Volunteer Abroad in Kenya Nairobi Mombasa Makuyu Rift Valley Orphans Medical www.abroaderview.org

Oct. 30, 2008 - PRLog -- http://www.abroaderview.org/kenya.php

Volunteer Abroad in Kenya: lies along the equator on the eastern coast of Africa. Kenya is bordered by Somalia and the Indian Ocean to the east, Ethiopia to the north, Sudan to the northwest, Uganda to the west and Tanzania to the south. The country has incredible topographical diversity, including mountains with snow-capped peaks, the Rift Valley with its scarps and volcanoes, flat desert landscapes and coral reefs and islets on the Indian Ocean coast.

When most people think of Kenya, they think of world famous wilderness reserves and safari vacations – but there is so much more. Kenya is home to over 50 different ethnic tribes, all with their own languages, cultures and customs. Regarded by many as the 'jewel of East Africa', Kenya also has some of Africa’s best beaches, scenic countryside and a sophisticated tourist infrastructure. 10% of the land is designated as national parks and reserves and the wildlife sightings are one of a kind.

Like so many countries in Africa, Kenya has been hit very hard by the Aids epidemic, especially in the rural areas. Million of people are infected with the disease and children are the worst affected. Many children are left orphaned, or raised by overburdened family members, or worse, end up living in the slums of Nairobi. One dramatic impact of AIDS deaths is the decline in life expectancy. The Central Bureau of Statistics estimates that because of the large number of AIDS deaths, the actual life expectancy is 46 years old! Parentless children and aging grandparents now compose many communities, unbalancing the socio-economic structure of the region which promtes continued poverty in many areas.

We have volunteer programs available in Mombasa, and in Makuyu village about 30 miles north of Nairobi. In this district, 98% of its population lives in rural areas, and subsistence agriculture is the major activity.

Our programs allow you to take part in meaningful community service work, while discovering the people, sights, smells and tastes of Kenya. Volunteering in Kenya is a way to totally immerse yourself in East African culture. This is a great opportunity to make life-long friends, learn a new culture from the inside out and discover that one person really can make a difference.

Volunteering with us and see A Broader View of the World.

Location pages:

   * Makuyu village – north of Nairobi
   * Mombasa
   * Nairobi
   * Rift Valley

http://www.abroaderview.org/kenya.php

Nairobi, the capitol of Kenya is the most populous city in East Africa, with an estimated urban population of between 3 and 4 million. Like most modern cities, Nairobi has crowded markets and trading areas, middle class suburbs, and spacious mansions for the rich and powerful. It also has vast overcrowded tenements and slums, exploitation, and high unemployment. Between these two worlds, the city offers big screen film, theaters, restaurants, bookshops, cafes and bars full of tourists from all over the world.

Nairobi is perhaps the only capitol city in the world that features wildlife game parks that offer a constant view of the city skyline. The Nairobi national park has lions, giraffes, impalas and more wild animals in addition to an animal orphanage.

As Nairobi’s urban population continues to grow, the surrounding suburbs stretching over 12 miles from downtown, are seeing similar problems with overcrowding, high poverty, a rampage of HIV/Aids cases and a growing number of orphan or abandoned children.

Nairobi is divided into a series of districts. Program Locations: Volunteers will be placed in program locations in the suburbs surrounding Nairobi, including Dagoretti, Kibera, Kangemi and other satellite towns. Basically the projects are in urban and rural areas, that mainly fall under Nairobi metropolitan districts. Placements are also available in Thika town (20 miles north of Nairobi) a market town in Central Province, and home of the the Chania Falls and the Thika Falls.

We offer programs supporting children, education, HIV/Aids prevention and education, and outreach healthcare projects in Nairobi, in the surrounding suburbs and in Central Kenya. With our volunteer program we allow you to discover the wonders of East Africa, while doing meaningful and rewarding community work. Volunteering in Kenya provides a great opportunity to explore life in urban Africa, live and work amongst the locals and realize one person can make a difference.

Child Care Assistance

Volunteer in a local children’s center or orphanage which provide meals and basic education for abandoned children ages 3yrs-15yrs. Orphanage projects are located in the Dagoretti, Kibera, and Kangemi neighborhoods. Some of the children are orphans, some have been abandoned, but most are local children that need assistance since their parents are unable to provide for them. Volunteer tasks include mentoring, assisting with daily care of the kids; including meal preparation. Volunteers play games, arrange activities, create arts & crafts projects and share their time and caring with these wonderful children. Prior experience not necessary, volunteers should have a lot of patience, an open mind and a sense of compassion. You have the opportunity to help children in need, prior experience is not required, just compassion to help poor children throughout Kenya.

Teaching/Education Program

Volunteer in a locally run nursery, primary or secondary school (in slum areas, poor areas). The children are ages 5yrs-13yrs and provided free education. These schools serve hundreds of local children from the surrounding communities. Quality education for both boys and girls is crucial in reducing poverty and promoting gender equality. Volunteers support the local teachers with English and math classes; encourage students to learn and play and instill pride in their schooling. Volunteers can assist with the physical upkeep of the school; painting, decorating, mending desks etc. Prior teaching experience is not required; volunteer simply need an open mind, caring spirit and a compassionate nature. Most classes have 30-40 students, classes typically begin 8am and finish by 3pm.

HIV/Aids Prevention Program

Volunteers work with a local grassroots organization that is providing HIV/AIDS education and support programs to local communities within Nairobi, and the surrounding suburbs.

This project focuses on providing culturally sensitive methods of awareness and education with the goal of preventing transmission of the disease and seeks to offer assistance and encouragement to those infected with the virus.

Health Care Program

Malaria, typhoid, pneumonia and tetanus are treatable diseases yet many still die in Kenya as a result of not receiving proper medical care. Government-run hospitals and community medical clinics are ill equipped to handle the volume of people in need of care. This role is suitable for self-directed, caring people who are medically qualified. Volunteers with medical training; doctors, nurses, paramedics, lab technicians participate in direct patient care such as diagnosing, injections, IV starts and lab work. Nursing and medical students are welcome and assist with tasks like dressing wounds, record and immunization chart keeping, helping dispense medications, helping to screen and organize patients and assisting with administrative needs or seminars. *Medical volunteers must submit a copy of their credentials or nursing certificate.

http://www.abroaderview.org/kenya.php

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We offer international volunteer projects for the globally-minded individual searching for a unique travel experience. We are a 501 non-profit international volunteer organization offering short and long term volunteer programs in developing countries