We are looking for volunteers to come and help in our community in Siaya, rural Kenya

Details

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  Description

  We are a non-government organization dedicated to empowering poverty stricken communities through education in rural Kenya. We currently have project in Siaya County, located in South Western Kenya. We have a primary day school with our organization. Our goal is to provide quality and equal education for all. The members of the communities in which we work are highly engaged with our projects as our founder, Bishop Fredrick, is originally from Siaya county and is active in involving members. Many of the children whom we work with are orphans, while others have parents earning less than $1 per day. We work with a widows group from our Uhembo branch who participate together in agriculture and artisan projects which they use the profits from to directly impact their community. These women do this by using the crops they grow from the farm to prepare school meals for the children in the schools as a part of our Meal Program. The widows group also sells the crops left over, as well as artisan products they make by hand. The profits generated from these sales are then shared with the community. We are currently working on growing more reliable and sustainable projects which community members can participate in to generate stable income. We are in need of people who can provide us with new ideas on how we can utilize our current resources and how we can expand our skill set to ensure our rural communities are growing effectively.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Elderly Companionship

  Teaching

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Farmstay help

  Babysitting and creative play

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Volunteers will have the experience of learning what it is like to live in a rural community while developing an understanding of Kenyan culture. Volunteers will stay in a guest house which is located in the middle of our community with our farm behind it and our school in front of it. Volunteers will be fully immersed into Kenyan culture through the position of the accommodation. Our volunteers would have the opportunity to learn new languages, (Kiswahili and Luo), while helping others to learn their own native language. Volunteers would be provided with an English speaking, local guide from the community who would help to show them where they can go on weekends, introduce them to members of the community, show them where to go for grocery shopping/ eating and educate them about how they can best adapt to the culture/ community. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to learn how to prepare local dishes. Through their volunteer work volunteers will have the experience of working directly with members of communities to understand what daily life is like for local people. In addition to their hours spent working, our volunteers will be provided with time outside of their project to build relationships and bond with members of the community.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  It is essential that you speak English for an effective collaboration. We are looking for people who can help in any of the following:
  
  Farming/ Gardening:
  At our Uhembo branch we have a small farm located behind the school. A group of widows work towards caring for this farm about 3 hours every day. We would like help in daily care of the farm whether it be during the planting or harvesting seasons. As we are looking for new ways to maximize our current resources we would appreciate volunteers who can provide suggestions and advice in farming techniques.
  
  
  Language Practice:
  Many of the members of our Uhembo branch speak little English as Luo and Kiswahili are the two languages mainly spoken. Interacting with a fluent English speaker will help with grow in their language skills and enhance their world opportunities.
  
  
  Help with computers/ internet:
  As our Uhembo branch is located in a very rural area, members of this community have extremely limited access to internet and minimal knowledge of how it functions. We are looking for individuals who can train members of our community in how to use the internet, especially our teachers so that they can educate their students. There is no Wifi at our location, but volunteers can acquire access to the internet through getting a Safaricom SIM which provides reasonably reliable connection throughout the country, including the rural areas.
  
  Art Project:
  We want give our students the opportunity to enhance their creativity. One of our challenges is the lack of supplies for creative activities. We are open to incorporating new activities for arts and crafts into our curriculum. Our widows group participates in creating many products to sell and generate income for their communities. We appreciate volunteers who can train our widows in using the resources in their environment to create artisan products which they can sell to generate income.
  
  
  Teaching:
  The students at our Uhembo branch are currently being taught by 3 teachers in all subjects. As our teachers many times have to teach different class levels at the same time and have minimal resources, they would greatly appreciate any assistance in the classroom. Volunteers can assist with classroom activities, arts and crafts, music activities, classroom management, and collaborative teaching with our classroom teachers.
  
  Charity Work:
  We would like our project to be connected with prospective sponsors and businesses. volunteers can also help with grant writing and connecting us with contacts who can help to positively impact our organization.
  
  
  Physical education activities/ sports:
  At this time our students do not have access to sports programs in their schools. We would appreciate volunteers who can play games with our students to help inspire their interest in physical education and team spirit.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Luo: Fluent
  Swahili (Kiswahili): Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  -Luo -Kiswahili
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  Accommodation

  Volunteer accommodation is located in the main house which is surrounded by the farm in the back, and the school in the front. The main house is used solely for our volunteers and guests as it can fit up to 6 people. The house is fully furnished and it is complete with beds, sheets, pillows, and mosquito nets. Like most rural Kenyan homes we use bucket showers to wash. We have electricity in the compound so you will have access to power for charging electronic devices, lamps, etc. We drink clean, treated rain water, but there is also bottled water which you can buy in shops nearby. We have a separate room for cooking where you can learn how to prepare traditional Kenyan dishes over a charcoal stove. We have a bathroom inside the compound as well as 3 toilets outside. We do not provide internet through Wifi on the compound, but you may buy an internet bundle (at the airport, in Nairobi, Kisumu, or at the local shops here). We suggest using Safaricom sim cards as they provide the best internet.

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  What else ...

  Places to visit during time off:
  1. Lake Kanyaboli National Reserve- the second largest ox-bow lake in Africa
  2. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum- learn about Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President while viewing artifacts from traditional Kenyan culture
  3. Kogelo Cultural Centre- Kogelo is the home town of Barack Obama. The centre shows what like for Obama in this area and educates visitors on traditional Luo culture
  4. Sauti Kuu Foundation Resource, Culture and Sports Centre- opened by Barack Obama to help young people uncover their fullest potential
  5. Ndanu Falls- scenic waterfalls located about 1 kilometer from Siaya Town- Great for scenic sights and bird watching
  6. El Molo Crocodile Park and Lodge- park which introduces the native species in the area and provides camping accommodation
  7. Uhanya Beach- part of Lake Victoria- enjoy water sports such as kayaking, boat rides, etc.
  8. Yala Swamp- over 100 species of birds inhabit this swamp including many different endangered species
  9. Got Ramogi Hill- It serves as a point of unification for the Luos who usually gather at the place to celebrate their cultural uniqueness
  
  Transportation:
  -motor bike
  -matatu
  -walking

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week