Volunteering in Kenya!

Kenya is a nation of contrasts. On one hand it is a natural paradise, on the other it is plagued by social and economic problems with a far-reaching impact. Poverty and disease are rampant, often ripping families apart, and making children into orphans. A great many children have been orphaned by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, by extreme poverty, or other unfortunate social circumstances.

The best efforts of the Kenyan government to care for these children cannot reach them all, and orphanages are chronically over-flowing. Even at their best, these care facilities are underfunded and understaffed. In simple words, there is an immense need of volunteers in Kenya orphanages.

Global Crossroad’s Kenya orphanage volunteer program invites volunteers to lend a hand and help support local orphanages and childcare centers. The children here love interacting with volunteers, and will appreciate your presence tremendously.

Are you willing to share your love and passion for orphaned children? Go to the project page to find the complete information.

Though English is available in primary and secondary schools throughout Kenya, most schools lack the necessary resources to provide what is necessary for students to successfully learn the English language. Make no mistake; speaking English is a critical skill for Kenya people, as it opens many doors of opportunity that are otherwise closed. Nonetheless, most public schools lack qualified English teachers.

By participating in Global Crossroad’s English teaching volunteer program in Kenya, you can make a significant impact in the lives of many students. As a volunteer, your presence as a native English speaker will invaluable to those wanting to learn these skills. Not only will you be able to teach the basics, but just by having the opportunity to interact with a foreign English speaker can inspire students to advance, providing motivation to those who are keen to learn about life in other countries.

For those considering teaching careers, this is an excellent opportunity to learn the fundamentals of teaching a class, and gain some hands-on experience in a unique but professional setting. If you wish to join this program, you must be at least 18 years old. Individuals with basic or intermediate Kenyan language skills are highly preferred.

Interested to share your love and passion for orphans? Go to the project page to find pricing and complete information.

Which airport do I need to fly in?

You need to fly to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya. Depending upon the volunteer program in Kenya’s location you may need to fly to a different airport. These details can be managed after your placement is confirmed.

What happens if I missed flight or arrived late?

If you miss your flight or arrive late we can and will accommodate you to the best of our ability. If you are to arrive late, you need to contact the in-country coordinator and inform him or her as soon as possible. He/she will make necessary arrangements and schedule changes needed, based on the information provided.

If my assignment begins on Monday, when should I arrive? If I want to arrive earlier than then my assignment begins, where do I stay and who will organize the accommodations? Does it cost me extra?

It is always better to arrive a day before your scheduled assignment for taking part in volunteering program in Kenya. Arriving earlier gives you enough time to rest and prepare you for the program, both mentally and physically. However kindly note that if you arrive a day earlier than the scheduled date, than that day’s accommodation and meal expenses will require payment in addition to your program fees.

Who will bring me to the airport for my departure?

Global Crossroads does not provide any kind of airport drop off services for volunteers participating in Kenya volunteer programs. You will have to arrange a taxi or take a bus ride to the airport by yourself. Our in-country coordinator or staff members will be more than happy to assist you with any support for your safe departure back home.

Where are the projects located?

Most of our volunteer programs in Kenya take place in and around Nairobi, and the Massai area.

Nairobi is the capital and one of the biggest cities of Kenya. It is a city of great natural beauty. Here you can see the nation’s charms, include a vibrant cultural life, fabulous places to eat, nightlife, an ideal mix of tradition blended with a modern way of life. Nairobi is known for safari excursions, crocodile farms, and nature trails, alongside tours of the vibrant city, and locations such as the National Museum.
Massai land is a huge expanse of gently rolling grassland, home to massive herds of zebras, wildebeest, and giraffes. It has several ranches, Massai villages, and dozens of community-based conservation areas.

Is there any minimum and maximum stay? Can I extend my stay if I choose to?

Yes when you join volunteering program in Kenya, you can stay for a minimum of 1 week, to the maximum of 12 weeks.  However, this may ultimately depends on the nature of the project in which you enroll in Kenya. If for any reason you wish to extend your time in a program and therefore in Kenya, you can extend your visa. In order to do this you will need to talk to your in -country coordinator and make the necessary arrangements. Similarly, you will also have to get your visa extended from the nearest Kenyan embassy.

Will I have enough time to travel after work and in weekend?

You will have lots of time to travel after work each day, and on weekends while involved in volunteer opportunities in Kenya.However, there may be some limitations to this, depending on the project and its location.

Around Nairobi, you can spend your free time in the National Museum, Nairobi National Park, Elephant orphanage, Giraffe and Nairobi City Walking Tour and few more. Massai land, in contrast, is home to many giraffe families that can be readily observed. The land covers a whooping 1,530 square km, which is meant only for the traditional Massai people, who lead a pastoral and nomadic lifestyle.

Who will guide or support me in the project?

You will always receive adequate guidance and support while volunteering in Kenya programs. Global Crossroads  in-country coordinator and the other project staff will always be there for your help, whenever it is needed.

Can I change project if I do not like?

Yes, you can change your project if you are not satisfied with your first choice. Although 98% of our volunteers enjoy their selected program without issue, which is a strong endorsement. If, however, you want to change projects, you can contact your in-country coordinator. They will be happy to help facilitate this, limited only by whatever other placements are available for volunteers in other programs at the time.

How old should I be to take part in these projects?

You should be at least 18 years of age to take part in Global Crossraod’s Kenya volunteer opportunities.  If in case you are minor and want to take part in this volunteering programs, than an authorized permission from your parents is required. Alternately, why not consider volunteering as a family, in which case minors are welcome under their parents care and supervision.

Will I receive training before the start of the project?

Yes, training is always provided to you before you actually begin your volunteer programs in Kenya. This training is organized by our in-house country coordinator in support of the field staff. The goal of our project training is to make you comfortable with the new environment, local culture and customs, the language, and the people’s sentiments as well.

Who manages the volunteer programs in Kenya?
Global Crossroads volunteer s in-country Coordinator in Kenya manages the volunteers in Kenya, and our projects. He/she is completely responsible for assigning various projects for all participating volunteers, based on their qualification, skills, and areas of interest.

Is there dress code in the project?

No there is no specific dress code for participating in volunteering in Kenya opportunities program. Here you will find followers of both Christianity and Islam, so you may need to integrate and adjust your dress code accordingly, as per your project location. Even though there are no strict laws regarding clothing, please note that shorts, miniskirts, and other types of revealing clothing is socially unacceptable in Kenya. You will need to respect the culture and traditions of the local society at all times while volunteering in Kenya.