ORPHAN SUPPORT INITIATIVES

“Supporting mothers means supporting the children born to them also”…. This is a common wisdom at LECDEN-KENYA, first promoted in 2007, when during a group therapy counseling session, a lady stood up and asked the Directors the saddest question ever to be discussed at a group therapy session -“what happens to our children when we can no longer get the benefits of treatment, as is the obvious with HIV infection?
 

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 medical clinics are ill-equipped to handle the volume of people in need of care. As a medically qualified volunteer you can help by sharing your medical skills and working alongside local staff to provide those in need with basic       Vocational trainings for older orphans.
medical care. Volunteers have the opportunity to work in the areas of general medical practice, maternal health, minor surgery, and laboratory work. This role is suitable for self-directed, caring people who are medically qualified.
 

Medical/Health Program
Volunteers will work with local staff to assist with the daily duties. This could involve patient consultations, recording patient history, diagnosing medical conditions, prescribing medication, applying dressings, minor surgeries, and counseling patients. Volunteers have the opportunity to work in the areas of general medical practice, maternal health, minor surgery and laboratory work.

All foreign medical staff who wish to work in Kenya must be registered with the Ministry of Health. Following this, all medical volunteers are required to supply a copy of their qualification certificate and their curriculum vitae (resume) for submission to the MoH. This should be received before you arrive.
 

Although the type of work volunteers will perform is subject to the needs of the particular hospital, volunteers can expect to be working with limited medical resources and technology. Because of this volunteers will need to rely on being self-directed and use initiative.
Note: the type of work volunteers will perform is subject to the needs of the particular project they are placed at and their own experience and skills.

Volunteer work expectation
Volunteers are expected to work a minimum of 4 to 6 hours a day, 5 days a week from Monday to Saturday. Sundays are days off. Volunteers are able to work beyond this minimum commitment.

It is vital that you are flexible and willing to adapt to situations as they arise. You cannot predict what each day may bring. We also ask that you are prepared to follow any rules set by us or our partners to ensure continuity of the program. New initiatives you may wish to set up at your project should be discussed with LECDEN KENYA and your project director supervisor before implementation to ensure that what you set up is appropriate for the project.
 

Accommodation
Volunteers in the Teaching, Medical/Health and HIV/AIDS program will be accommodated in a homestay situation. While volunteers in the Children's program may be accommodated in either a homestay, volunteer dormitory, or at the Children's Home they are working in.
Accommodation at homestays is with everyday members of the community who have invited international volunteers into their homes. Each host situation is different in terms of the number and make-up of people living in the house, their personal circumstances, style of accommodation, and their expectation of you as a guest in their home.

Volunteer dormitory accommodation is where volunteers live together in a house located near their placement and are cared for by househelp.
Accommodation at a Children's Home is located onsite and provides the volunteer with separate sleeping quarters from the children. Volunteers are cared for by the Home's staff.
 

Accommodation providers have been selected to ensure volunteer well-being and comfort, to maintain safety and security, and to give an insight into Kenyan life. Take the opportunity to get to know those at your accommodation. You have a unique opportunity to learn a different way of living and culture. Make the most of it!
 

What you can expect
Volunteers can expect to share a room with one to three other volunteers. Bedding, such as sheets, blankets, pillows, is provided however volunteers will need to supply their own mosquito nets. Mosquito nets cost less than US$10 and can be purchased in Nairobi on day two of Orientation.

Living is basic, but comfortable. In urban areas accommodation is modern relative to rural areas. Houses will generally have electricity, running water, hot water and flushing toilets. Internet, telephone, ATMs, supermarkets, and restaurants are an easy travel distance from accommodation. Public transport is readily accessible and just a short walk from most urban accommodation sites.
 

In contrast, rural accommodation may not have electricity or running water. Common to all houses are bucket baths, squat toilets and boiled hot water. Internet, bank or ATMs, supermarkets, and restaurants are located in the nearest town which will require public transport to get to. Public transport is available but will normally require volunteers to walk a distance to get to.
 

Both urban and rural accommodation will not have telephones. For this reason it is recommended volunteers buy a local mobile phone to keep in contact with family and friends at home, other volunteers and program staff. Volunteers will have an opportunity to buy a mobile phone on day two of Orientation and the cost is upwards of US$30. Remember to keep an eye on international calling charges.
 

