Practical Tips in Choosing Kenya Volunteer Programs

Published on November 1 2013

Practical Tips in Choosing Kenya Volunteer Programs

If you are just too excited to choose Kenya as your volunteer destination, don’t be too excited in choosing a particular program without getting to know it more. There are many available Kenya Volunteer Programs to choose from and if you don’t get to know what your options are, you will most likely end up in a mediocre program or a program that you will not really be happy about.

Kenya is an East African country with Nairobi as its capital city. It lies at the equator and the country experiences warm and humid temperatures most times of the year. Kenya is a country rich in natural resources. Yet many people in the country live below poverty line. Orphans and street children roaming in the streets are also not uncommon. And you can see the insufficiency of development programs in many small communities across the country. With many orphans, street children, and poor people, volunteer opportunities organized to help these people are also available in Kenya. They are arranged by various volunteer organizations such as Volunteering Solutions which have local staffs to help arrange the volunteer placements of interested participants.

Among the favorite volunteer programs in Kenya is volunteering with orphans. Under this program, volunteers will work with any orphanage center in a major city or locality. Volunteers will be involved in doing daily chores, including feeding the children, teaching children about hygiene, conduct, etiquette and other informal education, and helping children prepare for school. One of the advantages of this program is that you will be trained to properly deal with children even under stress and that can help you develop a godly character. However, it can be a difficult and challenging volunteer experience because you will be around children with different attitudes and moods.

The English-teaching volunteer program is also equally popular because of the challenging tasks involved. Instead of dealing with orphans or street children, you will be around poor children who are most interested in learning English. Gaining knowledge in English is important for them because it helps them get a better job once they get work.

The medical volunteer program is also a favorite among medical students. But not everybody can sign up for this program because you need to have medical background or experience in the medical field. This program opens the door for both volunteering and learning at the same time.

Other programs that are available in Kenya are programs to help protect the environment and animals, and programs that assist poor communities among others. Choosing one program over the other has advantages and disadvantages. You can get to know more about these programs by contacting your volunteer organization. But if you don’t have yet, you could also search online for volunteer organizations that offer a wide range of volunteer programs in Kenya.

Kenya volunteer programs give volunteers a privilege to contribute a significant impact to the lives of Kenyan people. Depending on the program you choose, you can have an unforgettable and meaningful volunteer experience that is filled with learning opportunities. Click here for more information on volunteer programs in Kenya.