| Being a volunteer in Kenya has tremendous appeal | | | | most effective use of your particular skills. Let's |
| for a lot of people. It's not surprising when you | | | | take the Nairobi area as an example. |
| consider what Kenya has to offer. There's the | | | | The volunteer's day starts with a good hearty |
| ethnic diversity and vibrant culture of Nairobi, the | | | | breakfast at 7.30 and at 8.15 you'll leave for your |
| world-renowned Maasi Mara National Reserve | | | | morning activities. This might be at a local |
| (which you can see by balloon if it appeals to | | | | orphanage, school, medical center or home-based |
| you), Mount Kilimanjaro... the list of fascinating | | | | assistance. If you are with a reputable volunteer |
| places could keep us here all day! | | | | organization you will have discussed your schedule |
| But the life of the Kenya volunteer isn't all fun and | | | | the night before. |
| games. Let's be honest, if just lazing around all | | | | Lunch break is generally around 12.30. A volunteer |
| day was what appealed to you it's unlikely you | | | | in Kenya can end up in a number of different |
| would be interested in volunteer work in Africa in | | | | places so this could be a packed lunch. Don't |
| the first place. | | | | worry, you won't go hungry, the organizers want |
| There's work to be done. For all its stunning | | | | you properly fueled so you an give your best in |
| scenery and amazing wildlife, Kenya remains one | | | | the afternoon! |
| of the poorest countries in Africa with high | | | | By 15.00 your working day is just about finished. |
| unemployment and a serious need for improved | | | | You'll be collected from your placement and return |
| education and health care. Slums around Nairobi | | | | to the outskirts of Nairobi where you'll be staying |
| like Mukuru and Kyangombe hold more than a | | | | in comfortable lodge or cottage style |
| hundred thousand people who live in not much | | | | accommodation. You'll be provided with an evening |
| more than cardboard boxes. In the highlands of | | | | meal and there will be time to talk with other |
| the tea plantations there are orphanages where | | | | volunteers and project managers about what |
| dozens and dozens of children area eager to learn. | | | | you've done and where your skills can be best |
| Despite conditions which you might think would | | | | used the next day. The evening is yours to do |
| get people down there's a tremendous buzz and | | | | with as you wish. There are places to swim, |
| a liveliness that encourages and rewards | | | | fabulous trails to walk and the famous Limuru |
| everyone who works there. | | | | Country Club if you fancy a drink or two to |
| So what's the typical day of a volunteer in | | | | unwind and watch the sun go down. |
| Kenya? | | | | If you volunteer in Kenya you'll be guaranteed the |
| Of course every day is different, you certainly | | | | experience of a lifetime. You'll also make an |
| won't get bored, but there is also structure to | | | | incredibly positive impact on people who, despite |
| make sure the volunteer organizations can make | | | | their need, will welcome you with a smile. |