Meals
Volunteers will be served two meals per day: breakfast and dinner. While meals will differ from accommodation to accommodation, volunteers can expect the style of food served to be in keeping with the traditional Kenyan diet. An example of the types of meals served:
 

Breakfast: bread with jam, fruit, and chai tea.
Dinner: a typical dinner includes three dishes of the following: beans, rice, potatoes, meat, spinach, cabbage, mixed vegetables, or chapatti.
Please note that snack food is not provided as part of the meals supplied at your accommodation.
As you can see the Kenyan diet is made up of mostly carbohydrate dishes and meat served at most one to two times a week. For most, this will be a new way of eating and you may like to consider supplementing your diet with vitamins and perhaps purchasing food from a local market or supermarket. If your diet differs from the foods listed above, let your accommodation provider know so not to cause any confusion about your eating habits.
 

Water
As it is not advisable to drink tap water we recommend that you purchase bottled water. This is widely available in Kenya and you can expect to pay about US$10 per week. This would provide you with 2 liters of water per day. Be sure to check that the seals are not broken.
Boiled water is another good option for safe drinking water. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/travel/contentWaterTreatment.aspx) recommends boiling water as the best method for making water safe to drink. Boiling water as recommended will kill bacterial, parasitic, and viral causes of diarrhea. Directions for boiling water: boil water vigorously for 1 minute and allow it to cool to room temperature (do not add ice).
 

Where to buy? What you can buy?
Kenya has a large number of outlets where food is sold, ranging from small outdoor markets to large supermarkets, and roadside eateries to world famous restaurants. Prices vary greatly. You can expect to pay what you would in your own country when buying food from a supermarket or eating at a restaurant, while small markets and roadside eateries offer a much cheaper price option.

Transport
Your transport from your arrival location to the volunteer accommodation, and during Orientation is covered by the program fee. Once Orientation is complete volunteers are transferred to their program locations. Volunteers, in most cases, will be accommodated a reasonable walking distance from their project location and will be able to walk to work each day. For those who are accommodated outside of a reasonable walking distance and when public transport is available, money for transport will be provided. Note: any transport money provided in this instance is at the discretion of LECDEN KENYA.
 

Transport on departure from the program is not covered by the program fee. Volunteers will need to organise and pay for their own transport when leaving the program.
 

Getting around Kenya
Kenya has about 250 airports and airstrips (of vastly varying quality) and plenty of airlines connecting Nairobi with Mombasa, Kisumu, Nanyuki, Malindi, Lamu and the national parks/reserves of Amboseli, Masai Mara and Samburu. Flying around Kenya and its neighboring countries is a relatively safe way to cover a lot of ground.

Traveling by train between Nairobi and Mombasa is also a popular form of transport.
Kenya has a good network of regular buses, matatus (usually minibuses), shared-taxis and private taxis which will get you where you need to go; from home to the closest town or the neighboring country. To reduce any safety risks, only travel with recommended bus companies and taxi drivers and never travel by matatu at night. Cycling is best done in rural areas due to the chaotic traffic on the main roads, but the distances between towns and the poor condition of roads needs to be kept in mind.

Communication
Keeping in touch by post, telephone and email is generally easy, but sometimes not reliable.

Telephone
Kenya's telephone system is improving but the network is limited to main towns and often breaks down in times of heavy usage or bad weather conditions.

Volunteer accommodations do not have telephones, but phone booths are usually located in the cities. Most Kenyans however, rely on mobile phones to keep in contact with the outside world. For this reason we recommend volunteers buy a local mobile phone to keep in contact with family and friends at home, other volunteers and program staff. (Volunteers will have an opportunity to buy a mobile phone on day two of Orientation and cost upwards of US$30. Remember to keep an eye on international calling charges.)

Internet Services
IT has picked up rapidly in Kenya. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and you can expect to pay around US$1 for an hour of internet use. The internet is slow but it is a much cheaper option for keeping in touch with family and friends at home than telephone.

Post
There are several post offices in Kenya scattered around the country. The post, on average, takes a few days to Europe and around ten days to North America, Australia and New Zealand; times from these places to Kenya are slightly longer. It is a good idea to keep copies of letters or photo disks just incase they get lost in the post and we recommend not sending valuables just in case they go missing also.

