Project background
· Roddy’s Eco-Cover is a community based organization founded in 2011 to champion environmental awareness with forestry as key concern
· The project was established by members of the local community with the aim of empowerment for the less fortunate members in the quest to tackle development challenges at the grassroots.
· Its major focus is on environmental concern to mitigate the effects of climate change and foster inter-cultural education among the local community
· The project is located at Ebuyangu village in Emuhaya constituency in Vihiga country that is situated in Western Kenya
· It is situated 430 Kilometers away from Nairobi city and its located in an area that is famed for cultural diversity due to the high population density
· The volunteers will be hosted in a homestead to experience cultural diversity and learn to live and interact with members of the host community in an atmosphere of cooperation and solidarity
· This project has hosted previously both local and international volunteers and it has great potential for the replication of its activities in equally challenging circumstances in other regions of Kenya
Volunteer tasks
Manual work and intercultural activities
Agro forestry that will include tree planting
Preparation of tree nurseries and weeding
Land scaping and tending to bamboo trees in the natural habitat
Construction work at the centre and neighbouring primary schools.
Cleanup activities
Naming of trees
Home visits
Inter-cultural learning coupled with home visits for exposure to development challenges.
Possibility to visit the historic sites like Hippo point on Lake Victoria in Kisumu City, renowned Kakamega Rain Forest and the Equator point at Maseno University; among other spectacular sites of interest in the region. However, this will be done most probably during the weekends.
· 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
ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
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.
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!
