Location:

Nairobi, Kenya

Program Type:

Volunteer Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Work Types:

Education, Social Services

Duration:

1-3 months

Program Overview

Program Description:

Mombasa is home to more than 30,000 street children from all over Kenya, with many more orphaned by HIV/AIDS. By giving your support at a local rescue center, you could reach out to just some of these children and help put their lives back on track. This valuable project aims to rescue, rehabilitate, educate and relocate street children back to their families or relatives, so whilst at times this project may be challenging, you can be sure your hard work will be worthwhile.

This project encompasses a number of projects that aim to alleviate some of the difficult circumstances facing many young people living in Mombasa today. There are opportunities to work with children who have been abandoned; orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS; or whose families may be entrenched in poverty and unable to take care of them. Many of these children are street kids who receive care and education at rescue centers and children's homes. These projects exist to rescue, rehabilitate, educate and relocate children who have suffered great hardships as a result of poverty and difficult family backgrounds.

Due to the nature of the projects, life there will be full and varied. Work with children will involve an element of teaching, which will usually be English, but also maths, health education and any other areas you feel you can contribute to. For the older children you can get involved with developing vocational skills, such as craft work, sports and growing vegetables. You can also expect to assist with the day-to-day running of the projects, including cooking, preparing meals, cleaning and care work.

Setting Description:

Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya and is also the largest coastal port in East Africa. Mombasa has good transport connections and is well linked to the rest of the country. Facilities are good, with several banks, including Barclays, internet cafes, tour operators and most of the amenities you would expect from a city.