About the Programs
On this amazing program volunteers work with centres providing care to children from poor families in either Mombasa or Diani Beach. In Mombasa the local team work closely with two schools in the community. One is a smaller children’s center with 25 children from ages 2-14 years where volunteers can assist with teaching the toddler’s class during the day and planning activities and trips out for the older children. The other option is a larger center and school with 38 vulnerable children and 200 students at the school. Here volunteers can run classes and activities in both the school and care centers. Both sites appreciate volunteers with experience in social work, counselling, construction, building, behavior management and working with special needs children.
The Diani Beach community-care center is situated around an hour from Mombasa. The center is run by a Reverend and has strong religious values. There are 58 children aged from 4-23 years at the center. Volunteers can be involved in teaching the youngest children, plan activities and trips, fundraise, complete construction projects, paint, clean, help with homework and chores. The children have formed a band and visit local hotels to raise money. Volunteers with musical knowledge could assist with this.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide essential childcare to vulnerable children
- Improve the future prospects of the children of Kenya
- Give impoverished children quality care, compassion and a sense of hope
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both locals and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
Volunteers play an essential role in helping disadvantaged children through this program. Participants will spend their time taking care of children and assist the local staff as needed. Volunteers will be busy working with the children, playing games and are encouraged to use their skills and interests to develop fun things for the children to do. The children supported by this project have been extremely disadvantaged by their circumstances and will have endured a great deal of hardship - much of it holding back their development. Volunteers will be supplying much-needed attention, compassion, hope, encouragement, support and love to vulnerable children. Volunteers support the children to become empowered to face the challenges of their life, poverty and possible exploitation.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways on this program and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Help to feed and care for the children
- Attend to and interact with the children
- Create activities and entertain the children with games and songs, etc
- Work in volunteer’s field of expertise such as counselling, construction, etc
- Teach younger children
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to assist in the ongoing support and development of marginalized and at-risk children of Kenya. This highly interactive and varied project does not require participants to have a background in the field of childcare, as there are many ways you can assist. However, volunteers with suitable education, qualifications or experience are highly sought after. Regardless, a volunteer’s individual role can often be tailored to suit their particular skills and interests. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
- Vaccination Certificate
Project Location
With some of the best beaches in the world, Mombasa is Kenya’s main tourist destination. It is located on the Eastern coastline of Kenya bordering the Indian Ocean. There is a tropical climate all year and the city is filled with many things to do during the day and at night.
Inscribed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2011, Fort Jesus is one of the oldest European buildings on the eastern coast of Africa. The ultimate in indestructible fortresses, it stands 15 meters (50ft) high on the seaward side, where it overlooks the entrance to the Old Harbor, and its stone walls are up to 2.5 meters (8ft) thick.
The Old Town, located around Fort Jesus is a great place to visit. This historic district has mostly been converted into souvenir shops and restaurants. A maze of alleys, many too narrow to allow motor traffic, the Old Town sprawls out either side of the Ndia Kuu Road. A nice place to explore on a Sunday when much of the city is closed down. Mombasa is a truly epic place to visit and be a volunteer!
Diani Beach is a fantastic long white beach with loads of water sports and primates to see. A night at ‘40 Thieves’ beach bar is a great place to hang out for a few tuskers (beers). From Mombasa you can catch the ferry from Mombasa town center across to Diani and then Matatu to the beach - approx. 1 hour travel time.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon arrival into Mombasa volunteers will be collected by a representative of the local project team and transported to the volunteer house accommodation where they will join a full orientation session where a representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience in Kenya. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Moi International Airport, Mombasa, Kenya (CODE: MBA)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this program are accommodated in a volunteer house, located in a safe and convenient suburb of Mombasa within a short commute to all the main attractions of this fascinating city. Rooms are shared and split by gender. Sheets and basic mosquito nets are provided so volunteers need only bring personal toiletry items.
Wifi is available onsite (limited use) but we recommend volunteers purchase a sim card with a data bundle on arrival. There are no hot showers as these are not common in Mombasa due to the climate. As with most parts of Africa, laundry facilities are basic and most volunteers simply use the services of a local laundromat.
While the accommodation is basic this is part of the challenge and experience of volunteering in a developing country. With a little patience and a flexible attitude you will quickly get used to your new surroundings. The volunteer house is well managed by the local team and there is an onsite ‘house mama’ to look after volunteers. A great home away from home and a wonderful base for your stay in Kenya!
Breakfast and dinner is provided at the volunteer house during the working week and 3 meals are provided if you are at your accommodation during weekends. Lunch on weekdays can be taken at small cafes or restaurants where you can try cheap and tasty local food. You are also free to buy bread and other snacks. The meals provided are mostly vegetarian, local cuisine. Conveniently, there is also a fridge and basic cooking facilities if volunteers would occasionally like to prepare their own meals. Easy!
There is a variety of public transport available in Mombasa, Bus (Matatu), Tuk Tuk and Motorcycle. It is not recommended to take motorcycles on highway routes or long distances.
If you opt to attend this program in Diani Beach, you will be billeted with one of our wonderful local host families who are experienced in hosting international volunteers. This will involve shared bedrooms and bathrooms. Please keep in mind that some will consist of squat toilets and bucket showers. Although most families have running water, hot water is still uncommon among local families in Kenya. Staying with a local Kenyan family is a great way to be truly immersed in the local culture.
Host families provide 2 meals per day (breakfast and dinner). Lunch is not included but is often taken at small cafes or restaurants where you can try cheap and tasty local food.
Fees
That’s just USD 26 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.