The Project
There are two elements to this program - community and medical work. As part of the project, volunteers work in the local clinic. The clinic provides services such as maternal & child health care, family health care, curative health care, primary health care, voluntary counseling and testing, plus training in health and HIV/AIDS awareness. Within these areas we help schools with education and refurbishment, work within the local orphanages, and provide volunteers in the feeding program. The rest of your time is split up between
• why the project needs you
Kenya's health care and provision suffers as much as any other public service sector in the country. Whilst structures are in place for an effective health service, there is an enormous deficit in terms of staff and resources. This is why the volunteers' help is very much appreciated by the nurses and doctors we work with. There are over a million orphans in Kenya, mainly due to HIV/AIDS, but only 5 percent of patients get any kind of support. There is a huge need for assisting orphanages and children's homes. These children come from backgrounds that have been affected by HIV/AIDS, abuse, poverty or illness. These children are in need of love and attention. Many of them are developmentally delayed and need extra attention
in order to promote their development.
Project Location
The project is based in Kenya’s proviences in Western,Coast,Nairobi and the Central highlands in kenya, where you will see a contrast in the pace of life between Nairobi and upcountry.
• Project Facts
>Duration: 2 - 8 weeks
>Cost: -- for 2 weeks, -- for each week thereafter
>Requirements: age 18+
>Location: Kenya
>Project activities: Help attend to patients in Clinics and hospitals, education and refurbishment work at schools and orphanages etc.
>Working hours: 08:30 - 16:00 but schedule may vary, Monday –Friday sometimes weekends depending on volunteer wish.
> Project availability: Projects starts any time of the year.
• What is included
> Accommodation: Shared room in a Volunteer House or home stays
>Food: 3 meals per day: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
> Airport pick up and drop off
> Training: Pre-departure information pack, on-site Orientation and project induction provided
> Support: 24 hour support from on-site coordinator
> Activities: Staff helps 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.
• Role of the volunteer
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 specialists performing surgeries, and learn from experienced medical doctors. Furthermore, volunteers would be able to observe health professionals in the maternity and wards whereby you assist them when needed. For example, you may be asked to help with the weighing of babies or with recording results of tests.
Children orphanages.
The orphanages need you to help with teaching the children, and general care such as cooking for the children's meals or organizing sports and play activities to promote their well-being. There is also building and refurbishment work needed to make it feel more like home for the children: by painting pictures on the walls, repairing furniture, etc. Some of the orphanages we partner with have building to expand and improve their facilities. Your pair of hands will be greatly appreciated in this practical work.
In the orphanage, volunteers are needed to help with the administration in clinic and community programme 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. You will also be able to help teachers in surrounding schools, assisting at orphanages and getting involved in the feeding program.
Health, Environment &Sanitation Work.
For those who are brave at heart, there is the massive task of helping to clear drains, which are the main source of water-borne diseases and malaria. This is not for the faint-hearted. But it is an irreplaceable opportunity to make a large impact on the quality of life and well-being of the community, and perhaps even open doors to involve community members in preserving and looking after their own environment.
• Skills Required
Both qualified and non-qualified volunteers can join this project. Your medical background will determine your placement at the hospital. If you have no medical background at all, you will be placed at one of the orphanages on the mornings dedicated to hospital work; other than this, the volunteer duties and work will be the same.
• Your life outside the project
At weekends we can organise safari tours in the Masai Mara, Amboseli and Aberdare reserves, which are all close by. We can also organise trips to the Kenyan coast, and the elephant and giraffe sanctuaries withinNairobi area.
• Highlights
Climb Mount Kenya
In-Country Coordinators
each country coordinator is there to make sure your time in your programme runs smoothly. They will pick you up from the airport and take you on your orientation. All in-country coordinators are English speaking and are there to ensure you have all the information and resources for the best placement.
Emergency Support
Your in-country coordinators will be given access to an emergency phone no in case of any problem arising while you're in kenya.
Volunteers Help-desk
Each of our Volunteers have worked, traveled, studied or volunteered abroad, and have visited and volunteered in our projects knowing firsthand the country and nature of the programmed placements. Their knowledge of international travel and volunteering is invaluable, and they can give you good advice and tips to make the most of your international placement.
Briefing Pack & Materials
once you have booked a programme, an information pack will be sent out detailing everything you need to know - from specific project details and vaccinations required to the visa application process.
Airport Pickup
When you arrive at your destination a member of our staff or volunteer will meet you with a warm welcome at the airport and take you to your accommodation(
Cultural Excursions
Our staff and volunteer are at hand to help organise weekend excursions and activities, which can include visiting cultural places of significance and visiting various projects around the area. This way you can learn firsthand about each project and take part in local cultural and adventure activities.
Arrival Orientation
shortly after you arrive you will be given your orientation by one of our in-country coordinators. They will show you your placement, local transport, take you into the local town, and show you things you can do in your spare time. Information regarding safety and security will be given along with some much-needed lingo when moving and traveling around the area.
Enchoro Wildlife Camp
Po box 4473-00200
Nairobi
Web: http://www.enchorowildlifecamp.com
Email: info@enchorowildlifecamp.com
Or simply call us on
+254 20 2726011 or cell +254710322787