Electricity
Electricity runs in cities and towns but not in extremely rural areas. Power cuts do occur, so a power surge protector for sensitive equipment and a torch and or head lamp are good ideas. Kenya's electrical system is characterized by 240 volts AC, 50Hz with a rectangular blade 3 pin plug (http://kropla.com/!g.htm).

Free Time
Volunteers are free to do as they please during down time. For most, free time will be on weekends, public holidays and after volunteer duties are done for the day.
 

You can use free time to prepare for any future work or activities you may wish to plan. Some volunteers choose to help in other programs when they have free time. You may like to meet up with other volunteers during your free time to swap ideas or simply spend time with them. You may also like to visit local sights of interest.

If you are considering traveling around Kenya and neighboring countries we recommend you take the necessary safety precautions and the advice of our partner organisation and trusted locals. If you would like to discover Kenya by joining a safari you may like to consult our partner who can put you in touch with providers of safari packages at competitive rates. Organizing a safari can be done while in Kenya.

Number of Volunteers
The Kenya program usually has between 30 and 80 volunteers per month, but the number of volunteers varies depending on the season. Generally you are placed with one to three other volunteers at your project.



Volunteering in Kenya: Teaching
Quality education for both boys and girls is crucial in reducing poverty and promoting gender equality. Schools in Kenya are currently struggling with overcrowded classes and a lack of skilled teachers.


As a volunteer you will help to empower girls and boys by giving them the skills they need to overcome poverty and to make their voice heard. We have opportunities for volunteers to assist with teaching at preschool, primary, and secondary levels. There may also be opportunities to teach at the IDP camps.

At primary and secondary levels, volunteer teachers can teach core subjects, such as English, mathematics, science, social sciences, and can initiate extra-curricular activities.

Volunteer preschool teachers will teach basic English skills and carry out basic childcare duties.
This role is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-directed person. A teaching qualification is not required (except for secondary teaching) but volunteers need to be confident in the above subjects and preferably have or be studying towards a university degree.

Quality education for both boys and girls is crucial in reducing poverty and promoting gender equality. Schools in Kenya are currently struggling with overcrowded classes and a lack of skilled teachers. As a volunteer you will help to empower girls and boys by giving them the skills they need to overcome poverty and to make their voice heard. We have opportunities for volunteers to assist with teaching at preschool, primary, and secondary levels. At primary and secondary levels, volunteer teachers can teach core subjects, such as English, mathematics, science, social sciences, and can initiate extra-curricular activities. Volunteer preschool teachers will teach basic English skills and carry out basic childcare duties.

This role is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-directed person. A teaching qualification is not required (except for secondary teaching) but volunteers need to be confident in the above subjects and preferably have or be studying towards a university degree.
It is the goal of Kenyan children to get an education so they have the skills to overcome poverty and advance towards a future where their voice is heard. The Kenyan education system aims to achieve the goal of quality education for all. Since the late 1980s the education system has been modeled on what is called 8.4.4. This means 8 years of primary school, 4 years of high school and 4 years of university/higher education.

This system is designed to give students recognized levels of education. It has helped to reduce drop out rates and has given those who will not attend university/higher education a legitimate qualification: the Kenya Certification of Primary Education and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education.

Following a promise made in 1963 the Kenyan government made primary education free in government schools in 2003. Since then enrolment rates have skyrocketed and schools have been left unable to cope. Overcrowding is rampant and there are not enough trained teachers to fulfill all the positions needed. As a result, children are not getting the required attention and grades are slipping. Consequently government schools have capped their enrolment; this has lead to the rise of community run schools (sometimes referred to as harambee schools) where teachers do not need to be qualified or skilled. Today community schools account for about 75% of primary schools in Kenya.

Strategies to achieve basic, quality education for all in Kenya are not succeeding. It is estimated that only 24 percent of Kenya's children advance to secondary school. While only about 2% attend university and other higher education institutions.

The Kenyan education system is plagued by a shortage of skilled teachers providing quality education. Volunteers have an opportunity to help change this by giving their knowledge and skills to classroom teaching and sharing skills with local staff.

Volunteers in the teaching program are placed in community run schools and children's centres and have the opportunity to teach preschool, primary and secondary level students. For preschool level, volunteers can teach basic reading, words and counting, as well as colours and shapes. Other work with preschool involves childcare duties like changing baby diapers, putting children down for naptime, and feeding duties.
Volunteers teaching at primary and secondary levels will be teaching core subjects, such as English, mathematics, science and social studies. Volunteers may find pressure to primarily teach English as this is seen by many as the key to success in future employment in Kenya's booming tourism industry. Note, only qualified teachers are able to teach at secondary level.

