This document provides information about volunteering opportunities in Kenya through an organization called LEC Kenya. Volunteers can get involved in teaching, medical/health work, HIV/AIDS education, and working with children. For the teaching program, volunteers assist in preschools, primary and secondary schools, helping to address shortages of trained teachers and overcrowded classrooms. Medical volunteers work in clinics and hospitals to increase access to healthcare. All projects aim to make a positive impact on underprivileged communities in Kenya.

1. http://www.lecdenkenya.com
Volunteering Projects in Kenya
You can become involved in helping to develop communities in Kenya. With such a
variety of projects this program has something to suit everyone.
You have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of under-privileged
children and adults by providing education and counseling in schools and orphanages,
HIV education, and medical care. Whilst sharing your knowledge and compassion
with the local people, you will have a chance to make a personal contribution and
connection to the people of Kenya.
The Projects
Volunteers will be placed in program locations in the suburbs surrounding Nairobi,
including Kiambiu slum in Buru buru phase one, Kibera Slum
Volunteering in Kenya:
Medical/Health
Malaria, typhoid, pneumonia, and
tetanus are treatable diseases, yet
many still die in Kenya as a
result of not receiving proper
medical care. Government-run
hospitals and medical clinics are
ill-equipped to handle the volume
of people in need of care.
As a medically qualified
volunteer you can help by
sharing your medical skills and

2. working alongside local staff to provide those in need with basic medical care.
Volunteers have the opportunity to work in the areas of general medical practice,
maternal health, minor surgery, and laboratory work. This role is suitable for self-
directed, caring people who are medically qualified.
Malaria, typhoid, pneumonia, and tetanus are treatable diseases, yet many still die in
Kenya as a result of not receiving proper medical care. Government-run hospitals and
medical clinics are ill-equipped to handle the volume of people in need of care. As a
medically qualified volunteer you can help by sharing your medical skills and working
alongside local staff to provide those in need with basic Vocational trainings for
older orphans.
medical care. Volunteers have the opportunity to work in the areas of general medical
practice, maternal health, minor surgery, and laboratory work. This role is suitable for
self-directed, caring people who are medically qualified.
Medical/Health Program
Volunteers will work with local staff to
assist with the daily duties. This could
involve patient consultations, recording
patient history, diagnosing medical
conditions, prescribing medication,
applying dressings, minor surgeries, and
counseling patients. Volunteers have the
opportunity to work in the areas of general
medical practice, maternal health, minor
surgery and laboratory work.
All foreign medical staff who wish to work in Kenya must be registered with the
Ministry of Health. Following this, all medical volunteers are required to supply a
copy of their qualification certificate and their curriculum vitae (resume) for
submission to the MoH. This should be received before you arrive.
Although the type of work volunteers will perform is subject to the needs of the
particular hospital, volunteers can expect to be working with limited medical
resources and technology. Because of this volunteers will need to rely on being self-
directed and use initiative.
Note: the type of work volunteers will perform is subject to the needs of the particular
project they are placed at and their own experience and skills.
Volunteer work expectation
Volunteers are expected to work a minimum of 4 to 6 hours a day, 5 days a week from
Monday to Saturday. Sundays are days off. Volunteers are able to work beyond this
minimum commitment.

3. It is vital that you are flexible and willing to adapt to situations as they arise. You
cannot predict what each day may bring. We also ask that you are prepared to follow
any rules set by us or our partners to ensure continuity of the program. New initiatives
you may wish to set up at your project should be discussed with lecden-Kenya and
your project director supervisor before implementation to ensure that what you set up
is appropriate for the project.
Accommodation
Volunteers in the Teaching, Medical/Health and HIV/AIDS program will be
accommodated in a homestay situation. While volunteers in the Children's program
may be accommodated in either a homestay, volunteer dormitory, or at the Children's
Home they are working in.
Accommodation at homestays is with everyday members of the community who have
invited international volunteers into their homes. Each host situation is different in
terms of the number and make-up of people living in the house, their personal
circumstances, style of accommodation, and their expectation of you as a guest in their
home.
Volunteer dormitory accommodation is where volunteers live together in a house
located near their placement and are cared for by househelp.
Accommodation at a Children's Home is located onsite and provides the volunteer
with separate sleeping quarters from the children. Volunteers are cared for by the
Home's staff.
Accommodation providers have been selected to ensure volunteer well-being and
comfort, to maintain safety and security, and to give an insight into Kenyan life. Take
the opportunity to get to know those at your accommodation. You have a unique
opportunity to learn a different way of living and culture. Make the most of it!
What you can expect
Volunteers can expect to share a room with one to three other volunteers. Bedding,
such as sheets, blankets, pillows, is provided however volunteers will need to supply
their own mosquito nets. Mosquito nets cost less than US$10 and can be purchased in
Nairobi on day two of Orientation.
Living is basic, but comfortable. In urban areas accommodation is modern relative to
rural areas. Houses will generally have electricity, running water, hot water and
flushing toilets. Internet, telephone, ATMs, supermarkets, and restaurants are an easy
travel distance from accommodation. Public transport is readily accessible and just a
short walk from most urban accommodation sites.
In contrast, rural accommodation may not have electricity or running water. Common
to all houses are bucket baths, squat toilets and boiled hot water. Internet, bank or
ATMs, supermarkets, and restaurants are located in the nearest town which will

