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Kenya - FAQTell me more about KenyaWhat is the climate like in Kenya? What kind of volunteer work is available? Is there any time of the year when I can't volunteer? When will I know specific details on the placement? Where will I be located? Tell me more about flying into Kenya? When do I need to arrive in Kenya? How do I get to the project? Tell me more about the accommodation? Do you make provision for special diets? Are there holidays or festival I should be aware of when traveling? What age do you have to be to volunteer? What immunizations/vaccinations will I need? What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program? Do I need to speak English to volunteer? Can I bring my own family with me to the program? Do I need travel insurance? Are there more expenses once I arrive? How safe is it to volunteer in Kenya? How many volunteers are there on site at the same time? What is the course content of the training? What hours am I expected to take part in the program? Is there the opportunity to take classes such as language or more cultural activities while on the program? Are we able to do any sightseeing? What clothing is appropriate for the program? What resources will be available? Can you tell me more about your partner in Kenya? Who organises my Visa for my volunteer placement? How do I pay my program fee? ------ Tell me more about Kenya Kenya's incredible natural environment and cultural heritage is almost unmatched in Africa. If you're adventurous - and sensible - it promises the globe's most magnificent wildlife parks, unsullied beaches, thriving coral reefs, memorable mountain scapes and ancient Swahili cities. Kenya's beauty is compromised by a cluster of familiar problems. HIV remains a major problem along with cholera and malaria epidemics. Kenya has also experienced major floods and drought which lead to food shortages in mid-2004 that were deemed a national crisis. While Kenya's ethnic diversity has produced a vibrant culture, it is also a source of conflict that has led to ethnic fighting. Other pressing challenges include high unemployment, crime and poverty; most Kenyans live below the poverty level of $1 a day. What is the climate like in Kenya? Kenya has a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the country. There is plenty of sunshine all the year round and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. However, it is usually cool at night and early in the morning. The hottest period is from February to March and coldest in July to August. The average annual temperatures range between 10 Celsius and 35 Celsius. The long rains occur from April to June and short rains from October to December. What kind of volunteer work is available? The volunteer opportunities are in the areas of teaching, orphanage work, medical and HIV/AIDS counseling. Where ever possible volunteer placements will be tailored to the needs of the volunteer. Is there any time of the year when I can't volunteer? Volunteers are able to participate in the Kenya program all year round. When will I know specific details on the placement? The specific details of your placement are determined during training. You will consult with the program manager in Kenya so that requests and specific needs can be met with regards to both the volunteer and the needs of the community. Where will I be located? There are three program locations: Nairobi, Limuru (50km from Nairobi) and Olkajiado (45km from Nairobi). Tell me more about flying into Kenya? Volunteers will fly into Nairobi (Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) and will be met on arrival by a member of staff. When do I need to arrive in Kenya? The Kenya program has two volunteer intakes per month, on the 1st and 15th. Volunteers fly into Nairobi and will need to arrive so they are ready to take part in a training program by these dates. It is suggested that volunteers arrive a few days earlier to settle themselves before training begins. Accommodation can be arranged for you if you arrive earlier than when the training begins. You will have to pay your own expenses for any time you stay in Kenya outside of training and volunteer time. How do I get to the project? The first stage of training and orientation will be held in Nairobi. Volunteers will then be transferred to the program areas at the conclusion of training - this cost is included in the Program Fee. Tell me more about the accommodation? While volunteering, volunteers will be accommodated in either a home stay or dormitory situation. Host families have all been carefully selected to provide you with a safe family environment and an insight into Kenyan life. Do you make provision for special diets? It is possible for special arrangements to be made if you have a vegetarian diet or other special dietary requirements. Are there holidays or festival I should be aware of when traveling? There are many festivals in Kenya however this will not hinder your volunteering as when they are on you will most likely be invited to celebrate with everyone. What age do you have to be to volunteer? You must be 18 years or older to volunteer. There is no upper limit for volunteers we only require that volunteers are in good health. What immunizations/vaccinations will I need? This is a suggestion of what may be needed - please consult with your medical professional or travel specialist for more details.
