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Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan: Youth Volunteer Organization “Leadership” (LSM-01)

Dates

01/04/2022   -   01/04/2024

Feedback from 1 volunteers

Tags

Social
Educational
Study

Fee

USD 816 i Fee is paid in two installments:

USD 550 to be paid now.
EUR 250 is to be paid after acceptance.

Note: Total fee can vary depending on bank rates.
Close

Details on the project

Age
17 - 70
Max number of volunteers
4
Still room for
2 Male + 2 Female
Languages
English
Vegetarian food
Yes
Access with disability
Yes
Nearest airport
Bishkek (Frunze) (FRU)
Nearest bus/train station
We have small station near the parking in airport to join bus station Bishkek to Karakol. Find for more details in the Directions to Meeting point.
Map

Work

Desirable Skills:
• Website design
• Accounting
• Public Relations
• Media
You will be able to work in the following sphere of activities:
 Assist in the coordination of our youth volunteer and the organization of regular meetings as well as motivation and team-building activities.
 Participate in the organization and implementation of various events.
 Plan and implement short-term international volunteer projects and summer camps together with the program coordinator.
 Get involved in fundraising activities.
 Actively participate in our current projects.
 Hold language courses and discussion clubs.
 Create any PR materials for our organization: possibilities include booklets, mini clips, photo exhibitions, etc.

Accomodation and food

Accommodation: Volunteers will live with a local host family; they will provide a private room and all the necessary conveniences. You will join your host family for breakfast and dinner while lunch will be provided at the office with other members of the Leadership.

Location and leisure

Weekend Excursion: On the weekend volunteers will have an opportunity to visit Karakol town and see its sightseeing. Another option would be to hike up to the nearby Altyn Arashan health resort where you can enjoy natural hot springs.

Project hosted by

Leadership is a non-profit organization bringing together young volunteers with the mission of involving youth in civil society through volunteerism, project design, and cooperation both locally and internationally. Leadership was founded on November 1, 2005, as a youth volunteer organization under the auspices of the public association Leader, a center of civic society initiatives.

Directions to meeting point

We confirm the meeting place when we send the volunteer an invitation to participate in the camp.
From the airport to the avtovokzal in Bishkek (bus station)

Option 1: From the airport, you must go to the avtovokzal (or the bus station), where you will then get on a bus that goes to Karakol. From the airport, you can either take a marshrutka, which is a large van type of public transportation. When exiting the airport, this van will be to the right. There is a small sign with a van/bus on it where it comes. The marshrutka comes about every 30 minutes. The cost is standard 60 com. Just tell the driver avtovokzal" and he will tell you when you are there. The ride is about 20 to 30 minutes. Note: If you ask taxi drivers where the marshrutka is or when its coming, they will all tell you that it doesn’t exist or isn’t working that day to try and get you to take a taxi instead.

Option 2: Option 2 is to take a taxi from the airport to the avtovokzal. This is an easier but more expensive route. A taxi from the airport to the avtovokzal costs about 700 com (for the whole car). So if you plan to meet up with someone, you can share a cab for the price of 700 coms. If you share with a stranger however they will try to charge you 700 coms each. For this option, people usually just hire the entire cab for 800 coms and it will take you straight to the avtovokzal. Note: You must haggle and bargain for taxi's. 800 is the usual price, but they will try to charge foreigners as much as up to 2,000 com and try to get away with that price. You must say 700 com and be confident and walk away if (when) they say no. The taxi driver will then say okay and take the 700, or walk away and find another taxi driver. With a taxi the trip is about 20 minutes.

From the avtovokzal (bus stop) in Bishkek to Karakol:

Option 1: At the bus stop in Bishkek, there are a line of about 15 marshrutka's (large van like types of transportation) each with its own destination. The second van goes to Karakol. It will be parked in the second spot underneath the sign that says Karakol. The standard price is 400 com (no aggling/negotiating required) and it will take you to the bus stop in Karakol. The entire trip is around 6 hours, and it stops half way through at a rest area where people can use the bathroom and grab a snack or bite to eat. If you have to go to the bathroom before then, just ask the driver to stop and they will stop on the side of the road (or a public outhouse if you are very lucky and there is one near). They often have them at gas stations so if you are shy about going behind a bush, tell the driver to stop at the next gas station with a toilet (which will be an outhouse).