4. require public transport to get to. Public transport is available but will normally
require volunteers to walk a distance to get to.
Both urban and rural accommodation will not have telephones. For this reason it is
recommended volunteers buy a local mobile phone to keep in contact with family and
friends at home, other volunteers and program staff. Volunteers will have an
opportunity to buy a mobile phone on day two of Orientation and the cost is upwards
of US$30. Remember to keep an eye on international calling charges.
Meals
Volunteers will be served two meals per day: breakfast and dinner. While meals will
differ from accommodation to accommodation, volunteers can expect the style of food
served to be in keeping with the traditional Kenyan diet. An example of the types of
meals served:
Breakfast: bread with jam, fruit, and chai tea.
Dinner: a typical dinner includes three dishes of the following: beans, rice, potatoes,
meat, spinach, cabbage, mixed vegetables, or chapatti.
Please note that snack food is not provided as part of the meals supplied at your
accommodation.
As you can see the Kenyan diet is made up of mostly carbohydrate dishes and meat
served at most one to two times a week. For most, this will be a new way of eating and
you may like to consider supplementing your diet with vitamins and perhaps
purchasing food from a local market or supermarket. If your diet differs from the
foods listed above, let your accommodation provider know so not to cause any
confusion about your eating habits.
Water
As it is not advisable to drink tap water we recommend that you purchase bottled
water. This is widely available in Kenya and you can expect to pay about US$10 per
week. This would provide you with 2 liters of water per day. Be sure to check that the
seals are not broken.
Boiled water is another good option for safe drinking water. The Center for Disease
Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/travel/contentWaterTreatment.aspx)
recommends boiling water as the best method for making water safe to drink. Boiling
water as recommended will kill bacterial, parasitic, and viral causes of diarrhea.
Directions for boiling water: boil water vigorously for 1 minute and allow it to cool to
room temperature (do not add ice).
Where to buy? What you can buy?
Kenya has a large number of outlets where food is sold, ranging from small outdoor
markets to large supermarkets, and roadside eateries to world famous restaurants.
Prices vary greatly. You can expect to pay what you would in your own country when
buying food from a supermarket or eating at a restaurant, while small markets and
roadside eateries offer a much cheaper price option.

5. Transport
Your transport from your arrival location to the volunteer accommodation, and during
Orientation is covered by the program fee. Once Orientation is complete volunteers
are transferred to their program locations. Volunteers, in most cases, will be
accommodated a reasonable walking distance from their project location and will be
able to walk to work each day. For those who are accommodated outside of a
reasonable walking distance and when public transport is available, money for
transport will be provided. Note: any transport money provided in this instance is at
the discretion of lecden-Kenya.
Transport on departure from the program is not covered by the program fee.
Volunteers will need to organise and pay for their own transport when leaving the
program.
Getting around Kenya
Kenya has about 250 airports and airstrips (of vastly varying quality) and plenty of
airlines connecting Nairobi with Mombasa, Kisumu, Nanyuki, Malindi, Lamu and the
national parks/reserves of Amboseli, Masai Mara and Samburu. Flying around Kenya
and its neighboring countries is a relatively safe way to cover a lot of ground.
Traveling by train between Nairobi and Mombasa is also a popular form of
transport.
Kenya has a good network of regular buses, matatus (usually minibuses), shared-taxis
and private taxis which will get you where you need to go; from home to the closest
town or the neighboring country. To reduce any safety risks, only travel with
recommended bus companies and taxi drivers and never travel by matatu at night.
Cycling is best done in rural areas due to the chaotic traffic on the main roads, but the
distances between towns and the poor condition of roads needs to be kept in mind.
Communication
Keeping in touch by post, telephone and email is generally easy, but sometimes not
reliable.
Telephone
Kenya's telephone system is improving but the network is limited to main towns and
often breaks down in times of heavy usage or bad weather conditions.
Volunteer accommodations do not have telephones, but phone booths are usually
located in the cities. Most Kenyans however, rely on mobile phones to keep in contact
with the outside world. For this reason we recommend volunteers buy a local mobile
phone to keep in contact with family and friends at home, other volunteers and
program staff. (Volunteers will have an opportunity to buy a mobile phone on day two
of Orientation and cost upwards of US$30. Remember to keep an eye on international
calling charges.)

6. Internet Services
IT has picked up rapidly in Kenya. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and
you can expect to pay around US$1 for an hour of internet use. The internet is slow
but it is a much cheaper option for keeping in touch with family and friends at home
than telephone.
Post
There are several post offices in Kenya scattered around the country. The post, on
average, takes a few days to Europe and around ten days to North America, Australia
and New Zealand; times from these places to Kenya are slightly longer. It is a good
idea to keep copies of letters or photo disks just incase they get lost in the post and we
recommend not sending valuables just in case they go missing also.
Electricity
Electricity runs in cities and towns but not in extremely rural areas. Power cuts do
occur, so a power surge protector for sensitive equipment and a torch and or head
lamp are good ideas. Kenya's electrical system is characterized by 240 volts AC, 50Hz
with a rectangular blade 3 pin plug (http://kropla.com/!g.htm).
Free Time
Volunteers are free to do as they please during down time. For most, free time will be
on weekends, public holidays and after volunteer duties are done for the day.
You can use free time to prepare for any future work or activities you may wish to
plan. Some volunteers choose to help in other programs when they have free time.
You may like to meet up with other volunteers during your free time to swap ideas or
simply spend time with them. You may also like to visit local sights of interest.
If you are considering traveling around
Kenya and neighboring countries we
recommend you take the necessary safety
precautions and the advice of our partner
organisation and trusted locals. If you
would like to discover Kenya by joining a
safari you may like to consult our partner
who can put you in touch with providers of
safari packages at competitive rates.
Organizing a safari can be done while in
Kenya.
Number of Volunteers
The Kenya program usually has between 30 and 80 volunteers per month, but the
number of volunteers varies depending on the season. Generally you are placed with
one to three other volunteers at your project.

7. Volunteering in Kenya: Teaching
Quality education for both boys and girls is crucial in reducing poverty and promoting
gender equality. Schools in Kenya are currently struggling with overcrowded classes
and a lack of skilled teachers.
As a volunteer you will help to empower girls and boys by giving them the skills they
need to overcome poverty and to make their voice heard. We have opportunities for
volunteers to assist with teaching at preschool, primary, and secondary levels. There
may also be opportunities to teach at the IDP camps.
At primary and secondary levels, volunteer teachers can teach core subjects, such as
English, mathematics, science, social sciences, and can initiate extra-curricular
activities.
Volunteer preschool teachers will teach basic English skills and carry out basic
childcare duties.
This role is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-directed person. A teaching
qualification is not required (except for secondary teaching) but volunteers need to be
confident in the above subjects and preferably have or be studying towards a
university degree.
Quality education for both boys and girls is crucial in reducing poverty and promoting
gender equality. Schools in Kenya are currently struggling with overcrowded classes
and a lack of skilled teachers. As a volunteer you will help to empower girls and boys
by giving them the skills they need to overcome poverty and to make their voice
heard. We have opportunities for volunteers to assist with teaching at preschool,
primary, and secondary levels. At primary and secondary levels, volunteer teachers
can teach core subjects, such as English, mathematics, science, social sciences, and
can initiate extra-curricular activities. Volunteer preschool teachers will teach basic
English skills and carry out basic childcare duties.
This role is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-directed person. A teaching
qualification is not required (except for secondary teaching) but volunteers need to be
confident in the above subjects and preferably have or be studying towards a
university degree.
It is the goal of Kenyan children to get an education so they have the skills to
overcome poverty and advance towards a future where their voice is heard. The
Kenyan education system aims to achieve the goal of quality education for all. Since
the late 1980s the education system has been modeled on what is called 8.4.4. This
means 8 years of primary school, 4 years of high school and 4 years of
university/higher education.
This system is designed to give students recognized levels of education. It has helped
to reduce drop out rates and has given those who will not attend university/higher

8. education a legitimate qualification: the Kenya Certification of Primary Education and
the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education.
Following a promise made in 1963 the Kenyan government made primary education
free in government schools in 2003. Since then enrolment rates have skyrocketed and
schools have been left unable to cope. Overcrowding is rampant and there are not
enough trained teachers to fulfill all the positions needed. As a result, children are not
getting the required attention and grades are slipping. Consequently government
schools have capped their enrolment; this has lead to the rise of community run
schools (sometimes referred to as harambee schools) where teachers do not need to be
qualified or skilled. Today community schools account for about 75% of primary
schools in Kenya.
Strategies to achieve basic, quality education for all in Kenya are not succeeding. It is
estimated that only 24 percent of Kenya's children advance to secondary school. While
only about 2% attend university and other higher education institutions.
The Kenyan education system is plagued by a shortage of skilled teachers providing
quality education. Volunteers have an opportunity to help change this by giving their
knowledge and skills to classroom teaching and sharing skills with local staff.
Volunteers in the teaching program are placed in community run schools and
children's centres and have the opportunity to teach preschool, primary and secondary
level students. For preschool level, volunteers can teach basic reading, words and
counting, as well as colours and shapes. Other work with preschool involves childcare
duties like changing baby diapers, putting children down for naptime, and feeding
duties.
Volunteers teaching at primary and secondary levels will be teaching core subjects,
such as English, mathematics, science and social studies. Volunteers may find
pressure to primarily teach English as this is seen by many as the key to success in
future employment in Kenya's booming tourism industry. Note, only qualified
teachers are able to teach at secondary level.
Another important role you have as a volunteer is to add to your placement. The
budgets of many schools mean there is only enough to provide the basic necessities.
We encourage you as a volunteer to bring that little "extra". Ideas don't need to be big
or cost any money. Often the most popular ideas for volunteers and amongst the
children are arts 'n' craft activities, sports games, and dance and music lessons. Don't
forget to consult the supervisor at your project before introducing any new ideas.
Please note, supplies/resources for any kind of activity you may want to take part in
will not be supplied by the school or centre.
A general note: some schools will be very established in their work and have
organized routines and set ways of doing things. Other schools will not. Regardless of
the individual situation of each school they will require your help. It is important to
join the school with an open mind and be there to help in the way it is needed.

9. Note: The type of work volunteers will perform is subject to the needs of the
particular project they are placed at and their own experience and skills.
Apply for this program
Volunteering in Kenya: HIV/AIDS
Kenya has been hit hard by the HIV/AIDS epidemic with approximately 1.25 million
adults and over 100,000 children infected. The aim of the HIV/AIDS program is to
decrease the spread of HIV through raising awareness and education, increasing
access to homecare, and providing emotional support to those affected by HIV/AIDS
within the community.
Volunteers have the opportunity to work in a community HIV/AIDS organization to
assist with homecare visits to HIV positive people, and educate and counsel
community and school groups and individuals.
This role is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-directed person. Medical training
is not necessary for all aspects of the program, but a background in HIV/AIDS and
basic health care is required.
Kenya has been hit hard by the
HIV/AIDS epidemic with approximately
1.25 million adults and over 100,000
children infected. The aim of the
HIV/AIDS program is to decrease the
spread of HIV through raising awareness
and education, increasing access to
homecare, and providing emotional
support to those affected by HIV/AIDS
within the community. Volunteers have
the opportunity to work in a community HIV/AIDS organization to assist with
homecare visits to HIV positive people, and educate and counsel community and
school groups and individuals. This role is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-
directed person. Medical training is not necessary for all aspects of the program, but a
background in HIV/AIDS and basic health care is required.
Prevention efforts are essential to curb the increase of HIV/AIDS. Education is
considered to be one of the best methods to reducing the rate of AIDS spreading. One
of the most popular educational methods is known as the "ABC" approach. Its main
message is: (A) Abstain from all sex. (B) Be Faithful to one or less partners. (C)
Condomise. Use a condom if you have sex.
However, in many countries in Africa including Kenya, sex isn't discussed openly and
is often regarded as a taboo subject, making it difficult to raise awareness of HIV and
AIDS. Religion is often at the centre of the communities and may be a factor as to

