Location:

Nairobi, Kenya

Program Type:

Volunteer Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Work Types:

Arts, Education, Health, Social Services

Duration:

1-2 weeks, 3-4 weeks, 1-3 months, 4-6 months, 1 year

Program Overview

Program Description:

Kenya is an incredible country to experience. The country boasts some of the most stunning natural wonders in the world as well as a warm culture with a rich heritage. Participants stay with host families and are welcomed into the community and work with local organizations. Many of the programs are based in and around the city of Nakuru, a perfect base for a stay in Kenya. It is the fourth largest city in Kenya, located two and a half hours by bus northwest of Nairobi. The highlights of this rich farming area include the Menengai Crater, an extinct volcano from which you get stunning views of the famous Lake Nakuru as well as archeological sites of settlements that go back as much as 3000 years. But the greatest attraction here is Lake Nakuru National Park, second most visited park in Kenya and renowned for its astounding shallow soda lake, euphorbia and acacia forests, rocky cliffs and the huge variety of wild animals: lions, warthogs, buffaloes, gazelles, leopards, baboons, rhinos, hippos and dozens of species of birds. The city of Nakuru is home to lively bars, restaurants and cafes volunteers and interns can explore in their spare time.

UNICEF estimates that approximately 2.3 million children in Kenya are orphans. Many of these children move in with relatives after the deaths of their parents. Orphans are often put to work, denied the opportunity to attend school, and suffer physical abuse. Many run away or are forced out of the house. These children turn to the street or an orphanage for refuge. ELI works with orphanages in Nakuru, Nairobi and the base of Mt. Kenya as well as with day centers for street children in Nakuru. These organizations all place a large emphasis on the education and empowerment of the children. Volunteers at these organizations will assist with the daily tasks such as feeding the children, making sure everyone is clean and clothed properly, leading activities, helping with homework, and other tasks. Volunteers with this program will become an important part of the children's day while they are working with the organizations and may leave a lasting impact on the lives of the children.

Program Fees Include: *Pre-departure Support: ELI's staff is very knowledgeable and happy to help volunteers to prepare for their travels. *Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Nairobi and provided with transportation to their host family. *In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a two to three day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Kenya, a historical overview and introduction to culture, survival Swahili lessons, a morning safari in Lake Nakuru National Park, and visits to sites in Nairobi such as the US embassy which was bombed in 1998 and the elephant orphanage. *In-country Staff Support: ELI's Kenya coordinator has years of experience working with visitors to Kenya. She is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency. *Accommodations: Volunteers will stay with a local host family where they will be provided with a room and breakfast and dinner each day. By living with a family, volunteers will learn about the day to day rhythms of Kenyan life first hand as well as sample traditional meals not usually available in restaurants.

Setting Description:

Kenya inspires. Today, as for decades, nature lovers, wanderers, artists and writers are drawn to Kenya's dazzling wildlife, varied landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The snow capped peak of Mount Kenya overlooks the Rift Valley where thousands of zebras, wildebeest, and other animals make their yearly migration. The Rift Valley is home to a fantastic array of animals including elephants, lions, cheetahs, baboons, flamingos, and many more. The Rift Valley is also known as the cradle of humanity. Humanoid remains dating back 6 million years have been excavated on the shores of Lake Turkana. Pastoralist and agricultural tribes still live throughout Kenya, carrying on cultural traditions that date back thousands of years. And the Kenyan coast was home to Persian and Arab traders and continues to be a trading center of East Africa. These cultural and natural elements combine to create a fascinating country, ideal for a volunteer or internship experience. Even though the Kenyan e

Cost:

Cost varies. Please contact ELI ABROAD for details!