Role of Volunteer
Most of the time volunteers will stay with the orphans for an at-orphanage stay, much like a family member. Although this is not an official teaching placement, you may teach conversational English during your stay. Our volunteers also engage the children with educational activities and games, and may be asked to help with various health or sanitation needs. Help is also needed in the kitchen preparing meals and/or washing dishes and clothes. Volunteers' storytelling skills will be put to good use inspiring and motivating the children.
- Teaching basic conversational English
- Developing creative free-time programs such as dance, arts, music and other physical activities
- Helping the children with various health and personal hygiene needs
- Teaching life-skills
- Housekeeping as well as cooking and serving food to the children
Skills/Qualification Needed
No specific qualifications are required to volunteer in orphanage in Kenya, but your understanding of Kenyan culture and Swahili language can help improve the experience for you and the children. Consider enrolling in our one-week Language & Cultural Immersion program. Volunteers should have love for children, empathy for their unfortunate circumstances and willingness to share their passion with them while being patient and flexible.
Volunteer in Kenya: Project Locations and Free Time Options
Global's projects in Kenya are available in Nairobi and Watamu (a coastal town just north of Mombasa). Watamu lies on the Indian Ocean and is the country's coastal tourism hub. The majority of the residents wear colorful traditional clothing, and the city's climate is warm and tropical. While Watamu is home to some very rich foreigners, it's also home to some incredibly poor Kenyans, which is who our projects are geared towards. The volunteer house where international volunteers all stay together while working on projects in Watamu is located directly on the beach, so at the end of a hard and emotionally draining day volunteering, you can relax an rejuvenate right on the beach! There are also a multitude of diverse restaurants and Watamu's northern shoreline is renowned for its vibrant 24-hour entertainment.
Nairobi is the capital and the largest city in Kenya. The colorful combinations of culture and modern living are living examples of past meets future. There is a solid tourist infrastructure in place that supports day trips and city tour planning, and volunteers can spend free time in the National Museum or Nairobi National Park. The city is a hub for safari launches and there are many opportunities for different excursions. There are also crocodile farms and nature trails to explore, along with the standard pulsing city options for travelers.
