Medical Work-Study Opportunity in Kenya

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The International Humanity Foundation (IHF) offers a unique Volunteer Internship position at our Nakuru, Kenya children’s home for medical and nursing students. Together with your help, we aim to improve health awareness among our children, their families and our local community.

This position offers the opportunity to gain health-related experience in a low income setting to enhance your CV and set you apart from your peers. You will develop skills related to health promotion and community education, and will practice hands-on application of your medical skills by directly treating minor health problems of the children. You will also learn intimately about the international issues of education, human rights, abuse and poverty as well as local issues such as indigenous rights, land tenure, and ethnic conflicts.

Most importantly, you will be substantially helping those who do not otherwise have the means to access quality and affordable healthcare. By passing on your knowledge to local leaders, your efforts will result in sustainable, long-term changes. You may even have the opportunity to develop and run your own health program - this can be focused around any specific interests you have in your current studies relevant to the center’s needs.

For your international tasks you will be assigned teams made up of volunteers from other centers, and you will work on administrative tasks not just for the Nakuru center, but for the whole organization. Your tasks may include producing media content, assisting with fundraising efforts and generating online outreach efforts to promote our organization’s goals and projects. We will particularize your tasks to suit your skill set, so that your expertise in health care benefits all IHF centers. This is a great opportunity to experience the overall management of an international organization and receive training in a multi-level, multifaceted work environment. Before arrival at the center, you will already become a part of the team by completing pre-trip tasks with our international teams to gain an understanding of the kind of work you will be doing.

Candidate Qualifications: You must be fluent in written and spoken English. We prefer candidates who have completed at least the first year of a medical degree or have a basic qualification as a Registered or Community Nurse (newly qualified graduates are welcome). We are looking for people who know basic first aid - a St John’s Ambulance certificate would be desirable-- and hold a current Criminal Records Bureau certificate (UK) or International Police Safety Clearance. Experience working or volunteering with children is a major plus.

IHF is run entirely by volunteers, including center co-Directors, fostering a unique work setting. The co-directors at the center will supervise you, listen to your ideas and acknowledge your contributions. Our organization will work with your university to award you credit whenever possible and will try to comply with any guidelines to secure grant or scholarship funding available at your university. Each IHF center is a product of its environment and follows the cultural code and norms of its host country. So must our staff and interns.

The minimum length of an internship is 4 weeks. We provide basic accommodation and food at our centers, where you will live with your co-workers. Unfortunately, as a nonprofit, we are unable to provide these amenities freely and we charge a minimal cost of $55 - $75 per week. We are not able to cover travel or insurance expenses or any other related costs, but we will help you with your travel and visa planning.