Option 2: The second option is a taxi. Some haggling is again required (they won't try to rip you off as much as at the airport, but they might say a price several hundred com above the normal price). Again say you know the price is 600 and they will usually agree to that price. However, in the summer it can be around 600 com and sometimes even up to 700 com. Step wagons (cars with 7 seats) will cost about 600 com, where a car with only 4 seats will cost about 600 coms. Aim for 600, as it is possible. As above, the trip is about 6 hours, maybe slightly faster (I usually take the marshrutka as there isn't much of a difference but its cheaper). The taxi will also stop half way through at a rest stop and will stop alongside the road if you say you need to go to the bathroom (men will just turn away from the road several meters behind the taxi, where women will find a bush to hide behind when a bathroom stop is needed).

Note: Some taxi drivers will drop you off at the avtovokzal in karakol (same as option 1), but some will take you straight to your home address (for no additional cost). This is something that must be negotiated before you leave. Simply ask the driver if they will drive you to the avtovokzal, or all the way to your home.

Additional comments

Why Kyrgyzstan?

We offer unique opportunity for people who are not afraid of travel hardships, adventures, who enjoy hiking, kayaking, swimming in the lake, living in yurt, camping in the mountains and learning new culture and languages.

Our organization is flexible in receiving couples, friends, not upper-limit aged people.

Note: A volunteer is requested to have basic skills working with disabled people, as well as basic Russian or Kyrgyz language skills. New methods/approaches are always welcomed.

Requirements

Program Requirements
Language: Though the working language of international volunteers is English, at least basic knowledge of Russian is recommended to communicate efficiently with local volunteers and staff members of the organization. Beginner’s Russian/Kyrgyz language lessons are provided in the participation fee. Knowledge of other world languages is welcome; this will enable you to hold language courses with local volunteers and other youth in Karakol.

Other skills: To participate in the program you are expected to have past experience with volunteer work, working as a part of a team, and depending on which project, working with teenagers. For certain projects, it is recommended to bring literature and CDs with language teaching programs. We also expect you to be motivated and to actively participate in your own program’s implementation and evaluation process.

Duration of the Program and Your Schedule
To be admitted you must be able to participate for at least one month while the maximum period of involvement is one year. Your work will range from 6 to 8 hours per day, depending on a mutual agreement and the needs of the host organization. Normally volunteers work Monday through Friday, though special events and activities sometimes require their presence during weekends.

Note: We welcome all volunteers who are enthusiastic, creative, and motivated to work with orphan children. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted during the camp or at the accommodation venues. Smoking is not allowed while volunteers are with children.

Insurance: Volunteers should come with their health and accident insurance.

South Africa South Africa: SAVWA Sustainable Permaculture Gardening (0074)

Dates

02/10/2023   -   16/10/2023

Feedback from 3 volunteers

Tags

Agricultural
Environmental
Study

Fee

USD 827 i Fee is paid in two installments:

USD 550 to be paid now.
EUR 260 is to be paid after acceptance.

Note: Total fee can vary depending on bank rates.
Close

Details on the project

Age
16 - 99
Max number of volunteers
5
Still room for
2 Male + 3 Female
Languages
English
Vegetarian food
Yes
Access with disability
Yes
Nearest airport
Johannesburg (JNB)
Nearest bus/train station
O.R. Tambo International Airport

Work

Type of Work: The South Africa Volunteer Work Camp Association (SAVWA) Sustainable Permaculture Gardening Project is a community lead innovative to encourage young people to promote low environmental impact living and eco-friendly practices. The emphasis is on the development of and to practice self-sustaining environmental awareness for climate change and sustainable living. We have seen the impact we have had on the environment and what better ways to be able to live sustainably.

Volunteer Tasks: Volunteers will have an opportunity to get hands on training from relevant training personnel from our organisation and also some community based organisations working with the people on permaculture gardening.

We will have voluntary work at our community center where various activities will be conducted. Volunteers are encouraged to bring an open mind as we will have various activities to keep them busy for the work camp period.

Accomodation and food

Soshanguve, Pretoria

What to bring: Sleeping bag, mosquito spray/lotion, sandals, shoes are advisable. Warm clothes at night, as it may turn out to be chilly; Torch or flash light and arts and cultural items.

Accommodation: Accommodation will be in a house and venue of activities in Soshanguve. Participants will be required to bring their own sleeping bags. The accommodation has a simple bathroom with shower and there is running water. The accommodation and work place have flushing toilets and do have electricity.

Language: The community has multi-cultural people and English is mostly spoken with local languages such as Ndebele, Zulu, and other local languages

Location and leisure

Leisure Activities: The Weekend is meant to be for free tours that the group can organize by themselves at their own expense. All our work camps are reserved for cultural nights when each volunteer can present her/his country and culture.