10. how sex education (including methods of contraception) is taught in the community.
Many people have little or no access to magazines, leaflets, the Internet or family
planning clinics, meaning the general population's knowledge of HIV/AIDS will
consist of what their family may or may not have said and hearsay from their friends.
Furthermore, local witchcraft has sometimes started myths about HIV and AIDS, its
spread and cure. For example, there is a belief in some areas that if a HIV positive
man has sex with a virgin then he will be rid of the disease. Volunteers should
sensitively address these beliefs without an air of superiority or self-righteousness,
even if the ideas talked of seem impossible or incomprehensible.
The aim of the HIV/AIDS program is to decrease the spread of HIV through raising
awareness and education, increasing access to homecare and providing emotional
support to those affected by HIV/AIDS within the community. Volunteers have the
opportunity to work in a community HIV/AIDS organization to assist with homecare
visits to HIV positive people, education and counseling. Homecare visits give
volunteers the opportunity to get out amongst HIV positive members of the
community and give attention and care. You can help by providing encouragement
and emotional support; massage therapy to help bedridden patients with their seized
up joints; help with bathing and changing clothes; basic help with cooking, feeding
and cleaning; and basic medical attention.
Education and counseling is crucial to preventing the spread of HIV. With education
and counseling, people are empowered to make decisions which will prevent the
spread of HIV and an understanding will be created to lessen the stigma of the disease.
Volunteers have an opportunity to be involved with education and counseling
community and school groups, and individuals.
Apply for this program

11. Volunteering in Kenya: Children
You have the opportunity to help children in need. Children who have lost their
parents to HIV/AIDS, children who have been abused by their parents and children
whose parents are not able to provide for them. These kids need love, attention, life
skills, and education so they can have successful futures free from poverty and filled
with the same opportunities as others.
As a volunteer you will be a mentor by becoming a big brother or sister to kids in a
children's home. You will work alongside local staff to help with classroom teaching
and homework help, childcare, and the daily operational running of the home.
Volunteers are also encouraged to initiate their own work by organizing arts and
crafts, music, dance, games, sports activities, and day trips for the children.
This role is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-directed person who has a love
for children and has childcare experience.
You have the opportunity to help children
in need. Children who have lost their
parents to HIV/AIDS, children who have
been abused by their parents and children
whose parents are not able to provide for
them. These kids need love, attention, life
skills, and education so they can have
successful futures free from poverty and
filled with the same opportunities as others.
As a volunteer you will be a mentor by
becoming a big brother or sister to kids in a
children's home. You will work alongside local staff to help with classroom teaching
and homework help, childcare, and the daily operational running of the home.
Volunteers are also encouraged to initiate their own work by organizing arts and
crafts, music, dance, games, sports activities, and day trips for the children. This role
is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-directed person who has a love for children
and has childcare experience.
Most children find shelter in Children's Homes which are purpose built to provide a
home and education to kids in need. The Homes which the program works with are
run by both community groups and the Kenyan Government. Community run Homes
are usually started by private members in the community who are motivated to do
something about homeless or abused children in their area.
Each Home will vary in terms of number of children, cleanliness, facilities provided,
food and number of meals given per day, management capability, funding assistance,
health issues, education provision, etc. However, you can expect school aged children
to attend school during the day so there will only be non school aged and sick children
at the Home during school hours. Some Homes will run their own school which

12. resident children and neighborhood children attend.
The Manager and local staff at some Children's Homes will provide volunteers with
support; giving volunteers daily duties and ideas for activities. Some Homes will also
be very established in their work and have organized routines and set ways of doing
things. Other Homes will not provide support and will have flexible ways. Regardless
of the individual situation of each Children's Home they will require your help. It is
important to join the Home with an open mind and be there to help in the way they
need it. This could mean you will be helping with mentoring and playing with the
kids; teaching in a classroom or helping with homework, working in the laundry,
mending clothing, cooking meals, or childcare duties, such as feeding and bathing.
Note: English skills amongst the children will vary due to age and the quality of
education they have received. For instance, younger children will have very limited
English language skills.
Another important role you have as a volunteer is to add to your placement. The
budgets of many Children's Homes mean there is only enough to provide the basic
necessities. We encourage you as a volunteer to bring that little "extra". Ideas don't
need to be big or cost any money. Often the most popular ideas for volunteers and
amongst the children are arts 'n' craft activities, sports games, and dance, singing and
music. Additionally, you may have a special skill or talent you can offer. One of our
past volunteers knew how to sew and started vocational classes at her Home to teach
teenage girls and boys skills they could use to get a job. The vocational classes are still
going on today as the volunteer passed these skills onto local staff at the Home. Don't
forget to consult your supervisor at your placement before introducing any new ideas.
Please note, supplies/resources for any kind of activity you may want to take part in
will not be supplied by the Children's Home.
Note: the type of work volunteers will perform is subject to the needs of the particular
project they are placed at and their own experience and skills.
Apply for this program