Interested in volunteering in Kenya? Looking for a challenge?

Friends of Londiani are looking for teams of volunteers for our projects in 2010 

Harambee Projects

Harambee is a Swahili word for “working together” and FOL volunteer projects are all about volunteers working together with members of the local community on various development projects.  FOL has organised many volunteer projects since 2002 with its most recent one being Harambee 2009 where 68 volunteers travelled to Kenya during July and August.  Building on these successful experiences, FOL are organising Harambee 2010.

Here's a taste of the kind of activities you'd be engaged in:

and here is the annual report for Harambee 2009

The work of Harambee 2010 will be modelled on the development of ‘Healthy Villages’, the Millennium Development Goals and the implementation of the Kenyan Community Health Strategy. 

This year there will be 2 Harambee Project Teams - one in July/August and one in October/November.
Applications for the July project are now closed and the team has begun the training programme.

Applications for the Autumn Harambee are now open - closing date for all applications is May 20th 2010.

The Autum Harambee will include the following tasks which will all be done in partnership with the local communities:

• Running Essential Obstetric and Newborn Care and Pre-Hospital Trauma and Transfer Courses for Healthcare professionals.  (Run by Irish and Kenyan Health Professionals).
• Running Maternal and Neonatal Health Courses for Community Health Workers
• Working on water projects in local communities.
• Running organisational trainings and health related courses such as Maternal Health for communities.
• Assisting the local Public Health staff with Health Promotion Open Days.
• Visiting people in their homes to conduct health surveys.
• Developing HIV/AIDS Awareness through peer-education courses.
• Assisting in the local medical clinic, helping with outreach clinical projects and conducting Child Assessments in the Bethel Children’s Home.
• Working with income-generating community groups e.g. bee-keeping, tailoring.
• Working with schools interested in improving their hygiene and sanitation through Health Clubs.

 
Dates of Autumn Harambee Project:

There will be an option for a 2 or 3 week project as follows:

Group 1: October 30^th - November 14^th 2010
Group 2: October 30^th - November 21^st 2010 

Project Schedules:

Each project group will travel to Kenya for a 2 or 3-week period. On arrival, the group will stay in a moderate hotel for 1-2 days preparation and training and then travel to their project site. Accommodation on site will vary from dormitories to tents. Following the project, the group will stay in a hotel for two nights. During this time, there will be debriefing sessions and optional tourism activities. Should you wish to travel before or after your project, we need to know well in advance as it will affect the groups’ airline tickets.


Group:

Group size will vary between 20 and 25 people for each project. Volunteers must be willing to learn the necessary skills as no prerequisite knowledge or experience is required.  

Cost of project:

FOL promotes various fundraising and sponsorship activities throughout the year. Guidelines and resources on fundraising and events will be available at the interview days. For Harambee projects, FOL breaks the costs into two separate parts. This is done so that donors/sponsors can be clear what their donation is going towards – Personal costs: which enable the participant to take part or Project Fundraising: which enable the project to take place.

Personal costs: €1600 This cost covers the participants’ flights, transport in Kenya, training material and training expenses.  

Project Fundraising Target: This money goes towards the cost of completing the projects of Harambee 2010 and participants must raise a minimum of €1500. 

The following costs are not included in the above as they vary from person to person: Travel Insurance, Travel Vaccinations, Kenyan Visa and the optional Tourist activities in Kenya. Participants will also have the option to purchase Friends of Londiani fleeces should they wish to do so.  

Training and Selection:

FOL has a comprehensive volunteer training programme for all volunteers travelling to Kenya with them.  Completion of the FOL Training programme before travelling to Kenya is compulsory for all volunteers.  For Harambee 2010 there will be 3 training days/evenings:

Topics covered will include:

• Community Development
• Health, First Aid, HIV/AIDS & Malaria
• Skills Training: any skills or training you require prior to the project will be provided by FOL
• Team-building & Cultural Awareness
• Equipment & Resource Materials

Friends of Londiani will hold some National Information events to allow potential volunteers to attend, meet representatives and return volunteers:

The dates for the trainings for all groups are as follows:

1. 19^th & 20^th June - Meeting applicants for initial training session and meet & greet session – Venue, times and location to be decided. Weekend event to include camping
2. 18^th September – 1 day session
3. Pre departure training - Venue, times and location to be decided

Who can apply:

Anyone over 18 years on 1st January 2010 can apply to be part of the Harambee 2010 team. 

• You must complete an application form and be available for interview
  You must be willing to attend the training & preparation events as outlined above.
• You will also be required to sign the Volunteer Code of Conduct and obtain travel vaccinations.  

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING PART OF HARAMBEE 2010:

Please download the application form here and send the completed application form together with a non-refundable deposit of €500 and an S.A.E. to the address below.

Closing date for receipt of Autumn applications is 20th May, 2010. 

Frequently Asked Questions and More Detailed Information:
Please click here for more detailed information on Harambee 2010 - covering practical things like accommodation, food etc.

For more Information contact us on harambee2010@friendsoflondiani.com or at the address below