Requirements: Qualification of participants: Open minded, ready to interact with other people of different cultural background - Positive attitude - Willing to share his/her experiences - Flexible to live/stay in simple living conditions - Flexible to eat local food - No experience needed at all.

Project hosted by

The South Africa Volunteer Work Camp Association (SAVWA) will contribute towards the development of South African communities both urban and rural through local, national, regional and international volunteers to work together towards the cultural, economic, socio-political well-being of young people and marginalised persons or groups through empowerment work camps programs and promotion of sustainable development.

The South Africa Volunteer Work Camp Association shall work and collaborate with other Volunteer driven organisation, Regional Work Camp Associations, and organisations.

South Africa Volunteer Work Camp Association is a member of Southern African Workcamp Cooperation (SAWC), Partner with Service Civil International (SCI), Full member of Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS) and Partner Member of Alliance if European Voluntary Service Organisations.

Aims and Objectives
- To conduct voluntary based work camps and community driven development programmes in South Africa nationally throughout the year and regional and internationally throughout the world participation.
- To conduct capacity building training and skills development for young people.
- To facilitate youth exchange for volunteers North to South, South to North, and South to South volunteer driven work camps exchanges and developmental programmes.
- To establish a volunteer work camp site in South Africa self-sustaining and youth-oriented establishment.

Directions to meeting point

Book your tickets to OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa

Take the Gautrain from OR Tambo International Airport located upstairs of the Arrival Lounge to Pretoria station. Purchase a train card once you exit the airport to follow online on www.gautrain.co.za This is a world class train safe and reliable.

You will change train at Marlboro station take train going towards Pretoria station on Platform A. Once a Pretoria station just wait for SAVWA official to pick you up.

Please reserve a small amount of money for transport to the camp and vice-verse. We advise all volunteers to ask for advice from us when they are planning to book their ticket to Pretoria and let us know of their date of arrival and departure.

Additional comments

work camp participation fee is strictly Euro 260 and this covers simple accommodation, food and project expenses office running/administrative expenses, certificate of participation during the camp, communication prior to, during and after the camp. Please note that this does not include travel expenses to and from the camp, pick up from airport so participants are asked to reserve a small amount of money for transport to the camp and vice-verse. We advise all volunteers to ask for advice from us when they are planning to book their ticket to Pretoria.

Requirements

The work camp participation fee is strictly Euro 260 and this covers simple accommodation, food and project expenses office running/administrative expenses, certificate of participation during the camp, communication prior to, during and after the camp. Please note that this does not include travel expenses to and from the camp, pick up from airport so participants are asked to reserve a small amount of money for transport to the camp and vice-verse. We advise all volunteers to ask for advice from us when they are planning to book their ticket to Pretoria.

Kenya Kenya: MIWANI PRIMARY SCHOOL (KVDA/STV/10A)

Dates

02/10/2023   -   23/10/2023

Feedback from 8 volunteers

Tags

Children
Educational
Manual Work

Fee

USD 870 i Fee is paid in two installments:

USD 550 to be paid now.
EUR 300 is to be paid after acceptance.

Note: Total fee can vary depending on bank rates.
Close

Details on the project

Age
16 - 99
Max number of volunteers
20
Still room for
8 Male + 12 Female
Languages
English
Vegetarian food
Yes
Access with disability
Yes
Nearest airport
Nairobi (NBO)
Nearest bus/train station
Airport pick-up services: • The port of entry to Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi • Airport pick up will be done on provision of full flight details. • Volunteers will stay at Nairobi South YMCA Hostel at a subsidized fees ahead of their project placement.
Map

Work

Manual work and Intercultural activities:
• Teaching Mathematics, English & Social studies
• Sports & games activities
• Community meetings participation
• Community development
• Identifying weak students and focusing on their potential strengths
• Translation of thematic focus of the project together with the local people

Accomodation and food

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
• Volunteers will stay in classrooms at the School with very basic living conditions. Volunteers have an obligation to climb down the level of the people with the aim of exposure to development challenges.
• KVDA will provide foodstuffs and volunteers will cook their own meals in turns. Water is available from springs and it is recommended that drinking water should be boiled or medicated. Mineral water available at supermarkets is also recommended.
• The Government policy to install ICT in primary schools has seen connectivity to the national power grid for most educational institutions in Kenya and this makes it easy for volunteers to use electric appliances while at the project.
• Furthermore, we invite you to bring typical food, spices, drinks, games and music from your country (for an intercultural evening) – and a lot of motivation!

