Volunteer in Kenya (Mombasa)
Kenya (Mombasa) Overview
Volunteers urgently needed for August 2012
Please note a travel visa is not required in advance - so it could not be easier to get away (obtained on arrival)
Volunteer in Kenya and gain a fantastic opportunity to live and work in one of Africa's most beautiful and scenic countries whilst enriching and enhancing the lives of ex-street children.
Besides the obvious abundance of wildlife roaming the plains and the yearly migration of wildebeest that draws in thousands of tourists Kenya is also famous for its colourful culture and tribal history. Volunteering in Kenya enables you to put something back, explore and experience in one trip.
Our Volunteer Projects in Kenya can be varied and exciting. Helping at an educational centre for street children between the ages of 5 and 17 to the north of Mombasa as a Kenya volunteer you can help in a variety of tasks from basic education, one to one support, organisation of the centre to outdoor sport and games.
You could also be helping with meal times, playing with the children, reading bedtime stories, creating activities, teaching English or basic maths from adding up or the times tables. By taking this placement you will be filling an important role in the lives of these children...as well as assisting the hardworking staff.
You do not need any teaching experience to be a successful volunteer just a commitment to have a go and get stuck in! Most of the teachers have only a basic Kenyan education themselves and few ideas for activities so no one will be judging your performance!
If you have never taught before and only have the confidence to hand out photocopied worksheets from home and praise the children while they work you will be making a huge difference.
This alone, without songs and other ideas you may have will already be an inspirational new learning experience for the children. Some volunteers get involved with working with street children, or on farm projects associated with the same organisation. During your free time, the beach is not far away and the beautiful old streets of Mombasa old town is well worth a visit.
Other opportunities: During busy volunteering periods our Kenya Work Volunteers occasionally have opportunities to spend time at sister projects elsewhere in Kenya.
Media from Kenya (Mombasa)
Country: Kenya (Mombasa)
Book your placement with £125. Then pay £115 per week to volunteer with streets kids in Mombasa.
Video - Below you'll find all the videos for Kenya Mombasa so you don't have to search around whole the site!
Volunteer Pictures
Your memories
We have been sent some of the most lovely photos from volunteers at play and at work, they are truly inspirational.
Photo Album by Claire Menear
Photo Album by Donna Cook
Photo Album by Katie Staddon
Photo Album by Rohina Akram Bhatty
What next?
If you would like to book over the phone or simply ask more questions please call us on 01603 627 007
See related video ‘How to book’
If you know where and when you want to go, then you can book online.
You can also change your date of arrival or country at any time.
Trip info for Kenya (Mombasa)
Country: Kenya (Mombasa)
Book your placement with £125. Then pay £115 per week to volunteer with streets kids in Mombasa.
Change lives and volunteer in Kenya (Mombasa) 2013 - 2014
Volunteer in Kenya (Street kids project)
Come to Kenya and work with children. On this project you will be working in Mombasa with underprivileged children that need your help. This project is very fulfilling and will leave you feeling that Kenya has got under your skin and that you have understood the plight facing the street children and being able to make a difference.
Skills and Experience, specific skills and experience are not needed. This project is very flexible, so any skills you have will be much appreciated and come in useful. If you are creative, coming up with new ideas and organising activities will be great. If you are sports minded you can set up different sports activities and games.
What's included
Accommodation: A shared volunteer house with shared dorm-style rooms with two-four volunteers sharing. Meals are usually provided Monday-Friday. Informal, work-related support is provided by the project staff.
Airport pick-up: Pick-up from Mombasa airport is available for morning/afternoon flights between Monday and Friday and costs £10. At other times or for overlanders please call us to confirm current arrangements 01603 627 007.
We consider this project ideal if you...
- Want to make a real difference to a street child and give them a reason and purpose to stay off the streets.
- Want the challenge of finding activities which will inspire and engage the children.
- Want to become immersed in the typical Kenyan way of life and the daily struggles of life amidst poverty away from the hotels and tourist attractions.
What's not included
Flights
Visas
Insurance
Return Airport transfer
Local Transport around Nairobi
Lunch
Highlights
You will leave knowing you have made a difference in children’s lives
The experience of living and working in Mombasa
Seeing and becoming immersed in Kenya’s way of life
On arrival
On arriving in Mombasa, an airport pick-up is available, so there will be someone there waiting for you at the airport when you arrive. The person that picks you up at the airport will take you to the volunteer house or project, whichever is more convenient on your day of arrival. Once you have been shown around and are settled, the local co-ordinator will explain how things work and whereabouts you will be volunteering. Other volunteers who arrived before you will often be more than happy to show you around
Local support
There is always a local co-ordinator on hand nearby, who is there whenever you may need them. They can help you with anything you are worried about or generally need help with. One of the project managers lives quite close to the volunteer house and can be often found popping in for a visit to see how everyone is getting along. In addition, you will not be the only volunteer although volunteer numbers vary throughout the year with peaks at Christmas, Easter and during June and July, there are usually between 5 and 10 volunteers.
Project resources and advice
Welcome to bring extra stationery and different crafts and sports equipment to use during your stay. You can buy this beforehand, or if you wish, it can also be bought in Mombasa when you arrive. You may also want to bring gifts for the children and again are welcome to do this if you wish.
