updated   Last minute

Contribute to creating a sustainable and resilient future for the Rusinga Island Community, Kenya

  • Last activity : 10 Feb 2025

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: No minimum

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Details

  • Description

    Description

    Hello Workawayers

    In a quiet corner of the countryside, where the land meet the lake, there is an Island called Rusinga. Rusinga Island, with an elongated shape approximately 10 miles (16 km) from end to end and 3 miles (5 km) at its widest point, lies in the eastern part of Lake Victoria at the mouth of the Winam Gulf. Part of Kenya, it is linked to Mbita Point on the mainland by the new Rusinga-Mbita bridge which replaced the old causeway. It is an excellent option when you are looking to unplug from the world and connect with nature. If you want your kids to put aside their phones and Ipads, for some quality time, then definitely head out here.

    In this beautiful and tranquil island, you'll Meet Daniel, a Climate activist, an award-winning Permaculture designer, Certified Educator and one of the Africa's leading Permaculture educators. Since my first Permaculture Design Course on 2014, I've been involved with permaculture projects and social movements and projects throughout East Africa and Europe (Spain and France). August 2019, I was recognised by the Royal Soil Syntropy of Curaçao, Netherlands as a leading figure in food forest(Syntropic Agroforestry)and awarded dual diplomas for excellence in education and food forest site design. Serving as a beacon to sustainability seamlessly integrating permaculture, syntropic agroforestry and Bringing back the lost Rusinga Island Forest as been part of my lifetime. My heart will only rest that day when I'll turn on the news and hear that there's peace in the world both with nature and with human.
    Over the last 10 years, it has been my pleasure Organising and Facilitating Permaculture Design Courses, Setting up food forests in schools, children's homes, hospitals etc and growing trees through "The Conservation and Regreening of the Major Hills of Rusinga Island, Institutions and Community Zones " an initiative to restore varieties of degraded lands at the island.

    Join me and help work together, honoring our traditions and wisdom, as we strive for a sustainable and just future for all. I am still out there speaking on behalf of our people and amazed at the opportunity to do so on an international level. Thank you those who stop and provide encouragement, exchange ideas, roll down there sleeves in pursuit of sustainable practices, get there legs and hands dirty and support and the good ol fashioned sense of enthusiasm.

    Ya’all are awesome. Ya'all are welcome

    Comments from previous amazing and wonderful Workawayers.

    "I found a wealth of information in Daniel's food forest class, I took it onsite and found it engaging and helpful. I left every class wanting more and feeling inspired!" - Michael Omondi

    "For so many years I was a haphazard gardener and suffered many more failures than successes. I now feel that I am a more informed gardener and learned to map out and plan our Food Forest in stages... I am so excited about it all because there will be all kinds of berries and currants in our lives again - can’t wait to share them with my grand children and not get too overwhelmed with it all." -
    Judith Mitchell


    "Our Permaculture Design course with Daniel was brilliant! Students varied from keen new gardeners to old hands and we all found such practical and applicable advise, wisdom and help. I feel completely ready to take a fresh look at how to establish our permaculture farm and I was stuck previously. I'm really grateful!"
    : Linet jackson


    Looking forward to having a Rusinga Island where the community creates food forest—a place where nature and agriculture blends seamlessly, providing an abundance of food while restoring the land to its natural glory.The agricultural framework of Permaculture sets forth a series of ethics, rules and principles and provides a toolbox of techniques that can be applied to any aspect of life. On an everyday basis, Permaculture principles and ethics provide guidance in living more sustainably, helping us make more conscious decisions around personal practices, encouraging cooperation over competition, integrating rather than separating, and the consideration of multiple factors in decision making - to highlight just a few Permaculture principles.
    These principles can not only restore our planet, but can also be integrated into practical, everyday life.


    "Alone a youth runs fast, with an elder slow, but together they go far".


    Having accepted to invite nature in my life, I laid in my heart a belief that change is a collective effort and that there was a need of joining hands with the like minded individuals. Our place was formed having me as the Director and Founder.The Center aims to create hope for future generations by demonstrating practical possibilities for reversing soil erosion, implementing land restoration, eco-construction, passion-based learning, local food security, and more. It is also a community for those who want to be part of practical solutions, embrace an alternative lifestyle, and create a welcoming environment for our inner nature. Our global ecosystem is in need of a peaceful restoration to address the twin environmental crises: biodiversity loss and climate change. Through knowledge exchange and capacity-building centered on permaculture principles, the Center (CCA&MC) exists to, from the ground up, help halt and reverse our collective detrimental impacts on the environment through hands-on, age-appropriate, and accessible education.

    "Tell me I forget, teach me and I remember, Involve me and I learn "

    We have a deep focus on Self-reliance for Rusinga Island communities, powered by the deep intention to live, work, dream, play and rest fully on the land. Rusinga Island must embark on the biggest period of change we have ever known. The community know what needs to change, but often don’t know what to do. We are pioneering new approaches to food, energy, housing and community, and now more than ever, we need to share that work and inspire a huge new wave of permaculture action across the world.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Charity Work
    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Farmstay help
    General Maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • Interests

    Interests

    Vegetarian or vegan
    Sustainability
    Farming
    Events & social
    Culture
    Charity work
    Plant care
    Gardening
    DIY & crafts
    Books
    Animals
    Water sports
    Mountain
    Camping
    Dancing
    Yoga / Wellness
    Outdoor activities
    Nature
    Hiking
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    You will have an opportunity to interact with the local Abasuba(luo) community and our beautiful environment here. The island is home to huge range of animals, notably the birds and some monkeys. You have a chance to eat our local fish such as omena, Nile perch and tilapia.
    You will be interacting with many locals, and living as we do. If you are looking for an authentic Kenyan experience during your time in our country

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

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

  • Help

    Help

    We're excited to invite passionate individuals, change-makers, and collaborators to join us in making a real impact. Whether you're an environmental enthusiast, a permaculture expert, or simply someone eager to contribute to positive change, we would be so grateful to have you on board.