Location and leisure

EDUCATIONAL TOURS
KVDA offers educational tours to spectacular sites including the renowned Maasai Mara Game Reserve at separate fees. Please contact us for specific tour information.

Project hosted by

Project overview
• Miwani Primary School is in the north coast, situated in Miwani village, Ganda location in Malindi Constituency. It is a community school run by Maziwani Primary School with the full support of both the community and the local government.
• Miwani has 158 pupils with a team of 9 teachers who work under very difficult and appalling situation in order to educate these kids. The village has a population of about 1000 people respectively.
• The school was established in 2011 following the need to start another school given that the population had increased and the other public schools were a distance away. As it were, a few structures were set up with the help of local government and the school began running.
• The school is in the heart of the village and enjoys serenity and tranquility of nature. However, most community members lack education thus is faced with a lot of economic hardships and poverty as a result. Therefore, the support extended to the school remains minimal considering the life challenges that they undergo.
• In order to seal this gap, Mafanikio Community Based Organization has partnered with the school, local government and the county government in order to provide intervention measures to improve the school infrastructure, provision of learning instructional materials, international volunteer services and school feeding program as a way of providing a conducive learning environment.
Project description
The project has short- and long-term goals that shall ensure that it stands on its own after a span of two years. The goals include;
• Teaching Mathematics, English & Social studies
• Sports & games activities
• Community meetings participation
• Community development
• Identifying weak students and focusing on their potential strengths
• Assisting the head teacher in admin work
The short-term goals include;
1. Providing furniture to the teachers (tables & chairs)
2. Construction of 3 Toilets
The long term goals;
1. Borehole
2. Classrooms and
3. Fence
The government has pledged to construct two classrooms in aid of school development. As a way of supporting the school, the local government together with other stakeholders shall organize for a fundraising for another classroom in December 2017.
Project activities
· Offering teaching services to the children especially in Mathematics, English & Science
· Organizing educational trips and talent show activities
· Helping out in the poultry project (management & operation) and to
some extent manual work
· Supporting school administration

Directions to meeting point

Volunteers will be picked up at the arrivals terminal and taken to the accommodation ahead of their placement.

In the unlikely event of delays, kindly contact KVDA on mobile telephone number +254721650357

Kindly do not take taxis at the airport as KVDA has the responsibility to effect airport transfers on arrival to Kenya and return back home.

Additional comments

THEME: HIV Stigma and discrimination in Kenya
• Even though awareness of HIV and AIDS in Kenya is high, many people living with the virus still face stigma and discrimination. Studies have shown that although people are aware of the basic facts about HIV and AIDS, many are not informed of the most in-depth knowledge that addresses issue of stigma.
• One report revealed that of healthcare facilities that have policies to protect people living with HIV against discrimination, only a third admitted to implementing such policies. People are still afraid to disclose their status and will often avoid health centers that provide HIV services from fear of being seen by neighbours or community members.
• Homosexuality is illegal in Kenya and therefore men who have sex with men face a high level of stigma and discrimination. In an attempt to find out to what extend HIV is affecting the gay community, a census for homosexuals would be the most effective methodology but with homosexual still illegal, it is unlikely to have the statistics to reflect the reality of HIV within the gay and lesbian community.
• Poverty is a major issue in the local community and is directly linked to the spread of HIV/AIDS because poverty drives HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS drives poverty. This highlights the need for a multifaceted response to both problems, but particularly to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
• Both these problems disproportionately affect women and youth. The goal is to try and enable the local members address community issues, thus enhancing the economic and social empowerment of women and youth for poverty reduction in Gideon Mosi, and linking this with activities to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. These activities will also help strengthen rural community and their local economies. In the process being able to improve access to quality education for school children
• The volunteers will be required to join hands together with community members in addressing the theme of the camp in order to empower the community to coming up with a more pro-active way of enhancing the academic development of community children.

Requirements

What to carry?
This is outlined in the detailed info sheet and includes, sleeping bag and mat, toiletries, torch/flashlight, sandals, mosquito net, national flag from your country, among others
DONATION AND GIFTS:
These are usually symbolic gestures to enhance the solidarity of volunteers and the hosting community. Kindly contact KVDA for details in case you are willing to support a worthy cause in the community either by offering a donation or long-term intervention on the project.

