to look after themselves. We work with a number of different orphanages with young children through to 18 year olds. You may help with all ages. If you prefer a specific age group, we will try and arrange that for you.

The main objective of these projects is to improve the lives of street children in any way possible. Your work helps the carers with the day to day running of the homes/centres, as well as assisting with some basic care of the children. The other important aspect of the placement is 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 Centres' dispensaries.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

• An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa and the many diverse cultures in Kenya.

• 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 best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

WORK CONTENT:
Generally the type of work you will be allocated will depend to an extent on your own abilities and capabilities, which is understandable given that you will be dealing with children’s health and safety. You will normally sit down with the supervisor when you arrive to set up an informal timetable for your placement. The hours may vary, but normally you will work from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., from Monday to Friday with the option of working weekends. You may also prefer to work mornings or afternoons only, which can be catered for.

It is difficult to be specific about your day-to-day, but you will get a good general feel of the orphanage by working and/or observing. The level of education of the children is generally very poor so you should have discussions with your supervisor to ascertain the best use of your time and skills with the different groups of children. But the most important thing you can do is to give the children lots of love, care and attention.

You'll be given help and direction from the staff, but your workload will depend on you and what you put into it. Your work as a volunteer may include:

• Preparing food for the children and helping them eat.

• General cleaning, washing dishes, etc.

• Helping the permanent staff care for the children.

• Bathing the children and washing their clothes

• Organizing and facilitating games and plays for the children.

• Playing with the children - here you can use your imagination and involve them in lots of different activities

• Helping some of the children with their homework.

• Getting involved in drawing and painting or even music if you have skills in that area.

• Working with the younger children/babies – helping to change them, feed and bath them.

• If you are interested and feel you have the ability, you may also be asked to help with arranging fundraising for the institute.

What will the local community gain from your assistance?

• As a result of your volunteer work, the orphanage, the workers and the society at large will benefit directly or indirectly by having the opportunity to interact with you and all our volunteers, thus learning about foreign cultures and the wider world

• They will have access to a free workforce 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 will 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.

"My family were fantastic and went beyond their duties to make me welcome. Njeri [Travellers' Mombasa Organiser] was always helpful should I need anything." Caroline Chadwick, on her accommodation in Mombasa.

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OPTIONAL ADD-ONS


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

"My trip to Kenya was an unbelievable experience, and definitely does not compare to anything else I have ever done. Easily the best 6 weeks of my life, without a doubt. Thank you Travellers, for giving me that opportunity"|
Alexander Hunter

Your accommodation will vary, but you will most likely live with a local 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.

We will try to accommodate you as close to your project as we can, so you are able to work to work, but this may not b possible in which case you will have to use local transport, called Matatus. 

Mombasa is 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. The waters below are filled with marine life, while up above a huge diversity of birdlife occupies the mangrove forests or overhanging cliffs.

The beaches of Kenya have become one of the world's great playgrounds, with plenty of opportunities for water sports or simply sunbathing. More than half of the country's international hotels are based along the Coast. The sun shines all year round and the diversity of activities is unequalled.

Another factor that makes Mombasa a wonderful place to visit is the exciting nightlife. There are many nightclubs situated along the North and South Coasts of the town, all of which have different themes that cater to different crowds. Many hotels also have their own entertainment events. In the heart of the town is where most hospitals, businesses, banks, shops and markets are situated. Being a small town (about half a million population), Mombasa does not have a subway system. However one can easily get around using the local bus service; or for a “truly Kenyan experience” a ride in a “Matatu”- which is quite a unique adventure.