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NZIU HEALTH CENTRE

, Kenya

Notes

Laundry and water:
• Water is available at the hosting home mostly from the springs 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 organisation: 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.
• Mentor’s Experience with international volunteers: More than 3 years’ experience with international volunteers

In partnership with

Project background
• The health facility is built on 4 acres’ plot was initiated during the colonial era in 1940’s by the community with the aim of enabling the local people to have access to medication.
• The health center has the capacity to cater for 700 patients on a daily basis and it has 5 medical staff members including two casual workers.
• There is a building housing the main hospital and currently the maternity wing is under construction plus two staff houses.
• The health institution also offers an opportunity where the community members come together to enhance the process of implementation of community development activities and thus champion the common cause that is to improve the living standards of the local community members.
• Poverty levels are extremely high in the community with the majority of the people reliant on subsistence agriculture.
• Due to poor farming techniques and the effects of harsh weather conditions, environmental degradation has been a major challenge with the resultant diseases like malnutrition afflicting the Children.
Project activities
The facility offers health services to the local community members


Description of the Work

Volunteer tasks
• The volunteers will be assigned duties in the health facility by professional staff
• Record keeping, weighing, and general cleanliness among other duties at the center.
• Submit Project Report to KVDA


Accommodation & Food

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.


Location & Leisure

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


Requirements

Financial contribution
• The project participation fee is Euro 250 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.
• Volunteers accepted on MLTV project for one month will pay Euros 300. Payment can be done either through international bank transfer or cash payment on arrival to Kenya.
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 organisation: 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.


Appointment

International arrivals at JKIA in Nairobi, Kenya


Host Organization

Who we are Kenya Voluntary Development Association (KVDA) is an indigenous and membership organization which is non-political, non-sectarian and non-profit started in May 1962 as a work camp Organization. In 1969 the organization widened its scope and diversified its operations in the entire development spectrum with the international voluntary service exchange as the core-competence of the Association. Our Philosophy KVDA seeks to promote inter-cultural education, international peace, inter-human understanding and solidarity as well as sustainable community development through voluntary service “Development against Dependence” captures KVDA’s philosophy Our strategic objectives Communities are aware of development issues, mobilized resources and taken responsibility of their own development. Young people have access to experiential education by offering voluntary service Our programs Work camps Medium and Long-term Voluntary Service Projects Language i.e. Kiswahili and English training Performing arts Educational tours Enterprise development Exchange programs Capacity building and empowerment for self help groups Awareness creation on thematic issues i.e. HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis, Civic education, Girl child education, Gender, Peace building and conflict transformation, Protection of world heritage sites, Environmental conservation est. Mission statement Mobilizing all-purpose resources to support community development initiatives Vision Statement Envisages KVDA as an organization with a large membership working towards the improvement of quality of life of the community What does it take to volunteer? This query is often posed at the mention of voluntary service: What will I gain? Can you offer yourself to provide services without material or financial rewards? Do you mean it in principle in your quest to reach out to the deprived in society made destitute be dehumanizing socio-economic structures? And ultimately what drives you as a human being? If you can answer these questions in the affirmative, then KVDA is the right forum for you to serve the people. A volunteer should have strong motivation and commitment to offer services with dignity without imposing values on those who receive your help. This irrespective of academics, religion, social status, etc and must remain a servant of the people as demonstrated by the values guiding exchange of good practice in society.