South Africa South Africa: SAVWA Climate Justice Work Camp (0075)

Dates

03/11/2023   -   17/11/2023

Feedback from 3 volunteers

Tags

Educational
Environmental
Social

Fee

USD 827 i Fee is paid in two installments:

USD 550 to be paid now.
EUR 260 is to be paid after acceptance.

Note: Total fee can vary depending on bank rates.
Close

Details on the project

Age
16 - 99
Max number of volunteers
6
Still room for
3 Male + 3 Female
Languages
English
Vegetarian food
Yes
Access with disability
Yes
Nearest airport
Johannesburg (JNB)
Nearest bus/train station
O.R. Tambo International Airport

Work

Type of Work: The South Africa Volunteer Work Camp Association (SAVWA) Climate Justice Work Camp is an initiative to encourage our younger generation to realise the rising climate change our world is experiencing.

Volunteer Tasks: Volunteers will have an opportunity to get hands on tasks from they will set in addressing climate justice in our community of Soshanguve, through advocacy, clean up campaign and various methods to get our message out.

We will have various community interactions and work on various activities within the local community. Volunteers are encouraged to bring an open mind as we will have various activities to keep them busy for the work camp period.

Accomodation and food

What to bring: Sleeping bag, mosquito spray/lotion, sandals, shoes are advisable. Warm clothes at night, as it may turn out to be chilly; Torch or flash light and arts and cultural items.

Accommodation: Accommodation will be in a house and venue of activities in Soshanguve. Participants will be required to bring their own sleeping bags. The accommodation has a simple bathroom with shower and there is running water. The accommodation and workplace have flushing toilets and do have electricity.

Language: The community has multi-cultural people and English is mostly spoken with local languages such as Ndebele, Zulu, and other local languages

Location and leisure

Leisure Activities: The Weekend is meant to be for free tours that the group can organize by themselves at their own expense. All our work camps are reserved for cultural nights when each volunteer can present her/his country and culture.

Requirements: Qualification of participants: Open minded, ready to interact with other people of different cultural background - Positive attitude - Willing to share his/her experiences - Flexible to live/stay in simple living conditions - Flexible to eat local food - No experience needed at all.

Project hosted by

The South Africa Volunteer Work Camp Association (SAVWA) will contribute towards the development of South African communities both urban and rural through local, national, regional and international volunteers to work together towards the cultural, economic, socio-political well-being of young people and marginalised persons or groups through empowerment work camps programs and promotion of sustainable development.

The South Africa Volunteer Work Camp Association shall work and collaborate with other Volunteer driven organisation, Regional Work Camp Associations, and organisations.

South Africa Volunteer Work Camp Association is a member of Southern African Workcamp Cooperation (SAWC), Partner with Service Civil International (SCI), Full member of Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS) and Partner Member of Alliance if European Voluntary Service Organisations.

Directions to meeting point

Book your tickets to OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa

Take the Gautrain from OR Tambo International Airport located upstairs of the Arrival Lounge to Pretoria station. Purchase a train card once you exit the airport to follow online on www.gautrain.co.za This is a world class train safe and reliable.

You will change train at Marlboro station take train going towards Pretoria station on Platform A. Once a Pretoria station just wait for SAVWA official to pick you up.

Please reserve a small amount of money for transport to the camp and vice-verse. We advise all volunteers to ask for advice from us when they are planning to book their ticket to Pretoria and let us know of their date of arrival and departure.

Requirements

The work camp participation fee is strictly Euro 260 and this covers simple accommodation, food and project expenses office running/administrative expenses, certificate of participation during the camp, communication prior to, during and after the camp. Please note that this does not include travel expenses to and from the camp, pick up from airport so participants are asked to reserve a small amount of money for transport to the camp and vice-verse. We advise all volunteers to ask for advice from us when they are planning to book their ticket to Pretoria.

Kenya Kenya: OLOISUKUT GROUP CONSERVANCY (KVDA/STV/11A)

Dates

06/11/2023   -   27/11/2023

Feedback from 8 volunteers

Tags

Environmental
Educational
Manual Work

Fee

USD 870 i Fee is paid in two installments:

USD 550 to be paid now.
EUR 300 is to be paid after acceptance.