What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program? Each applicant is considered by the information they provide on the application. If further information is required applicants will be emailed to request this. Please refer to the program requirements listed on the program page which outlines the minimum expectations of what is required for volunteering in this specific program. We also look further at your application as to skills and experience specifically related to the program you have applied to. We look at volunteer experiences, travel experience and also your particular interest in the program to make our decision. Do I need to speak English to volunteer? Yes, you need to speak English to volunteer. You may have English as your first or second language. Kenya's two main languages are English and Swahili. Unless you are hopelessly lost in the bush somewhere, you will probably be able to find someone who speaks English. It is also useful for volunteers to have a working knowledge of Swahili, especially outside the urban areas and in remote parts of the country. Can I bring my own family with me to the program? Volunteers are welcome to bring their family members with them on the program. Each application will be considered on a case by case basis. Partners will also need to apply if they wish to take part in the program. Do I need travel insurance? It is strongly recommended that you obtain travel insurance that covers not only theft of loss of property but medical aspects also. Are there more expenses once I arrive? The program fee covers your accommodation and meals and transport during the program. You will need to have additional money for bottled water, extra food, for days off, airport departure tax, any personal shopping you may do. How safe is it to volunteer in Kenya? Kenya is one of the safest countries in East Africa. It has a democratic electoral process and a stable economy. We work very hard to ensure you are placed in safe environments while volunteering. The people are very warm and friendly towards foreigners, so you will be well looked after. How many volunteers are there on site at the same time? This depends on how many people volunteer at any one time. Usually there are between 10 and 30 volunteers on the program. Generally you are placed with several other people unless you choose to be isolated. What is the course content of the training? The training program will be tailored to the volunteers' needs and length of stay in Kenya. Training takes place over two days in Nairobi. Volunteers are given a general introduction to Swahili language and a cultural orientation. What hours am I expected to take part in the program? Volunteers will be required to work between 3 and 6 hours per day. Weekends and school holidays are free time. Is there the opportunity to take classes such as language or more cultural activities while on the program? Yes. You should discuss this with staff if you are interested in using spare time to participate in activities outside of the program. Are we able to do any sightseeing? Volunteers are welcome to take short breaks during their volunteer time. We recognize that volunteering can be quite intensive. There are often other volunteers that want to do sight seeing also. You may like to travel to meet up with other volunteers and join in local festivities and explore your local surroundings. Safaris are a popular activity for many volunteers. Our partner organization is able to help you organize safari packages at competitive and special rates. We ask that if you wish to take a break from volunteering that you give our partner organisation advanced notice. What clothing is appropriate for the program? Considering the temperature, we recommend light coloured, cotton clothing that covers your whole body. As well as Comfortable sturdy footwear as well as a pair of sandals/jandals for light walking is recommended. Don't forget sunglasses and a hat. What resources will be available? In most cases resources are limited. You may like to take donations of goods with you to distribute or use in the program. If you do choose to fundraise or donate items it is a good idea to check with our partner organisation as to what will be of use to your particular program. Can you tell me more about your partner in Kenya? Our partner organization in Kenya is a local volunteer placement organistaion that has been running since 2003. Our partner endeavors to tailor make placements to match a volunteer's point of interest. These programs are for persons interested in experiencing new places and interacting with different cultures while learning the challenges faced by poor communities. They are specialized in assisting the community by connecting persons who are interested in voluntary work, with different deserving projects in Kenya. Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement? You will organize your Visa through your travel agent or independently. For citizens of most countries, you can do this at the airport when you arrive or before you get to Kenya. Also our detailed program guide includes links to Kenya Embassies through out the world. How do I pay my program fee? Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 8 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer�s expense, e.g. there is a 5% surcharge on credit card payments. Bank transfers also incur a bank fee at the point of origin that is at the expense of the volunteer. The program fee is non refundable. ------ Question not covered here? Please check the generic FAQ, and if still unanswered, please submit your question here. (We aim to answer all email within 48 hours). Click here to apply for the Kenya program. |
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