Civic Community Aid

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High­lights

• Experience East African lifestyle and customs.

• A friendly supportive atmosphere so you can achieve your goals.
• Divulge in Planting trees and flowers and engage in plant care and environmental/landscape maintenance.
• Teach others about how to be nature friendly.
• Visit the surrounding reserves in your free time and get a taste of the African adventures!

Aim

This volunteer program suits the ones who love gardening and have a love towards nature.

Volunteer program description

Looking forward to working with an NGO/CBO/school in a rural setting? Do you love gardening? If yes, take up this challenge and join us in Mombasa.

We are looking forward to having guest traveler volunteers from all across the world to help out in feeding and cooking programs and also with special needs therapy or general education.

Volunteer Role and Contributions:

In this project, volunteers perform three key roles:

1. Feeding - often, we face a terrible shortage of hands or personnel in delivering and distributing food. This adds to waste of time and plenty of exhausted and starved souls out there. Additional volunteers would mean added hands.
2. Cooking - at times volunteers would also help the staff with cooking local dishes. Although there is a certain knack for learning about new cuisines, volunteers may cook their own recipes for a different taste during the weekends.
3. General education - volunteers can take up the roles of assisting other teachers during their classes. Subjects can vary as per the volunteer’s capability; no two volunteer would assist the same teacher so we will be aware and ready to cooperate with a better solution.
4. Special needs - this area of expertise deals acutely and meticulously with kids who have some form of disorder or deficiency (special needs). For this, traveling volunteers would need to be smart, tech-savvy and knowledgeable about special education.

What to expect from the volunteers and what should volunteers expect from the organisation?

Volunteers can expect maximum support from our program staff and are kindly asked to maintain kindness and courtesy towards each other. It's important to remember that this environment is different, and it's recommended not to request more than what's customary in the local lifestyle.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Volunteers are advised, out of self-choice, to bring some novel seeds of different varieties of plants that they can sow in the Kenyan soil. Please be noted that you must research a bit of the requisite and stable weather conditions for the desired plant you want.

Location -

Mombasa is a touristy coastal city of not just Kenya but also East Africa. It’s round-the-year hot and humid so expect to be surrounded by serene splash of waves on the beach and dusty roads. Overall, it is surrounded by forest reserves and hilly ranges which adds it to one of the most tourist-friendly attractions in the world. Kenyans are lovely, warm people with a heart for friendly exchanges and interactions with tourists.

Likoni village, nestled on the coast, is surrounded by unique neighboring areas. To the east is the Indian Ocean, perfect for a serene swim or enjoying its tranquil ambiance. Heading south, Diani awaits with vibrant community life, cultural activities, tourist attractions, and lush wetlands, which are vital for the region's ecological balance.

Looking west from Mombasa city provides breathtaking views of Changamwe, home to cargo transport companies, the Kenya Port Authority, artifacts manufacturing, Kenya Railway, Moi International Airport, and container terminus facilities, driving the region's economy.

Typical day

Upon arrival, volunteers receive a warm welcome from the host family. They meet family members, have a refreshing shower, and share a meal before resting. Following the rest, a thorough briefing covers safety, culture, language, attractions, behavior, banking, shopping, conservation, climate, and routines. You will also be assigned a mentor who will assist you on a daily basis during your stay with the host family.

Your second day will serve as an orientation day where you will be introduced to the project staff and children, and given a tour. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to prepare a thorough plan.

On your third day, you will start delivering services, and it is advisable to start working only after you feel well prepared. Subsequently, your fourth day onwards will be similar to your third day.

Please note that on your arrival day, you will not be expected to do any work.

During weekends and holidays, both staff and children have time off, and you can choose to explore cultural centers, banks, shops, religious sites, recreational areas, historical sites, tour sites, beaches, shopping malls, or other places of your interest.

Volunteers are kindly requested to be present from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and from 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm every Monday to Friday. During their free time, volunteers have the flexibility to engage in activities of their choice.

