Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in Kenya
- Approx one-third of Kenya's population lives on less than US$1.90 p/day. Your volunteer fees are directly benefiting the local people of this region.
- School Children in this region rarely have the opportunity to interact with foreigners who speak English. Promoting these skills can have a profound impact on the children's future career prospects.
- Approx 42% of Kenya's population are below the poverty line, especially in the rural areas where this project is located.
- Volunteering in this region creates employment opportunities for the local coordinators & supplements the farmers enabling competitive opportunities for the farms involved.
HOW can you help?
- Help women aged between 18 and 35 to become economically self-sufficient
- Improve the quality of life for refugees women in Kakuma refugee camp by providing economic stability.
- Enable women to form their own businesses
- Carry out skills training and health workshops
WHAT you can do?
- Teach computer literacy to girls
- Help women become financially independent
- Teach Adult education (English, Reading & Writing)
- Provide the women the space and support they need
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 35+ Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
LOCATION: KAKUMA REFUGEE CAMP, KENYA
START DATES: WEEKLY (FLEXIBLE)
ACCOMMODATION: NOT PROVIDED
MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK
MIN AGE: 18+ (16 with a guardian of 25+ years)
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required
Overview
We work with a local nonprofit community-based organisation, established in 2015 within Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp, is dedicated to empowering young individuals, creating a sustainable and secure environment for social change, and offering education to marginalised communities, particularly vulnerable populations. One of the noteworthy initiatives within this camp is the Women Empowerment Volunteer Program. This program is designed to uplift disadvantaged women through education, economic empowerment, and entrepreneurship. Volunteers work closely with these women to foster economic self-sufficiency and support the development of their business ventures.
As a participant you will contribute to enhancing the quality of life for refugee women in Kakuma camp by promoting economic stability. Your role may involve conducting workshops in business skills, IT, administration, financial literacy, people management, and customer care. You will engage in a variety of meaningful activities aimed at assisting the women and girls within the community.
Your tasks may include running specialised sessions that can be highly rewarding, fostering trust, sharing your experiences with women and girls, and listening to their stories. You can assist in developing business plans, crafting grant proposals, and aiding in the design and successful marketing of handmade products. Specific experience working with women’s groups is not required, but a willingness to assist where needed, a genuine interest in supporting women in need, and sensitivity are valuable attributes.
You may also combine this refugee women volunteer project with other activities, such as visiting local schools and refugee organisations, engaging in public speaking with youth and children, and participating in mentorship sessions within the local communities.
Joining our Women Empowerment Volunteer Program in Kakuma offers you a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others and contribute to making the world a better place. Additionally, it enhances your resume and provides valuable work experience in an African setting, specifically in Kakuma refugee camp. You will receive a recommendation and a certificate for your participation.
Location
Kakuma Refugee Camp, situated in northwestern Turkana County, Kenya, serves as a vital haven for people who have fled from over 17 different countries in search of safety and refuge. Established in 1992, this camp was initially designed for short-term humanitarian assistance, but it has since grown and become a home for nearly 200,000 individuals. Located in the arid desert of the region, Kakuma Refugee Camp stands as a place of respite and protection while offering various programs and initiatives to support the well-being and future prospects of its diverse population.
Project Tasks
- Teach computer literacy to girls.
- Support women in establishing their own businesses.
- Empower women to achieve financial independence.
- Conduct skills training and health workshops.
- Contribute to adult education, including English, reading, and writing classes.
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation is not included in this program. Volunteers are advised to find their own accommodation in nearby hotels or guesthouses.
There are several hotels in Kakuma town such as Cairo Palace Hotel, Nakosi, Bridge Guest House, Silga, Tarach Guest House etc. Some hotels have restaurants inside and others are near local restaurants, shops and supermarkets.
Meals are included and are reimbursed to the volunteer if you choose to eat at your hotel or local restuarants. Or, the local team will provide you with a weekly allowance for meals.
Kakuma Refugee Camp
- Teaching
- Sports Coaching
- Music, Dance and Drama Education
- Women Empowerment
- Environmental Conservation
- Construction
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Application Fee - $299
What's Included
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
Testimonials...
FAQ
This program can be challenging with lack of hygiene and hot weather at certain times of the year. You will also be faced with meeting people from many backgrounds who have been through a lot, which can be hard-hitting.
You will need to be able to deal with challenging situations and be able to reach out for support if needed. But most of all, a big heart, an open mind and willingness to get stuck in!
- 3 meals p/day
- Arrival airport transfer
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
- Accommodation
Orientation and placement will occur on the following day after your arrival. Your volunteer orientation will provide an overview of the project’s mission and expectations, as well as an introduction to the local community and project site. Upon arrival at Kakuma refugee camp, you will receive a presentation from the program manager and the coordinating project team to prepare you for your work.
After confirming your placement, book flights to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, the sole international airport in Kenya. From there, book a flight to Lodwar (Turkana) departing from Wilson Airport in Nairobi. Our Director or Program Manager will arrange airport pickup in Lodwar, Turkana County, and transport you to the volunteer hotel in Kakuma town.
Monday to Friday – 5 days a week, 3-6 hours
in a day.
Visiting different places within Kakuma refugee camp, hosting the community, visiting Kalobeyei settlement camp, and other refugee organisations.
Kenya is a stunning country, featuring almost every terrain and climate from desert, beach, cities and forests.
There is something for every traveler here, particularly for wildlife lovers. It has over 40 National parks throughout the country and holds the some of the world’s most loved and endangered animals. Here you will find lions, leopards, elephants, hippos and so much more! Kenya is famous for its incredible safaris, which are the countries main source of tourism.
Also well known is the semi nomadic Maasai tribe- a hugely symbolic tribe known for its colourful adornments and traditional clothing. Kenya is a nature lovers paradise, with a visit to the Great Rift Valley being a must. For those who enjoy a gentler pace then Kenya also offers some beautiful beaches, its coast stretching almost 80,000 kilometres.
The beach is also sunny for most of the year! The capital, Nairobi is the fifth largest city in Africa, with unique vibes and a vibrant nightlife. This bustling and cosmopolitan city will throw you into Kenyan way of life and be an interesting eye opener.
Kenya is a huge country with its climate changing from tropical along the coast, to arid in the northern regions and then mild inland temperatures.
Kenya receives a large amount of sunshine year-round but generally, the hottest months are between February and March while the coldest months are July to mid-August. The “long rains” start from March to June, while the “short rains” are between October and December.
Due to Kenya being a major hub for migration over the years, it has now become one of the most culturally diverse countries with many different languages spoken.
There are over 40 different ethnic groups in Kenya, including Luo, Kamba, Maasai and more. Each have their own of mother tongue, although Swahili remains the most widely spoken language. You will also find ethnic groups from European, Arab, Indian and Pakistani, who migrated to the country in the 19th century.
Religions such as Christianity and Islam are widely spread, however many local people still believe in the ancestral world, where the dead have a bearing on the living. Today, the majority of Kenya’s culture, dress, music and food has taken strong influence from other parts of Africa, India, Europe and the United States.
In certain parts of the country however, many local communities hold onto their traditional lifestyle and customs. They still wear the clothes, animal skins and jewellery as they did centuries before. Many remote tribes remain completely isolated and indigenous.
30 Years Non Profit Experience
IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.
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