    1. Volunteers will be an integral part of our conservation, reforestation, species monitoring and environmental education activities including Children Permaculture Design Courses, Women Permaculture Design Courses etc. We will work together on concrete projects that have a positive impact on the environment and the local community. They will be provided with ongoing training and support so that they can develop their skills and knowledge in the field of conservation.

    2. Natural Building Skills; We are looking forward to establishing an office and a space where one can experience living a sustainable lifestyle while connecting with nature, themselves, the otherness and the sacredness of life well eqquiped with different permaculture, food forest and ecosystem restoration books and some computers for online sessions.We prefer the Natural building method as it reconnects us with our roots, using local, sustainable materials to create beautiful, durable, and eco-friendly structures that harmonize with our surroundings. We are calling all eco-enthusiasts and green builders to Join us for the unparalleled bioconstruction experience.

    3. Permaculture and Syntropic agroforestry Concept ;We are currently on look for a volunteer who will help in taking the farm to the position where it should be. We're actively seeking volunteers who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty in the pursuit of sustainable practices. Your time and dedication can play a pivotal role in implementing permaculture and syntropic forestry initiatives that address climate change and uplift local communities. We have a 2 hactare Parma-farm having permaculture and syntropic forestry principles implented. This provide the best practical site during the onsite trainings and courses. Join us on-site and be a part of the hands-on transformation!

    4. Tree Nursery Establishment; We plan on establishing a Tree nursery so as to eliminate cost of purchasing seedlings so if you can get yourself any of these, either new or old, we will say a very big thank you
    . Porting bags, shade nets, drought resistant plant seeds, wheelbarrow, camera,

    5. Fundraising / Grant Writing ; We request to have a volunteer who will be responsible for writing funding proposals for the project. He/she will be responsible for sourcing for funding opportunities both local and international. He/She will report to the Executive Director. Based at the organization, volunteer will take the lead in writing grants and launch fundraising campaigns for our current programmes. Due to the size of our organisation, we do not fund salaries however we will pay the right candidate 5% commission for any grant secured up to a maximum amount to be agreed.

    6. Marketing / Networking ; As a growing and ambitious organization, we strive to get on a fast track with all our projects. Thus we are in need of marketing and networking for our organization and our projects both locally and internationally.

    7 Photography and Videography ; A volunteer with professional skills in Photography, filming and editing videos for organization programs . Hopefully sharing this on YouTube, develop a website and on our Facebook page would raise awareness among a larger number of people, increasing the opportunities for grants and donations

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    Luo: Fluent
    Swahili (Kiswahili): Intermediate
    French: Beginner

    This host offers a language exchange
    French, Portuguese

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Volunteers whether single or couple have a specific room, where you will be provided with bed and adequate beddings. We don’t have a shower as you are probably used to in your country. So to get clean, we boil water with pans what we use as hot water to wash ourselves.
    This is probably very interesting if you’ve never done it before 😇. Something else what might be new to you is our toilet. Clothes are washed by hand as we don’t have a washing machine either.

    With the host family you will be encouraged to eat local African dishes which most people find quite appetising.
    We provide three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner).

    Volunteers are free to cook and prepare meals to their standard choices, and they can give assistance in case of need and that is when you want too.

    Internet:

    Currently we do not have Wi-fi at our compound. Upon arrival in kenya, we recommend you purchase a safaricom line as it provides extremely superb services including internet access.

    Water:

    Tap water is used for washing and cooking and it’s free. For drinking it is best to buy water in the shop.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    We believe in a life/work balance, and because of this, we only ask for 5 hours per day M-F as a student/volunteer. Thereafter, you will have enough time to feel the the following attractions of Rusinga Island;

    - Rusinga Island Museum: It is a must-visit attraction on the island that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region including archaeological artifacts, traditional craft and exhibits on the pre historic discoveries made on the island. In collaboration with researchers and scientists, they help the local communities to promote understanding and protection of the island’s unique ecosystem and history.

    - Bird Watching; Rusinga Island is a paradise for bird watchers. The island is home for diverse range of bird species including several migratory birds. You can spot species such as African fish Eagles, kingfishers weavers, herons and many more. Bird Watching enthusiast can explore the wetlands, forest and shores of the island to observe these beautiful creatures.

    - Rusinga Island offers an opportunity to enjoy various water activities. You can go fishing, take boat rides or simply relax on the shores of the Lake enjoying the scenic beauty and the peaceful atmosphere.

    - Nature walks and Hiking: Rusinga island is blessed with lush green landscapes and scenic beauty. You can explore the island on foot and take nature walks to enjoy the tranquility and observe the local flora and fauna. Hiking and nature walks provides an excellent opportunity for nature photography. Remember to respect wildlife and their habitats while photographing.

    - Cultural Experiences: Rusinga island is habited by Luo Community. You will have an opportunity to experience our vibrant culture. You can interact with the local, learn about out traditions, enjoy dances and music performances, and savour authentic luo cuisine.

    - Ruma National Park, having diverse range of animals located 2 hours drive from the island.

    - Takawiri beach on the nearby islands

    - Interact with the Rusinga Island Mothers Of The Forest every fist and last Wednesdays of every month.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    WiFi connection not available

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    Parking space for any type of van for free

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    Cats and dogs

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

Host ref number: 754754614156

Website Safety

Feedback

Help in our school and discover the traditions and culture in Nairobi, Kenya
Support vulnerable children in need at our school in Mombasa, Kenya