Do you have more information about Kenya?

Kenya's incredible mix of more than 40 tribes represents a dynamic blend of culture. A natural environment and cultural heritage, wildlife parks, white sandy beaches, thriving coral reefs, mountain capes and ancient Swahili cities represents one of the world’s naturally beautiful countries. However, common problems common in Africa of HIV/AIDS and Malaria, high unemployment and poverty remain a challenge throughout the country.

Population: 36 million

Total surface area: 582,600 km2 (224,961 m2)

Highest peak: Mt.Kenya-17,057 feet (5,199 meters) above sea level

Official language: English and Swahili

Government: Republic

Would the climate be favorable for me in Kenya?

Kenya has a tropical, equatorial climate with two rain seasons: The long rains from April to June and short rains from October to December. It is warm and humid at the coast, temperate inland, and dry in the northern parts of the country. There is plenty of sunshine all year round. At the coast hottest period is from February to March and the coolest from July to August

Are there specific clothes I need to bring?

We recommend light colored, cotton clothing that covers your whole body, sunglasses and a hat. Carry some comfortable sturdy footwear and a pair of sandals for light walking.

What projectss do we have available?

We have a variety of programs mainly designed towards helping children, youth and women living in rural areas improve their standards of living.

Can I volunteer any time of the year?

Our volunteers programs are all year round. For teaching programs, schools operate from January to March, May to July, and September to November.

Will I be met at the airport?

All volunteers are met at the airport by a WIL Volunteer Coordinator and taken to the program location.

Is there a limit to the age one can volunteer?

All volunteers must be 18 years or older. Upper age limit is 65 years old.

Are your program locations safe?

All programs are in safe locations. Volunteer houses always have security at night to ensure no personal safety problems.

Tell me about the vaccinations/immunizations I will need

To travel to most countries you may need all or some in the list below. Contact your medical professional/doctor for more details:

· Polio

· Hepatitis A & B

· Typhoid

· Yellow fever

· Diphtheria and tetanus

· Cholera

· Rabies

· Tuberculosis

· Malaria

Can I do sightseeing and a wild safari outside the program?

Most volunteers work between Monday and Friday and have the weekend free. You can therefore sightsee or do a safari either during or after the program. Additional information is available in your Kenya Information Pack. However, your local supervisor must know in advance if you intend to travel. Our Volunteer Coordinators will be happy to assist you with making any local travel arrangements.

Where do the program fees I pay go?

1. Room & Board.

2. Support and administration of the local office and program coordination

3. Promoting & supporting initiatives of local organizations we work with.

4. Promotion of the objectives of our programs, including relevant literature.

6. Logistical costs.

The main objective of our programs is to employ locally available resources by using simple, practical and cost effective means. This means low administration overheads and less paperwork, enabling us to charge our fees at almost 60 percent cheaper compared to other volunteer organizations. The cost of living is generally low in Kenya compared to other countries.

But how do you explain the necessity of a fee:

· The local organizations have limited or no resources and are often unable to subsidize your trip or cover the costs of hosting you (like costs of housing, feeding and transport, among others.)

· If the local organizations had the financial resources to pay an international volunteer, it would be more beneficial and cost-effective to hire a local person instead, someone who already knows the language and culture and is likely to stick around.

· Identifying an appropriate host organization to work with is time-consuming, takes resources, and requires experienced and professional staff. The process of preparing, training, transporting, housing, feeding, and supervising volunteers is expensive.

· The costs of recruiting volunteers, producing literature, answering the phones, sending mailings, developing a website, and interviewing potential volunteers are significant.

What do I do if I want to bring my own family/partner to the program?

Volunteers bringing their families/partners to the program must let us know in advance to enable us establish and design an appropriate program for them. We will also be able to offer a discounted group rate.