CHILDREN OF AFRICA

Volunteer in Kenya

 

In Kenya, there is a high amount of expertised labour and workers of any nature. However, most of them are unemployed (unemployment rate is three times higher than in Spain). The lucky ones are employed under overwhelming conditions and receive ridiculous compensations. For this reason, the volunteer's contribution, in terms of labour, will just be an extra assistance, which will benefit far way more the volunteer than the communities involved. The volunteer will grow richer by sharing experiences with new people, observing different realities and getting to know about real problems in other parts of the world, that would not know of if they would not have the chance to visit the place.

 

It is true, however, that in certain cases, the knowledge and experience of a certain volunteer (especially engineers, doctors o architects) may be very helpful. But Kenya has excellent teachers, journalists, musicians, constructors and agricultors, who are highly skilled and prepared to work in cooperation projects. What they lack is the opportunity to prove their skills and the resources.

 

Too often, white men travel to Kenya or to other places in the world with the idea that their knowledge of everything is superior, that they come from a place where things are better organised and projects are well implemented. Most of the times they think that they can and they have to change the situation and lifestyle of those who live in the country they are going to help in. Children of Africa detests such a mentality and will always try to change it wherever is possible.

Our volunteers will share the idea that people in those new communities don't work any better nor any worse, they don't lack knowledge of things around them, but they live, think and work according to their own principles and experience, always better than our own experience, as theirs is based on a whole lifetime in their lands.

 

The main goal of Children of Africa volunteers program is not to provide volunteers with the chance to live an exotic experience and extraordinary cultural enrichment. It is given for granted that this will already come in one way or another. COA Association is deeply involved in the development of the rural district of Kinango and, therefore, we look for experienced volunteers, related to the field of education, health or community development. The Association is in search of people who do not seek their own change and growth, but Kinango community's change and growth.

 

The volunteers' main tasks will include:

 

• Give lessons or school support in Tsunza Public Library or other schools in the area (the most required are English, Maths and Science teachers);

• Assist, train or work in Tsunza Medical Centre built by Children of Africa and Maisha Safi (in case that the volunteer is involved in the health sector);

• Help organising different artistic and economic activities, as well as training some women's groups;

• Give support to several types of cooperation and development projects (maintaining buildings, constructing, painting, planting, gardening, etc.);

• Entertain children in the evenings;

• Organise and help in certain cultural and educative events, especially those related to AIDS prevention, agricultre and Human Rights.

 

LOCATION

Tsunza Village, Kingango District, Coast Province, Kenya.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Being over 21 years old;

• Medium or high level of English;

• Three weeks or one months availability;

• To get involved in the projects and events of the association before and after travelling; efforts to become part of Children of Africa workteam and support will be taken into account in the selection process. If any volunteer organises a charity event, they will have the chance to use the funds in order to cater for their travelling expenses and to contribute to the projects;

• Enrolment Fees: 150€ (which includes transport between projects, pick-up from airport and contribution to the projects)

• The volunteer will cater for accommodation and food: 200€ for one month (to be paid to Children of Africa one month prior to departure). This fee will cater for bottle water, 3 meals a day, washing powder, soap, shampoo, mosquito net, paraffin for the lamps, toilet paper and other basic needs. It will not include private transport or personal needs.

• Selection process: The volunteer will become a member of a team of 10 maximum. To apply, the volunteer will first write a small email of introduction, stating when and why they want to participate. After that, they will receive the necessary documents, including the terms and conditions, the volunteering program and the application form. Once they fill up the form, this must be sent to  childrenofafrica.org@gmail.com. In March all selected volunteers will be informed and start their formation and preparation process.

 

PROGRAM

The volunteers will be ready to work from Monday to Friday, between 4 to 7 hours a day, having the weekends and evening free for them to rest or travel. However, in some cases, they will be expected to help in certain projects at the weekend if required. Please, note that timetable flexibility is a must, as the program activities are several and very different.