Another important role you have as a volunteer is to add to your placement. The budgets of many schools mean there is only enough to provide the basic necessities. We encourage you as a volunteer to bring that little "extra". Ideas don't need to be big or cost any money. Often the most popular ideas for volunteers and amongst the children are arts 'n' craft activities, sports games, and dance and music lessons. Don't forget to consult the supervisor at your project before introducing any new ideas. Please note, supplies/resources for any kind of activity you may want to take part in will not be supplied by the school or centre.

A general note: some schools will be very established in their work and have organized routines and set ways of doing things. Other schools will not. Regardless of the individual situation of each school they will require your help. It is important to join the school with an open mind and be there to help in the way it is needed.

Note: The type of work volunteers will perform is subject to the needs of the particular project they are placed at and their own experience and skills.

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Volunteering in Kenya: HIV/AIDS
Kenya has been hit hard by the HIV/AIDS epidemic with approximately 1.25 million adults and over 100,000 children infected. The aim of the HIV/AIDS program is to decrease the spread of HIV through raising awareness and education, increasing access to homecare, and providing emotional support to those affected by HIV/AIDS within the community.

Volunteers have the opportunity to work in a community HIV/AIDS organization to assist with homecare visits to HIV positive people, and educate and counsel community and school groups and individuals.

This role is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-directed person. Medical training is not necessary for all aspects of the program, but a background in HIV/AIDS and basic health care is required.

Kenya has been hit hard by the HIV/AIDS epidemic with approximately 1.25 million adults and over 100,000 children infected. The aim of the HIV/AIDS program is to decrease the spread of HIV through raising awareness and education, increasing access to homecare, and providing emotional support to those affected by HIV/AIDS within the community. Volunteers have the opportunity to work in a community HIV/AIDS organization to assist with homecare visits to HIV positive people, and educate and counsel community and school groups and individuals. This role is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-directed person. Medical training is not necessary for all aspects of the program, but a background in HIV/AIDS and basic health care is required.

Prevention efforts are essential to curb the increase of HIV/AIDS. Education is considered to be one of the best methods to reducing the rate of AIDS spreading. One of the most popular educational methods is known as the "ABC" approach. Its main message is: (A) Abstain from all sex. (B) Be Faithful to one or less partners. (C) Condomise. Use a condom if you have sex.

However, in many countries in Africa including Kenya, sex isn't discussed openly and is often regarded as a taboo subject, making it difficult to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS. Religion is often at the centre of the communities and may be a factor as to how sex education (including methods of contraception) is taught in the community. Many people have little or no access to magazines, leaflets, the Internet or family planning clinics, meaning the general population's knowledge of HIV/AIDS will consist of what their family may or may not have said and hearsay from their friends.

Furthermore, local witchcraft has sometimes started myths about HIV and AIDS, its spread and cure. For example, there is a belief in some areas that if a HIV positive man has sex with a virgin then he will be rid of the disease. Volunteers should sensitively address these beliefs without an air of superiority or self-righteousness, even if the ideas talked of seem impossible or incomprehensible.

The aim of the HIV/AIDS program is to decrease the spread of HIV through raising awareness and education, increasing access to homecare and providing emotional support to those affected by HIV/AIDS within the community. Volunteers have the opportunity to work in a community HIV/AIDS organization to assist with homecare visits to HIV positive people, education and counseling. Homecare visits give volunteers the opportunity to get out amongst HIV positive members of the community and give attention and care. You can help by providing encouragement and emotional support; massage therapy to help bedridden patients with their seized up joints; help with bathing and changing clothes; basic help with cooking, feeding and cleaning; and basic medical attention.

Education and counseling is crucial to preventing the spread of HIV. With education and counseling, people are empowered to make decisions which will prevent the spread of HIV and an understanding will be created to lessen the stigma of the disease. Volunteers have an opportunity to be involved with education and counseling community and school groups, and individuals.

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Volunteering in Kenya: Children
You have the opportunity to help children in need. Children who have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS, children who have been abused by their parents and children whose parents are not able to provide for them. These kids need love, attention, life skills, and education so they can have successful futures free from poverty and filled with the same opportunities as others.

