ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND
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.
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.
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
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.
There is no pocket money offered on the KVDA projects and the volunteers are expected to have their budget.
The currency is in Kenya shillings and the amount of money required depends on what the volunteers plan to do while on the program.
Visa and Mastercard will be useful to avoid carrying large sums of money to avoid exposure to risks.
ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION (eTA)
駐日ケニア共和国大使館https://www.kenyarep-jp.com › eta
Search for: How do I apply for eTA in Kenya?
How long does eTA Kenya take?
eTA Processing Time:
The processing time for a tourist eTA application can range from a few days to a few weeks. It usually takes between 24 and 72 hours to process a Kenyan eTA online application.
Medical:
· 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.
Financial contribution
The project participation fee 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.
What is included in the participation fee?
Return transfers from the airport
Full board at the project (Accommodation and meals provided at the project)
Orientation, evaluation and monitoring
Volunteer mentorship
KVDA should receive the Volunteer Exchange Form (VEF) from SCI sending organizations through email.
Kindly attach the motivation letter together with the scanned passport copy to enable us to issue the invitation letter for visa application process.
Time being of greatest essence, this should be done with one week after the volunteer has been accepted on the project.
KVDA will give feedback to the applications sent within 3 days.
Terminal
· Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi is the port of arrival and KVDA will designate a driver for the airport pick up.
· We strongly advice volunteers against getting taxis on their own without reference to KVDA due to the obvious risks and in case of any challenges on arrival kindly contact KVDA via mobile telephone +254721650357
KVDA RESIDENCE
· Volunteers will be driven to the Nairobi South YMCA Hostel located 15 Kilometers away from the airport where they will be accommodated ahead of their placement to the project.
· The residence is situated in the serene environment with amble space for recreation and spectacular setting as the inauguration of volunteering to make a difference in the world.
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 house from springs 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
Medical:
· 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.
MENTORING:
Mentor for the volunteer from the hosting organisation: KVDA will designate its staff to play the role of mentoring and this is the vital link between the volunteer and the organization. The Mentor has the responsibility to enable the volunteer to efficiently execute their tasks with diligence.
Function of mentor: advise, educate, be a role model to the volunteers; providing problem solving, collaborative support, positive and non-evaluative feedback and emotional support for volunteers; to provide comfort, exposure, visibility and challenging assignments which directly support the volunteer’s personal and professional development; to provide counselling and friendship to support the volunteer’s self-image and competence and thus to listen, guide, advice, teach and offer professional support to the volunteers
The mentor will be available for the volunteer as a constant supporting person. However, he/she should not be directly involved in the daily work of the volunteer.
Mentor’s Experience with international volunteers: More than 3 years’ experience with international volunteers
Project participants: Maximum 10 volunteers from different nationalities recruited through KVDA partner organizations
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.
APPLICATIONS: Should be done at least one month in advance through KVDA partner organization in respective countries. KVDA does not accept direct applications by volunteers.
- Find a project that interests you in our Open Projects
- Find your local organisation in your country of residence using our branch locator
- Get in touch with them with details about the project(s) you want to apply to. They will become your sending organisation.
- Any issues? Contact us!