The main task is to relax, enjoy and learn. There’s no strict rule about attending a workshop or a session.

Official languages are Swahili and English.

Local Recreational Activities:

For recreation, Likoni and its neighbors offer various options. Shelly Beach offers tranquility and swimming, Mama Ngina Water Sports hosts cultural events and swimming, while Mombasa city's markets, banks, and historical sites provide unique attractions. The wetlands offer a serene setting for birdwatching and nature walks.

In volunteers' free time in Likoni village, they have a wealth of options to explore and enjoy. They can visit the Botanical gardens, take a dip in the Indian Ocean, and explore historical sites such as Fort Jesus. There's also the opportunity to engage in cultural activities with host family, attend cultural shows, swimming, go on farm tours, try snorkeling, fishing, hit the gym, visit shopping malls, watch local football matches, and even explore the Maasai medical factory and more. Immersing in local traditions and taking in the beautiful scenery, including Mombasa city, is all within reach.

Additionally, visitors can savor the local cuisine, including chapati, sweet potatoes, cassava, rice, fruits, and greens. Guests can gain insights into local life, witnessing crafts like basket weaving, shoe making, and mat weaving. While these crafts are predominantly practiced by men and youths.

Wildlife:

Kenya has a considerable land area devoted to wildlife habitats, including the Masai Mara, where blue wildebeest and other bovids participate in large-scale annual migration.

The "Big five" game animals of Africa (lion, leopard, buffalo, Rhinoceros and elephants) can be found in the Masai Mara in particular.

The annual animal migration occurs between June and September, with millions of animals taking part, attracting valuable foreign tourism.

Nice places to visit in Kenya:

• Samburu
• Fourteen falls
• Maasai village
• Kibera and Mathare slum
• Nairobi national museum and snake park
• Nairobi national park
• David sheldrick wildlife center.
• Bomas of Kenya / Karen Blixen.
• Kazuri beads factory and Giraffe center.
• Mt Kenya
• Kiambethu tea farm in Limuru
• Tsavo national park.
• Elephant hill hiking
• Amboseli national park
• Coffee farm tour
• Nairobi safari walk
• Maasai mara park
• Zip lining at Kereita

During the weekend, volunteers have spare time to relax or take the opportunity to explore the Mombasa locale, such as visiting the beach, planning a fun and entertainment program with the kids, visiting local homes, etc.

NOTE - The program coordinator can arrange for sightseeing, only after proper intimation and discussion.

Details on arrival

No specific start date would be announced. However, with the new programs fast approaching, it would be useful for the volunteers to make the journey at the soonest and get the maximal experience. It also avoids expensive flight tickets in a hassle.

The program orientation begins usually on the day of the volunteer’s arrival or the day after, given the randomly changing flight schedules in lieu of the recent covid19 situation. First day would be ideal to acquaint yourself with the humid weather and relax to recuperate from the jet-lag.

• After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Mombasa International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa.
• Before you arrive, you will be given navigational guidance by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation.
• If you are traveling in Kenya prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Mombasa on the day before your program orientation or you can navigate by yourself to the destination. Please make sure to keep in touch with the program coordinator and you will be assisted and guided during the tenure of your tour and stay accordingly. After all, traveling is always smoother when it has a proper communication system. Once you have booked your spot, please let us know on navigational assistance and we would be happy to help.
• Orientation is given by the admin or a staff member in the school.
• Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Kenya - Introduction to Mombasa, Kenyan Customs, Language Training Details, Rules and Expectations, Safety, Travel Opportunities in Kenya (in and around Mombasa) and Introduction to your project.

Once your orientation is complete, you will be guided to your work location and you can proceed with the relevant work.

**We strongly advise visitors not to reserve night flights as transport for pick-up might not be available. Preferably between 2300 to 0400 hours any day (east African Time).**

Other Skills

• Self-motivated.
• Willing to learn and share.
• Healthy and fit candidates who can work for hours under the sun.