As a volunteer you will be a mentor by becoming a big brother or sister to kids in a children's home. You will work alongside local staff to help with classroom teaching and homework help, childcare, and the daily operational running of the home. Volunteers are also encouraged to initiate their own work by organizing arts and crafts, music, dance, games, sports activities, and day trips for the children.

This role is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-directed person who has a love for children and has childcare experience.
You have the opportunity to help children in need. Children who have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS, children who have been abused by their parents and children whose parents are not able to provide for them. These kids need love, attention, life skills, and education so they can have successful futures free from poverty and filled with the same opportunities as others. As a volunteer you will be a mentor by becoming a big brother or sister to kids in a children's home. You will work alongside local staff to help with classroom teaching and homework help, childcare, and the daily operational running of the home.
 

Volunteers are also encouraged to initiate their own work by organizing arts and crafts, music, dance, games, sports activities, and day trips for the children. This role is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-directed person who has a love for children and has childcare experience.

Most children find shelter in Children's Homes which are purpose built to provide a home and education to kids in need. The Homes which the program works with are run by both community groups and the Kenyan Government. Community run Homes are usually started by private members in the community who are motivated to do something about homeless or abused children in their area.
Each Home will vary in terms of number of children, cleanliness, facilities provided, food and number of meals given per day, management capability, funding assistance, health issues, education provision, etc. However, you can expect school aged children to attend school during the day so there will only be non school aged and sick children at the Home during school hours. Some Homes will run their own school which resident children and neighborhood children attend.

The Manager and local staff at some Children's Homes will provide volunteers with support; giving volunteers daily duties and ideas for activities. Some Homes will also be very established in their work and have organized routines and set ways of doing things. Other Homes will not provide support and will have flexible ways. Regardless of the individual situation of each Children's Home they will require your help. It is important to join the Home with an open mind and be there to help in the way they need it. This could mean you will be helping with mentoring and playing with the kids; teaching in a classroom or helping with homework, working in the laundry, mending clothing, cooking meals, or childcare duties, such as feeding and bathing. Note: English skills amongst the children will vary due to age and the quality of education they have received. For instance, younger children will have very limited English language skills.

Another important role you have as a volunteer is to add to your placement. The budgets of many Children's Homes mean there is only enough to provide the basic necessities. We encourage you as a volunteer to bring that little "extra". Ideas don't need to be big or cost any money. Often the most popular ideas for volunteers and amongst the children are arts 'n' craft activities, sports games, and dance, singing and music. Additionally, you may have a special skill or talent you can offer. One of our past volunteers knew how to sew and started vocational classes at her Home to teach teenage girls and boys skills they could use to get a job. The vocational classes are still going on today as the volunteer passed these skills onto local staff at the Home. Don't forget to consult your supervisor at your placement before introducing any new ideas. Please note, supplies/resources for any kind of activity you may want to take part in will not be supplied by the Children's Home.

Note: the type of work volunteers will perform is subject to the needs of the particular project they are placed at and their own experience and skills.
 

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Lecden-Kenya Eco-Volunteers is a leading kenya volunteer abroad organization dealing in international volunteer abroad placements in Kenya. We offer a variety of kenya volunteering programs which include: Community development and health, Teaching, Summercamp Volunteering in kenya, Gap year kenya voluntary work, Environmental sustainability & rehabilitation programs, Eco-tours & Safaris around Kenya, Adventure and Sports, Orphanages and Children homes programs, special need schools.We provide comprehensive fun-filled, thrilling & remorselessly unique experiences to volunteers & travelers through the ability to synergize volunteering with adventure which provides a platform for you to mix volunteering with a bit fun like, game-drives, safaris, camping etc You name it and we make your excursion memorable and wow don't forget about the clash-tourism program; where we link solo & group volunteers/ travelers with others from different nationalities.... We also boast of having experienced Program Directors thus giving us an extra-edge in the industry.

Our Volunteer Program is an immersion program customized for individual travelers, students, professionals, families, groups, or anyone with the desire to serve in local communities in Kenya. The timetable you travel, your village destination, and the projects you may be involved with are all aimed to improve volunteer skills and interests, cultural and social interactions as a global village and the community’s needs.

The program is collaboration between The Mara Link and local community-based organizations in under-privileged local communities. We are committed to meeting the needs of our partner communities, and to placing volunteers in programs that provide safe, interesting and fun experiences and internships.
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