newstar-drama-group-performance
Project Name : Newstar Drama Group
Hosting Organisation : Kenya Voluntary Development Association
Volunteer Type : SCI Long-term Volunteering
Project Theme : Children and youth
Hosting Country: Kenya
Start date: Open
End date: Open
Duration : 1-12 months
Deadline Date : February 28, 2025
Project Languages : English
Location : Kisii Cultural Centre, Kisii town in South West Kenya
Country Languages : English
Number of Volunteers : 10
Project Description:

Newstar Drama Group was founded in 1993 at Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) Nairobi and was registered in 1996 by the Ministry of Culture and Social services. The group is a traveling theatre group that has performed at many high schools, universities, colleges, primary schools, social forums and Kenya National Theatre. Newstar is a member of International Drama/Theatre and Education Association (IDEA).

 

VISION: To advocate for a better life on this earth as the educator to mankind like diseases, education, investment, human rights, good governance, community theatre and youth development.

MISSION STATEMENT: To tap, train and contract performing artistes e.g.  Actors, actresses, playwrights, poets, narrators, comedians and theatre arts` directors.

OBJECTIVES

Educate the society on diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria and health related issues.
To promote environmental activities in schools and public forums.
To perform current Kenyan examination-oriented literature SETBOOKS in high schools like “An Enemy of the people” by Henrik Ibsen, “The River between” by Ngugi wa Thiongo & “Utengano” by Said Mohammed.
To champion for women empowerment and girl child education.
To perform community theatre e.g. human rights, good governance, drug abuse awareness, poverty eradication, and development.
To host and participate in international exchange forums like IDEA WORLD CONGRESSES among others.
To organize international and local training drama workshops/seminars.

Work Description:

Project activities

Creative, educational, entertaining and informative plays, comedies, narratives, poems, skits, traditional dances & training workshops
Live performances on Kenyan examination literature set books e.g. “An Enemy of the people” by Henrik Ibsen and “The River between” by Ngugi wa Thiongo in secondary schools in Kenya.
HIV/ Aids awareness program in both learning and non-learning forums.
Running peace building and reconciliation program.
Junior artistes’ program (children drama 6yrs - 15yrs)
International artistes training and attachment program (1 month to 6 months) in Kenya, i.e. we attach performing artistes to our group performing projects between 1 month to 6 months.
Entertainment and educative drama program.
Exchange program with other artistes’ groups to share experiences.
Volunteer tasks

Newstar Drama Group office work
Performing arts training
Live drama performances
Mentorship for artistes
Promotional activities including marketing theatre productions
Submit Project Report to KVDA.

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.

Accommodation and Food:

Home stay and the volunteer is entitled to private room but will share other amenities and meals with the host family.
It is convenient for the volunteer to carry sleeping bag, mat and personal effects.
 KVDA has a memorandum of understanding with the host project regarding the project costs with appropriate procedures, checks and balances.

Pocket Money:

Volunteers are responsible for personal effects and feel free to inquire from KVDA case by case

Visa Info:

Volunteers require invitation letter to enable them to submit application for Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and this should be done in good time ahead of the trip to Kenya

Insurance:

·       Volunteers are expected to have their own medical insurance and other personal expenses and it is important to carry your own medical and travel insurances.

Fees:

The project participation fees is Euro 250 per month paid upfront on arrival to the cover costs stipulated for the entire duration of the project.
Monthly payment of participation fees is not allowed for conventional purposes.
Volunteers accepted on MLTV project for one month will pay Euros 300.

Fees Used for:

Return transfers from the airport
Full board at the project (Accommodation and meals provided at the project)
Orientation, evaluation and monitoring
Volunteer mentorship

Application Info:

Application should be done through SCI partners, the VEF submitted to KVDA, it will be acknowledged promptly, and acceptance sent together with the invitation letter to facilitate visa application.

Additional Information:

Leisure time

·       Kenya is replete with a lot of interesting and natural spectacular sites of interest that would capture the imagination of volunteers.

·       From the tour to the renowned Maasai Mara Game Reserve to visits to local community beholding sights, the volunteers have the previledge to make choices that would fundamentally make the difference.

·       The project also offers a perfect opportunity for people who enjoy being close to nature and are interested in the spectacular setting that traditional way of living in the heartland of the African culture would enrich your cultural heritage

Laundry and water:

·       Water is available at the hosting project and it is important to preserve water at all times due to its scarcity and cooperation with the hosts will be highly appreciated

·       There are no washing machines in the institution and the volunteer will be guided on how to wash clothes

How to Apply?
  1. Find a project that interests you in our Open Projects
  2.  Find your local organisation in your country of residence using our branch locator
  3. Get in touch with them with details about the project(s) you want to apply to. They will become your sending organisation.
  4. Any issues? Contact us!