Note: Total fee can vary depending on bank rates.
Close

Details on the project

Age
16 - 99
Max number of volunteers
20
Still room for
8 Male + 12 Female
Languages
English
Vegetarian food
Yes
Access with disability
Yes
Nearest airport
Nairobi (NBO)
Nearest bus/train station
Airport pick-up services: • The port of entry to Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi • Airport pick up will be done on provision of full flight details. • Volunteers will stay at Nairobi South YMCA Hostel at a subsidized fees ahead of their project placement.
Map

Work

Manual work and Intercultural activities:
• Tree planting
• Renovation of school classrooms and painting at the institution
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
• The theme of Discussion: Environmental conservation
• Visits to Schools and homes in the neighbourhood
• Sports with pupils and local Maasai community
• Learning the Maasai culture and adventure within the Maasai Mara Game Reserve

Accomodation and food

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
• Volunteers will stay in a homestead provided by the local people with very basic living conditions.
• Volunteers have an obligation to climb down the level of the people with the aim of exposure to development challenges.
• KVDA will provide foodstuffs and volunteers will cook their own meals in turns. Water is available from springs and it is recommended that drinking water should be boiled or medicated.
• Mineral water available at supermarkets is also recommended.
• The Government policy to install ICT in primary schools has seen connectivity to the national power grid for most educational institutions in Kenya and this makes it easy for volunteers to use electric appliances while at the project.
• Furthermore, we invite you to bring typical food, spices, drinks, games and music from your country (for an intercultural evening) – and a lot of motivation!

Location and leisure

EDUCATIONAL TOURS
KVDA offers educational tours to spectacular sites including the renowned Maasai Mara Game Reserve at separate fees. Please contact us for specific tour information.

Project hosted by

Project overview
The Maasai Mara National Reserve (also known as Masai Mara and by the locals as The Mara) is a large game reserve in Narok County, Kenya, contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Mara Region, Tanzania. It is named in honor of the Maasai people (the ancestral inhabitants of the area) and their description of the area when looked at from afar: "Mara," which is Maa (Maasai language) for "spotted," an apt description for the circles of trees, scrub, savanna, and cloud shadows that mark the area.
It is globally famous for its exceptional population of Masai lions, African leopards and Tanzanian cheetahs, and the annual migration of zebra, Thomson's gazelle, and wildebeest to and from the Serengeti every year from July to October, known as the Great Migration.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is only a fraction of the Greater Mara Ecosystem, which includes the following Group Ranches: Koiyaki, Lemek, Ol Chorro Oirowua, Olkinyei, Siana, Maji Moto, Naikara, Ol Derkesi, Kerinkani, Oloirien, and Kimintet

Directions to meeting point

Volunteers will be picked up at the arrivals terminal and taken to the accommodation ahead of their placement.

In the unlikely event of delays, kindly contact KVDA on mobile telephone number +254721650357

Kindly do not take taxis at the airport as KVDA has the responsibility to effect airport transfers on arrival to Kenya and return back home.

Additional comments

THEME: Environmental CONSERVATION
• Environmental management and rehabilitation strategies are essential in Kenya, as 70 percent of the country’s workers are employed in agriculture. In addition to this, eco-tourism makes up nearly 20 percent of the country’s GDP.
• Despite Kenya’s economic reliance on environmental health, 80 percent of the country’s land is arid or semi-arid. Only a small percentage of land is suitable for growing crops, and even these fertile areas are fragile. With poor agricultural management, the top soil is easily washed away.
• Kenya’s poorest are the most likely to live in arid regions. Poverty cyclically increases with the scarcity of productive soil, clean water, effective sanitation and market opportunities. Without these critical resources, the poor are unable to improve their livelihoods.
• Environmental conservation in Kenya is key to its development. While enforcing conservation is challenging due to population pressures, raising public awareness of environmental issues could also raise support for such measures.
• As smallholder farmers seek arable land, they encroach on Kenya’s indigenous forests. Because of Kenya’s richness in non-timber forest products such as medicinal plants, essential oils and beeswax, the destruction of its forests harms both its wildlife and its economy. Conserving the forests is pivotal to protecting both Kenya’s resources and its 50 endangered species.
• The beautiful mangrove forests and coral reefs that line Kenya’s Indian Ocean border are also a substantial form of revenue for the country, providing both ecotourism destinations and ecosystem services.
• To further promote the ecological perspective of Kenya’s government, the Nature Conservancy and the Northern Rangelands Trust have collaborated to develop community conservancies in the northern semi-arid grasslands.
• These conservancies cover 3 million hectares, within which over 200,000 people from 17 different ethnic tribes reside. They strive to help Kenyan communities engage in environmental conservation.

Requirements

What to carry?
This is outlined in the detailed info sheet and includes, sleeping bag and mat, toiletries, torch/flashlight, sandals, mosquito net, national flag from your country, among others
DONATION AND GIFTS:
These are usually symbolic gestures to enhance the solidarity of volunteers and the hosting community. Kindly contact KVDA for details in case you are willing to support a worthy cause in the community either by offering a donation or long-term intervention on the project.

South Africa South Africa: International Volunteer Day Month (0076)

Dates

01/12/2023   -   15/12/2023

Feedback from 3 volunteers

Tags

Study
Children
Social

Fee

USD 827 i Fee is paid in two installments:

USD 550 to be paid now.
EUR 260 is to be paid after acceptance.

Note: Total fee can vary depending on bank rates.
Close

Details on the project

Age
16 - 99
Max number of volunteers
6
Still room for
3 Male + 3 Female
Languages
English
Vegetarian food
Yes
Access with disability
Yes
Nearest airport
Johannesburg (JNB)
Nearest bus/train station
O.R. Tambo International Airport

Work

Recognition of 5th December (World Volunteer Day) to recognise all the valuable volunteers in our community and organisation at large


Volunteer Tasks: The work camp activities will include community work in and around Pretoria and includes working with children and also voluntary services to the community of Soshanguve.
We will honour our volunteers for the month with one special day activity dedicated to all volunteers for the year

Accomodation and food

What to bring: Sleeping bag, sun cream, mosquito spray/lotion, sandals, working gloves and closed shoes are advisable. Rain coat, light working clothes during working hours and warm clothes at night, as it may turn out to be chilly; Torch or flash light;

Accommodation: Accommodation will be in a home, Pretoria. Participants will be required to bring their own sleeping bags. The accommodation has a simple bathroom with shower and there is running water. The accommodation and work place have flushing toilets and do have electricity.

Language: The community has multi-cultural people and English is mostly spoken with local languages such as Ndebele, Zulu, and other local languages

Location and leisure

Leisure Activities: The Weekend is meant to be for free tours that the group can organize by themselves at their own expense. All our work camps are reserved for cultural nights when each volunteer can present her/his country and culture.

Requirements: Qualification of participants: Open minded, ready to interact with other people of different cultural background - Positive attitude - Willing to share his/her experiences - Flexible to live/stay in simple living conditions - Flexible to eat local food - No experience needed at all.

Project hosted by

Book your tickets to OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa

Take the Gautrain from OR Tambo International Airport located upstairs of the Arrival Lounge to Pretoria station. Purchase a train card once you exit the airport to follow online on www.gautrain.co.za This is a world class train safe and reliable.

You will change train at Marlboro station take train going towards Pretoria station on Platform A. Once a Pretoria station just wait for SAVWA official to pick you up.

Please reserve a small amount of money for transport to the camp and vice-verse. We advise all volunteers to ask for advice from us when they are planning to book their ticket to Pretoria and let us know of their date of arrival and departure

Directions to meeting point

Book your tickets to OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa

Take the Gautrain from OR Tambo International Airport located upstairs of the Arrival Lounge to Pretoria station. Purchase a train card once you exit the airport to follow online on www.gautrain.co.za This is a world class train safe and reliable.

You will change train at Marlboro station take train going towards Pretoria station on Platform A. Once a Pretoria station just wait for SAVWA official to pick you up.

Please reserve a small amount of money for transport to the camp and vice-verse. We advise all volunteers to ask for advice from us when they are planning to book their ticket to Pretoria and let us know of their date of arrival and departure.

Requirements

The work camp participation fee is strictly Euro 260 and this simple accommodation, food and project expenses office running/administrative expenses, certificate of participation during the camp, covers communication prior to, during and after the camp. Please note that this does not include travel expenses to and from the camp, pick up from airport so participants are asked to reserve a small amount of money for transport to the camp and vice-verse. We advise all volunteers to ask for advice from us when they are planning to book their ticket to Pretoria

Kenya Kenya: SHIMBA HILLS FOREST GUIDES ASSOCIATION (SHIFOGA) (KVDA/STV/12A)

Dates

04/12/2023   -   20/12/2023

Feedback from 8 volunteers

Tags

Environmental
Educational
Social

Fee

USD 870 i Fee is paid in two installments:

USD 550 to be paid now.
EUR 300 is to be paid after acceptance.

Note: Total fee can vary depending on bank rates.
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Details on the project

Age
16 - 99
Max number of volunteers
20
Still room for
8 Male + 12 Female
Languages
English
Vegetarian food
Yes
Access with disability
Yes
Nearest airport
Nairobi (NBO)
Nearest bus/train station
Airport pick-up services: • The port of entry to Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi • Airport pick up will be done on provision of full flight details. • Volunteers will stay at Nairobi South YMCA Hostel at a subsidized fees ahead of their project placement.
Map

Work

Manual work and Intercultural activities:
• Conservation activities
• Tree planting and farming
• Undertake basic research on World heritage

Accomodation and food

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
• Volunteers will stay in a homestead provided by the local people with very basic living conditions.
• Volunteers have an obligation to climb down the level of the people with the aim of exposure to development challenges.
• KVDA will provide foodstuffs and volunteers will cook their own meals in turns.
• Water is available from springs and it is recommended that drinking water should be boiled or medicated. Mineral water available at supermarkets is also recommended.
• The Government policy to install ICT in primary schools has seen connectivity to the national power grid for most educational institutions in Kenya and this makes it easy for volunteers to use electric appliances while at the project.
• Furthermore, we invite you to bring typical food, spices, drinks, games and music from your country (for an intercultural evening) – and a lot of motivation!

Location and leisure

EDUCATIONAL TOURS
KVDA offers educational tours to spectacular sites including the renowned Maasai Mara Game Reserve at separate fees. Please contact us for specific tour information.

Project hosted by

Project overview
Shimba Hills Forest Guides Association (SHIFOGA) is a group comprising of local youths who came together to support eco-tourism at the Shimba Hills National Reserve. The group formed in 2004 is involved in guiding tourists through the reserve in addition to other environmental conservation activities.
Mission: To actively participate in conservation endeavors of the Shimba Hills and to sensitize the locals on the benefits of the reserve.
Vision: To have a conservation conscious community
Project activities
Tour guiding in the Shimba Hills National Reserve and also the SHIFOGA Forest Nature Trail; Tree planting and the ongoing maintenance of tree nurseries; Management and maintenance of the local sanitation program (public toilet); Bee keeping and butterfly farming; Creation and continuity of school education programs

Directions to meeting point

Volunteers will be picked up at the arrivals terminal and taken to the accommodation ahead of their placement.

In the unlikely event of delays, kindly contact KVDA on mobile telephone number +254721650357

Kindly do not take taxis at the airport as KVDA has the responsibility to effect airport transfers on arrival to Kenya and return back home.

Additional comments

THEME: Preservation, Restoration, Protection and Promotion of the World Heritage
• Environmental management and rehabilitation strategies are essential in Kenya, as 70 percent of the country’s workers are employed in agriculture. In addition to this, eco-tourism makes up nearly 20 percent of the country’s GDP.
• Despite Kenya’s economic reliance on environmental health, 80 percent of the country’s land is arid or semi-arid. Only a small percentage of land is suitable for growing crops, and even these fertile areas are fragile. With poor agricultural management, the top soil is easily washed away.
• Kenya’s poorest are the most likely to live in arid regions. Poverty cyclically increases with the scarcity of productive soil, clean water, effective sanitation and market opportunities. Without these critical resources, the poor are unable to improve their livelihoods.
• Environmental conservation in Kenya is key to its development. While enforcing conservation is challenging due to population pressures, raising public awareness of environmental issues could also raise support for such measures.
• As smallholder farmers seek arable land, they encroach on Kenya’s indigenous forests. Because of Kenya’s richness in non-timber forest products such as medicinal plants, essential oils and beeswax, the destruction of its forests harms both its wildlife and its economy. Conserving the forests is pivotal to protecting both Kenya’s resources and its 50 endangered species.
• The beautiful mangrove forests and coral reefs that line Kenya’s Indian Ocean border are also a substantial form of revenue for the country, providing both ecotourism destinations and ecosystem services.
• To further promote the ecological perspective of Kenya’s government, the Nature Conservancy and the Northern Rangelands Trust have collaborated to develop community conservancies in the northern semi-arid grasslands.
• These conservancies cover 3 million hectares, within which over 200,000 people from 17 different ethnic tribes reside. They strive to help Kenyan communities engage in environmental conservation.

Requirements

What to carry?
This is outlined in the detailed info sheet and includes, sleeping bag and mat, toiletries, torch/flashlight, sandals, mosquito net, national flag from your country, among others
DONATION AND GIFTS:
These are usually symbolic gestures to enhance the solidarity of volunteers and the hosting community. Kindly contact KVDA for details in case you are willing to support a worthy cause in the community either by offering a donation or long-term intervention on the project.

Sustainable Development Goals

Climate Action Sustainable Cities and Communities