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13.2 Week
Based on past participants’ experiences, we’ve organized the common themes of learning, reflection, and growth by time period.
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
Grow
Kenya, an emerging land of new opportunities in Africa, is gaining attention not only for its well-preserved wildlife but also for its sustainable growth.Rather than simple volunteer work, gain early experience in your related major or the field you wish to pursue through structured and professional volunteering! Especiallyinternational development, healthcare, and business administrationare recommended for those studying these fields.
Level of local hardship★★★☆☆
Depending on national and regional characteristics, conditions may be poorer than in urban areas. Please be aware of this when applying for volunteer activities.
Exclusions
- Round-trip airfare
- Visa fee
- Vaccination fees
- Individual travel insurance
- Other local living expenses
* Please book airfare and transportation after your project participation has been confirmed and you have received the final departure schedule.
1. This project isEnglish orSwahiliwill be conducted.
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English requirement ★★★☆☆ Kenya's official languages are English and Swahili. Communication with local staff and the content of activities are conducted in English, so you must be able to perform basic communication needed for the activities. However, for medical volunteering, health education, and agricultural volunteering that practically require professional English, a somewhat higher level of English proficiency is required. Professional activities require at least upper-intermediate English. In additionVolunteers will have the opportunity to learn Swahili. |
2. The basic schedule isfrom Monday to Fridayand runs untilapproximatelyfrom around 8:00 AM to around 3:00 PMare held.
*Detailed schedules, times, and content may change depending on local circumstances.
3. The detailed schedule varies depending on the project area the participant wishes to undertake.
If you contact us separately before applying to participate, we will send detailed guidance and materials for the activity by email.
Participants can propose various ideas and will take part in activities such as rainwater collection, repairing school buildings, painting murals, and creative activities with children,
they will also participate in various activities such as repairing playgrounds and beautifying schools. Play-based learning activities include physical activity.
① Teaching and Training Program (Educational Volunteering)
There are many poor children and orphans in this area who cannot attend school for various reasons. Although free primary education is provided in Kenya and the number of students has increased significantly, the limited classes and shortage of teachers have resulted in a decline in the quality of education. In addition, children are unable to receive education due to geographic location, marriage customs, female genital mutilation, poverty, and HIV/AIDS. Our organization aims to provide education equally at all levels and runs various projects such as education campaigns, education for orphans affected by AIDS, scholarships, support for school fees, mobile schools, and libraries.
② HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care (Medical Volunteering)
More than 40 million people worldwide are infected with HIV/AIDS, and over 90% of them live in developing countries. More than half of new infections occur among 15–24 year olds, and it is estimated that 14 million children have become orphans. Our organization aims to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and sexual transmission in rural Kenyan villages and to minimize its impact on individuals, families, and communities. We provide HIV counseling and testing, comprehensive health services, promotion of premarital abstinence, condom use promotion, and media campaigns related to HIV/AIDS prevention.
③Youth Empowerment and Development (Health Education and Public Health)
Public health plays an important role for individuals. A systematic healthcare system, balanced nutrition, regular meals, and prevention of infectious diseases are essential for people to contribute to the economic, social, and political development of their communities. The organization aims to provide health services to vulnerable groups such as geographically isolated people, women of childbearing age, and children under five, and, through partnerships with various organizations, works to deliver health education, proper hygiene training, and safe drinking water disinfection systems to rural Kenyan villages.
④Agricultural and Community Development (Agricultural Volunteering)
Agriculture is important for securing food supplies, the livelihoods of poor farmers, and economic development. In many countries, increases in agricultural production have been accompanied by reductions in poverty. Therefore, to further increase agricultural output, skilled knowledge, access to land, technological advancement, capital, and markets are needed. The organization provides information to improve global competitiveness, develop new and diverse products, and support production management and decision-making for the sustainable development of agriculture in rural villages.
* In addition to the above activities,Support is available for volunteer work caring for children in orphanages, environmental projects, and activities promoting women's rights and self-reliance.
* Participants will be assigned among the above tasks according to their major and experience. (When filling out the applicationPlease indicate your preferred tasks)
*Participants in additional activities and leisure time can enjoy volunteering and travel together. Kericho, Kenya offers many opportunities to experience nature in its natural state.
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At first, I experienced culture shock at how different things were from Korea, but thewarm hearts and consideration of the NGO members and everyone around meleft a deep impression on me. Kenya was a relaxed and safe country. The six weeks went by very quickly.
Volunteering in Africa was something I had always wanted to try at least once, and I felt that if I waited any longer I might not get the chance, so I went during the break. The weather was hot and the conditions were harsh, butthe pure eyes and faces of the children who smiled at me and welcomed me made me feel filled with energy.
I saw so many things, met new people, and learned about a new culture. Also, by witnessing firsthand the effects of poverty,I reflected on myself and was able to learn life lessons.
* For detailed reviews from participantsGap Year Story (click)you can find them there.
* More participant reviews are at the bottom of the project "Participant Reviews"and can be found there.
The organization running this project was registered as a non-governmental organization in March 2007,bringing together organizations and individuals with similar goals to collaborate and support the self-sufficiency of rural villages through education, healthcare, and economic activities.We run programs in education, healthcare, HIV/AIDS, women's empowerment, and agriculture,educating children in schools and caring for children in orphanagesand undertaking a wide range of specialized social development volunteer activities, from basic services to environmental conservation and the improvement of women's rights.We are an organization that helps village communities become self-reliant.
We are committed to reducing poverty and disease and improving education.Volunteers mainly come from the United States and Europe, either individually or as groups, which can greatly help those who aspire to international volunteer work or to become international activists in planning their future careers.
A message from the local coordinator
Hello, Korea Gap Year participants. Nice to meet you. I am the local coordinator, Willy.
Welcome to all volunteers who have chosen this project to become part of our community and gain new experiences!Volunteers are placed on the outskirts of the Mau Forest, one of the largest forested areas in Kenya. The Mau Forest is home to a variety of animals and birds, and it is a very valuable and proud region of Kenya.
Our organization works with the Kipsigis community, a sub-group of the Kalenjin. This village is known for its bright and warm people, who are passionate about singing and dancing. Within the community they raise livestock and cultivate crops such as tea and potatoes to make a living, and you will become part of our community and join them.I do my best to help you understand the new culture and environment, and while you stay in Kenya I facilitate sightseeing and cultural experiences in addition to volunteer work so you can connect more easily.
I know safety is the biggest concern. However, all volunteers who have participated say 'it is much safer than I thought,' so although this country may seem unfamiliar, it is a friendly and warm place. In this warm and bright placeI look forward to being with you.
| Shared room / shared bathroom / bed provided / meals provided / Wi-Fi available |
Quick pause: let's learn about meals in Kenya!
Participants will live with Kenyan homestay families and share local meals with the family. The staple foods in Kenya generally include:Ugali(a dish made from cornmeal) andChapati(flat, pan-fried dough). Ugali is usually formed into a ball with the right hand and used to scoop sauces, vegetables, fish, or meat stews. People also have tea time and enjoy fragrant 'chai' together.
*Reference photo: chapati on the far left / ugali on the far right
| Region: Kenya, Kericho
Kericho is located in the southwest of Kenya, about a four-hour drive from Kenya's capital Nairobi, and is the country's largest tea-producing area.It is.Due to its worldwide renown, British, French, and Dutch growers also cultivate tea there.
During the volunteer program, participants stay with host families in Kimori village in the Konoin area.
Located in the Rift Valley where locals mainly engage in farming and livestock rearing, the high-altitude Kericho receives abundant rainfall year-round. The area is close to Mau, the largest grassland in East Africa, which is home to various wildlife such as elephants, leopards, and buffalo. The region also contains British farms that reflect its colonial history.
1. Amboseli National Park
It is a place where you can enjoy a splendid view of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. Home to many elephants, its marshes are also ideal for watching various waterbirds. An observation deck sits atop a hill rising in the middle of the Amboseli plains; climbing it at dawn to watch the sun rise over the savanna is an exhilarating experience. Amboseli National Park, where primal life breathes, has water that does not dry up even during long droughts, offering superb grasslands. Observe wild elephants up close on the vast plains of Amboseli National Park!
2. Maasai Mara National Park
Located northwest of Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Park is a national wildlife reserve about the size of Jeju Island. You can see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo) here. Riding a hot air balloon at sunrise to look down on herds of animals is an unmissable, unique experience. Connected to the vast Serengeti National Park, Maasai Mara allows animals to roam freely. Come and meet Africa's iconic Big Five there!
3. Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya is Kenya's highest volcanic peak; although it lies on the equator, its summit is covered with perennial snow and glaciers. It is considered Africa's finest mountain, boasting ruggedness and majestic grandeur. Today, public facilities and campsites are available, making it an enchanting place for travelers and adventurers. In Kenya's pristine nature, Mount Kenya National Park—one of its greatest attractions—offers views of snow-covered Kilimanjaro and the vast grasslands. Visit Mount Kenya National Park, a jewel of Africa gifted by nature!
Who can participate
-18 years or olderPhysically healthy and open-minded individuals
- People who cancommunicateat a basic level in English or Swahili
- People whohave overseas volunteer experience
- Majoring in international development orthose who dream ofbecoming international activistswho want to work globally
-People who want a meaningful experiencevolunteering in the vast continent of Africa
- 아프리카 to fully experience Kenya's local cultureand immerse themselves in it
■The minimum participation period for this projectAt least 4 weeksis.
■The cost of this projectat the top of this pageYou can easily check the detailed amounts by period and option.
* For popular projects, there may be no TO, soPlease apply quickly to secure your spot.
■ Gap Year Mission Scholarship(▶ View details)
■Installment payment information
For those who find it difficult to pay in full,Prepay a registration fee of 500,000 KRW.If you pay the remaining balance within two weeks, the process to confirm project participation will proceed based on the date the registration fee was paid, and availability and slots (TO) will be checked. Securing a spot quickly is important to participate on your desired dates and period!(Non-refundable upon confirmation of participation)
*However, if the start date is imminent, the schedule for paying the remaining balance may vary depending on the circumstances.
■Early bird discounts andUrgent applicationInformation
All Gap Year projects require normal processing procedures and a preparation period, so it is recommendedto apply at least 3 months before the project start date.드리며, as a rule, applications should be made no later than 2 months in advance.However, if unavoidable circumstances arise or you urgently need to join a project, by paying an additional fee for the urgent application service we will assist with expedited processing as much as possible.
*Although we help expedite procedures as much as possible, there is basic time required for communication with local organizations and confirmation of participation, and since all procedures are carried out the same as for regular participants,participants using the urgent application service must actively cooperate with the Korea Gap Year operations teamto do so.
**Those who apply at least 180 days before the start date are eligible for the early bird discount.
*** The urgent application service can be selected from the options above. For inquiries about the urgent application service, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
- Provided items:Automatic enrollment in Gap Year missions and notes / All OT materials provided immediately upon confirmation of participation / Additional emergency staff assignment / Support for preparing documents if required, etc.
*If you have difficulty calculating dates, please refer to the Naver Date Calculator >>Naver Date Calculator (Direct Link)
**Note: In the case of ultra-urgent applications, there may be no available slots (TO) depending on local circumstances, and subsequent procedures will proceed according to the Gap Year refund policy. Additionally, any problems arising from participant non-cooperation are the participant's responsibility.