Getting around
It is very easy to get around in Kenya. Transport is usually done by matutu, which to us is like a mini-bus. It is relatively easy to get to the centre of Mombasa and only takes up to 40 minutes to get there.
Local facilities
Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya, it is here where you will find local facilities, including several banks; including Barclays, Internet cafes and lots more amenities that you may need. Mombasa centre is an easy matutu ride from the volunteer house. There is also a local hospital nearby that is easy to get to should you need to see a doctor. Most volunteer stays are hassle free , the main concern being stomach upsets in the first few days of arrival due to the change of diet.
What to take
Once you have applied and registered with Original Volunteers, you will receive an Information Pack via email that will have further details on the project in Kenya; in this email there will be a list of items to take or or you can contact the project closer to your arrival date once you receive their contact details.
How to apply
It is quick an easy to book with Original Volunteers. You can book online or call us on now on 01603 627 007 and book over the phone.
See related video ‘How to book’.
It costs £125 to book. Once book you can go to as many placements as you want within a year without having to pay the booking fee of £125 again.
The booking fee instantly books and reserves your place for any month you choose .We are very flexible. Just let us know if your plans change and spaces permitting we will put you on another list.
Fast facts - Project information
Project Duration: Min 3 weeks - Max 12 weeks
Location of project: Various locations within Mombasa,
Arrival Airport: Mombasa (airport code MBA)
Activities: Helping with teaching and providing general care and assistance in looking after the children. This will involve playing games, teaching English & Maths and basic life skills.
Working Hours: Flexible; usually Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm or 08.30 until lunchtime, as required by the project, all other time is free.
Getting to the project: Airport pick-up is available for all volunteers once we have received your flights to Mombasa.
Requirements: Minimum age 18
Food
Kenyans make their food from locally sourced produce such as meat with rice. When staying in the volunteer accommodation, as part of your stay you will be provided with breakfast and dinner most days.
Accommodation
Accommodation is included with this project. Volunteers stay in shared volunteer accommodation or with a local family home-stay style. The house is basic but comfortable. Bedrooms are mainly dormitory style with two to four sharing.
Free time
At weekends volunteers are free to travel around. Most volunteers tend to head to the beaches or go shopping in Mombasa; sometimes going to cafes and emailing home. Also, volunteers organise themselves into groups to go exploring together; this way you are not alone and feel safe and can have fun with others. Trips and excursions can be easily arranged through the Mombasa Tourist Office after arrival. Typical trips and days out are made to the tropical island of Lamu and for weekend safaris.
Not on your own
Most volunteers travel alone to the placements, but don’t fret as it is very easy for you to get in contact with volunteers beforehand. You can get in touch with volunteers that have already been, who can give you a detailed overview on what it is like. You can also get in contact with volunteers that are travelling at a similar time as yourself; this way you can feel safe and secure knowing that you know the ins and outs of the project and will know people when you get there. Some volunteers even get in contact and end up flying out together.
Things that you will need to organise yourself
Flights to Kenya
Travel Insurance
Visa can be obtained at the airport on arrival.
In-country transport (except your airport pickup on arrival)
Tours, trips and add-ons – these are easy to organise.
Visit the local Tourist office and they can help you set them up.
Any extra equipment
Extra food and snacks on your days off
When to pay for this project
An invoice will be sent by email approximately 4 weeks before departure, or sooner if you are travelling sooner. This is the easiest way to pay.
Kenya (Mombasa) at a glance
Kenya is a stunning country on the east coast of Africa, from the reserves on the plains to the beaches on the Indian Ocean attracting tourists from all over the world. Wildlife safaris have been the mainstay of Kenya’s tourism for decades, and several Kenyan parks, like Tsavo National Park, are among the best places in Africa to see lions, elephants, leopards and the famous wildebeest migration. Amboseli and Masai Mara are also excellent for game viewing and in one typical two to three day tour you will encounter lions, hippos, giraffe, zebras, hyenas, antelope and elephant and can be booked easily in Mombasa at the tourist office for as little as £250.
Other activities for outdoor enthusiasts include trekking the glacial ridges of Mt Kenya, ballooning over the Masai Mara, snorkelling at the Marine National Park in Malindi on the Indian Ocean coast, and much more. The North around Samburu and Turkana are off the beaten track and an anthropologist's dream. The climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro takes several days but is worth it. Not to be missed are Mount Kenya, Masai Mara, Thompson's Falls, Lake Nakuru, Mt Kilimanjaro.
Festivals: January 1st; August 15th; October 2nd; also major Hindu, Christian and other religious holidays.
Kenya is bordered by Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda and Sudan. The capital city is Nairobi. Kenya is named after Mount Kenya, which is the second among the highest peaks in Africa.Kenya gained independence in 1963 and a key figure in Kenya’s liberation was Jomo Kenyatta, the first president of the country.
Climate
Kenya has a tropical climate. Kenya gets a lot of sunshine all year round; however it is usually cooler in the morning and evenings. The hottest period in Kenya is February to March and the coldest is July to August. April to June is the longest rain season. The highest temperature in Kenya is 30 degrees and the lowest is 22 degrees.Most people visit Kenya in January to February or July to August as these are the most popular times for safaris.
