Project background
• Roddy’s Eco-Cover is a community based organization founded in 2011 to champion environmental awareness with forestry as key concern
• The project was established by members of the local community with the aim of empowerment for the less fortunate members in the quest to tackle development challenges at the grassroots.
• Its major focus is on environmental concern to mitigate the effects of climate change and foster inter-cultural education among the local community
• The project is located at Ebuyangu village in Emuhaya constituency in Vihiga country that is situated in Western Kenya
• It is situated 430 Kilometers away from Nairobi city and its located in an area that is famed for cultural diversity due to the high population density
• The volunteers will be hosted in a homestead to experience cultural diversity and learn to live and interact with members of the host community in an atmosphere of cooperation and solidarity
• This project has hosted previously both local and international volunteers and it has great potential for the replication of its activities in equally challenging circumstances in other regions of Kenya

Volunteer tasks
• Manual work and intercultural activities
• Agro forestry that will include tree planting
• Preparation of tree nurseries and weeding
• Land scaping and tending to bamboo trees in the natural habitat
• Construction work at the centre and neighbouring primary schools.
• Cleanup activities
• Naming of trees
• Home visits
• Inter-cultural learning coupled with home visits for exposure to development challenges.
• Possibility to visit the historic sites like Hippo point on Lake Victoria in Kisumu City, renowned Kakamega Rain Forest and the Equator point at Maseno University; among other spectacular sites of interest in the region. However, this will be done most probably during the weekends.

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
• Home stay and the volunteer is entitled to private room but will share other amenities and meals with the host family.
• It is convenient for the volunteer to carry sleeping bag, mat and personal effects.
• KVDA has a memorandum of understanding with the host project regarding the project costs with appropriate procedures, checks and balances.

Leisure time
• Kenya is replete with a lot of interesting and natural spectacular sites of interest that would capture the imagination of volunteers.
• From the tour to the renowned Maasai Mara Game Reserve to visits to local community beholding sights, the volunteers have the previledge to make choices that would fundamentally make the difference.
• The project also offers a perfect opportunity for people who enjoy being close to nature and are interested in the spectacular setting that traditional way of living in the heartland of the African culture would enrich your cultural heritage

Financial contribution
• The project participation fee is Euro 300 per month paid upfront on arrival to the cover costs stipulated for the entire duration of the project.
• Monthly payment of participation fees is not allowed for conventional purposes.
What is included in the participation fee?
• Return transfers from the airport
• Full board at the project (Accommodation and meals provided at the project)
• Orientation, evaluation and monitoring
• Volunteer mentorship
What is not included in the participation fee?
• Travel to and from the project. The volunteer will be required to pay for the bus tickets
• Refreshments outside the project
• Air ticket
• Excursion
• Visa, vaccinations and Insurance
• Local travel
• Personal effects
Laundry and water:
• Water is available at the hosting project and it is important to preserve water at all times due to its scarcity and cooperation with the hosts will be highly appreciated
• There are no washing machines in the institution and the volunteer will be guided on how to wash clothes
Medical:
• Volunteers are expected to have their own medical insurance and other personal expenses and it is important to carry your own medical and travel insurances.
MENTORING
• Mentor for the volunteer from the hosting organization: KVDA will designate its staff to play the role of mentoring and this is the vital link between the volunteer and the organization. The Mentor has the responsibility to enable the volunteer to efficiently execute their tasks with diligence.
• Function of mentor: advise, educate, be a role model to the volunteers; providing problem solving, collaborative support, positive and non-evaluative feedback and emotional support for volunteers; to provide comfort, exposure, visibility and challenging assignments which directly support the volunteer’s personal and professional development; to provide counselling and friendship to support the volunteer’s self-image and competence and thus to listen, guide, advice, teach and offer professional support to the volunteers
• The mentor will be available for the volunteer as a constant supporting person. However, he/she should not be directly involved in the daily work of the volunteer.
What to carry: This is outlined in the detailed info sheet and includes, sleeping bag and mat, toiletries, torch, flashlight, sandals, mosquito net, national flag from your country, among others
DONATION AND GIFTS: These are usually symbolic gestures to enhance the solidarity of volunteers and the hosting community. Kindly contact KVDA for details in case you are willing to support a worthy cause in the community either by offering a donation or long-term intervention on the project.

International Arrivals terminal at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya