Project background
· Oloisukut Group Conservancy is a 23,000 acre area of community land which borders the world famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve popularly known as the Mara Triangle, to the North in the Trans Mara District, Rift valley province.
· Oloisukut conservancy is an intriguing conservation concept on land-use owned and managed by the community members of Oloisukut.
· The income generated from conservation has given the land owners a reliable and dependable alternative source of income from the traditional livestock.
· The conservancy has ensured that the northern part of the greater Mara-Serengeti ecosystem is secured for conservation and hence affording the wildlife the much needed dispersal areas.
· The area boasts of high density of game including the big five except for the Rhino. Over 300 different species of birds have been identified. Some of the common animal species are; Maasai giraffe, Burschell zebra, waterbucks, elands, lions, leopards, elephants and elusive and timid bushbuck.
· Oloisukut boasts the highest population of elands, giraffes and leopards in the Mara per unit area. Currently we have the biggest pride comprising of 18 adult lions with several cubs.
· Tourism in the conservancy is highly controlled, a move that is aimed at maximizing the client wilderness experience and minimizing environmental impact.
Volunteer tasks
Ø Animal conservation
-Regular ground patrols and safari walk.
-Identifying animal species found within the area
-Identify and name indigenous plants and uses.
- Monitoring wildlife movement
Ø Cultural
-Experience Maasai way of life
- Control cattle grazing, milking and caring for cattle
-Maintain of manyatta houses
Ø School teaching programme
-Teaching English
-Teaching Arts, Designs & Drawings
-Teaching music
-Playing football with girls and boys
- Playing other games with the children
-Planting of trees
Ø Gardening and land scarping
Ø Outreach programme in the local community.
Ø Extra activities learning life skills bead work, cooking using fire wood, e.t.c
Ø Ensure upkeep of the conservancy
Ø Work with other stake holders in ensuring up keep of the conservancy.
Ø Extra activities Bird watching for interested volunteers.
Ø Submit Project Report to Kenya Voluntary Development Association
Photo taking on our scenic landscape that include wild animals, siria/oloololo escarpment, beautiful mega rocks hanging on escarpment, very beautiful bushes and forest and our pride the Mara river that borders us with other conservancy.
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
· Volunteers accepted on this project will be accommodated within the conservancy with modest accommodation facilities
· It should be noted that the volunteers will cater for their own commuter expenses to and from the project
· We recommend that the volunteers should carry a sleeping bag and mat among other personal effects
KVDA does not provide pocket money on its projects but the volunteers have an obligation to have their own budget based on their planned activities during their stay in the country.
The currency used is Kenya shillings.
Volunteers are discouraged from carrying large sums of cash as this exposes them to criminal elements in society.
Visa and MasterCard are the most convenient as you can draw cash at the ATM machines across the country.
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 300 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.
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.
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
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 20 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!
