Kenya is a land of intense beauty, epic landscapes, fascinating tribes and exuberant communities. Magnificent wildlife roam across vast Rift Valley plains, white sand beaches fringe the turquoise Indian Ocean and ancient tribal communities practise traditional customs little changed since the dawn of time. All these combine to provide a destination of unparalleled appeal and fascination.
Travel to this spectacular land and immerse yourself in a community and culture in which you will be made to feel incredibly welcome. The people are positively inspiring and the landscape, national parks, beaches and surrounding islands are stunningly beautiful.
Once you’ve learnt to do things the Kenyan way you’ll never want to leave this unique travel destination.
WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?
In Kenya the term ‘orphanage’ spans a variety of institutions including children’s homes, care centres and rehabilitation centres. These organisations care for children who have been orphaned, abandoned or abused and have no other place to go. Having lived tragic lives without love and affection the main thing most of these children need is care and attention.
This excellent orphanage in one of the most impoverished areas of Nairobi helps to care for babies and infants who have been orphaned, abandoned or abused and gives them a safe haven in which to grow. Many children are found very young in the streets and slums and are brought to the centre where they are given full medical check ups and cared for until they can be adopted, or supported as they grow and develop through to school age.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
Your work programme will be tiring and challenging but deeply fulfilling. You will help in the day-to-day care of the youngest orphans including feeding, changing, washing them, teaching them to walk and feed themselves and even helping to chose names for new arrivals! The youngest need constant attention and entertaining them will take up most of your time. The older children start learning and helping with chores around the centre at a young age so you can help show them how to do simple tasks and support them as they learn.
Volunteers will work with young children and babies who either have no family or are from very deprived backgrounds. Some of the children are suffering from HIV or AIDS and have been abandoned or are too sick to go to school, others may have been subject to abuse. Most of the children are in need of love and affection and you will be utterly astounded to see how much your care and attention can change their lives.
