We often struggle to run our programs and to raise funds from international donors. Many staff members are volunteers themselves and receive no or a very small salary. We urgently need support from our volunteers to work in funds-raising, proposal writing, organizational development, IT, administration, community development, reports, and case studies. It is also a great opportunity to meet people from around the
world who constantly visit us, and exchange experiences.
Your experience volunteering with us will not
only allow you to positively impact the world, but you will also have the
opportunity to become fully immersed in Kenyan culture. Currently, we have
projects ongoing in Nairobi, as well as in both the Kibera and Mathare Slums,
the counties of Kisii, Samburu, and Migori, etc.
Communication
Immediately you arrive, it is reassuring to know you’ll be able to contact home and keep in touch with staff and volunteers during your stay. Here are some tips on communicating in Kenya
Mobile phone- It is a good idea to have a mobile phone with you while you volunteer. They allow you to reassure your family and friends to know that you will be contactable. A local SIM card will usually offer much cheaper local and international rates than your SIM from home. You can buy a local SIM from many shops in Nairobi, and the Kenyan team or another volunteer can tell you where to go. Safaricom is the largest network provider in Kenya. You can buy or rent a handset after you arrive, or alternatively bring one with you. Some smartphones (including iPhones) will not accept SIMs from other companies, so please check before you travel.
Internet - The cheapest way to stay in touch with friends and family is via the Internet, email, social networks, and telecom services like Skype. Many volunteers also choose to write a travel blog, and volunteers who fundraise may have promised an email diary for their sponsors. There are two ways to access the internet in Nairobi: on the internet, Wifi in homestays, and cafes, or using a modem stick plugged into your laptop.
Climate and Weather
Like much of the rest of the world, Kenya's weather can vary widely. However, some obvious climatic patterns can tell you what to expect. There are two rainy seasons in Nairobi. The major rainy season generally falls between mid-March and the end of May. The minor rainy season generally falls between the beginning of November and the end of December. During these periods, you will see a fair amount of rain, especially in the evening and during the night.
July and August we usually rain-free, although they can be quite chilly, especially at night. Temperatures are fairly consistent throughout the year- around 20' C during the day and chilly in the evenings.
January and February are usually the hottest months.
It is safest to plan for the hot sun as well as pouring rain, whatever the month, a raincoat is necessary, as is sun cream. Remember that the sun is stronger on the equator
Clothes
There are a couple of things to bear in mind when packing clothes for Kenya. The first is the weather - it can vary quite a lot, so it is best to plan for hot sun and pouring rain. You will need to dress to protect yourself from the sun but also be prepared for rain. Here is a suggestion of what to bring;
Packing
Below are some suggestions about what to pack. Everything on these lists is essential or useful
Passport
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
Travel pillow
Towels
Toiletries and sanitary products. Consider bringing dry shampoo wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
Tours and Safaris
Weekends are made for exploring our country and Safaris ( Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for any safari outside Nairobi City like Masai Mara, and Samburu, they need at least 2 nights and 3 days to have enough experience). Safaris within Nairobi city or nearby can be explored for one day or two ( Saturday and Sunday). The organization is aware and more than happy to give you enough time to explore Kenya too because you are here to help at the same time make sure you experience Africa's lifestyle and culture. We will always give you time for that. In case you are also interested in safaris while volunteering us us, let us know to link you to our sister company that offers pocket-friendly Hotel reservations for weekend holidays, flight booking, Visa application, holiday vehicle arrangements, and travel insurance for our volunteers. It's a company that embarks on a thrilling adventure with Meaningful Travel, a premier travel company in Kenya, as we unveil our exciting lineup of upcoming tours and extraordinary destinations within this breathtaking East African gem. From the iconic savannahs of the Maasai Mara to the pristine beaches of the Kenyan coast, our meticulously crafted tours promise to immerse you in Kenya’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultures. Traverse the Great Rift Valley, witness the Big Five in their natural habitat, and engage with local communities in immersive cultural experiences. With Meaningful Travel, you’re not just exploring Kenya; you’re discovering its heart and soul. Join us on a transformative journey that showcases Kenya’s beauty and leaves you with memories to last a lifetime. Travel. dreams into reality.” The beautiful thing about booking a safari with us, all the cost recovery is donated back to the organization to keep one child in school. That is why we call it meaningful travel "traveling with a purpose".
Wish list
To prepare for your work here, there are a few things you can do. We kindly ask you to check if you have any school materials (Schoolbooks -written in English-, pencils, toys, notebooks, rubbers, etc.) or electronics (laptop, tablet, Camera for documentary, smartphone/phone) you no longer use.
Unfortunately, resources are minimal here in Kenya, and any support is much appreciated. Your old schoolbooks can be given a second life for a great cause!
Do you want to be a volunteer superstar? You can multiply your impact by setting up a fundraiser.
Necessities like food, school tuition, ongoing School construction, or healthcare require funds. We understand that you can’t do it all, but maybe your friends, family, or colleagues can help you to make your visit even more impactful. We assure you; that it will be everyone’s best-spent money! Need help or materials for
promotion? Let us know, and we will provide you with promotional materials or you can access them from our social media or Google Drive.
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