Participation conditions:

• Age:                                         from 18 years

• Language:                              Good to very good English knowledge

• Volunteering length:            Min. 4 weeks / Max. 6 months

• Practical experience:           Trained teachers and kindergarten teachers (or still in training)

• Skills:                                       flexibility, adaptability, independence, openness

 

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Activities

The activities depend on the school program as well as the skills of the volunteer and can therefore vary. There might not always be an employee available who will be able to tend to you extensively. Therefore:  A lot of flexibility is required! Possible tasks within the volunteering program include:

 

• Supporting teachers in the class (english, mathematics, sports, etc.)

• Assisting children in the nursery classes

• Help during preparation / distribution of meals

• Organizing various events (sports day, graduation ceremony, visiting days, etc.)

• Maintenance / Cleaning of classrooms and school grounds with the children

• Swimming lessons for older students

• Computer classes for teachers and older students

• Blog entries on the school’s Facebook page

 

 

Working hours

Generally working hours are from Monday to Friday from 8am to approx. 5pm including lunch break. Depending on the complexity or the current state of the school, work can sometimes end earlier. On weekends, school is closed and therefore you will have plenty of time for longer trips. If need be, weekend extensions may be taken after consulting the school administration.

 

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School holidays

October 27, 2023 – January 19, 2024

April 08, 2024 - April 26, 2024

August 05, 2024 - August 23, 2024

October 28, 2024 – January 17, 2025

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During the school holidays the school is closed. During this time there are no opportunities to volunteer at Milele Elimu Centre. During this time, we suggest you take the opportunity to collect more impressions of this fascinating country! For example, you could go on a safari for several days in one of the many national parks or discover the beautiful beaches along the northern or southern coast.

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Health

The malaria risk is very high in Kenya. With sufficient hygienic standards on eating and drinking habits and consistent mosquito repellent, most infectious diseases such as malaria and diarrhea can be avoided. It is best to plan a doctor's appointment for personal advice and necessary vaccinations as early as possible.

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Statement of costs

Unlike many other organizations, we do not charge for volunteering. Since the donations are entirely used for the operation of the Milele Elimu Centre, we cannot cover any expenditures of our volunteers. Please find below a ballpark figure of a monthly cost:

 

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• Flight                                      approx. CHF 600 - CHF 1'200 (Zurich - Nairobi or Mombasa round-trip)

• Accommodation                  from CHF 360 (shared room in a Backpackers)

• Food                                       from CHF 300 (depending on the person/choice)

• Visa                                        From 05 January 2024, all travellers will require an "Electronic Travel Authorization" (so-called "eTA") to enter Kenya. Since                                                    the introduction of the eTA, a visa is no longer required. The application is made online and can be submitted at the                                                             earliest three months before departure. Here is the official link: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en

                                                        Please note that your passport must be valid at least 6 months after the return date!

• Personal Expenses               on an individual basis according to the program                                     

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Services

• On-site support (English)

• Support for the planning of leisure activities

• Help with bookings, visa extensions, etc.

• Volunteering certificate

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As a "remuneration" for your dedication, you will experience Kenya from a different perspective: You will have a look behind the scenes instead of going to a usual tourist destination, you will get to know the culture and people of a foreign country, maybe close lifelong friendships and experience unforgettable moments and adventures.

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Other

Since Mombasa is predominantly Muslim, you should always wear appropriate clothing: no hot pants, strapless tops, or a deep neckline. The African culture is fundamentally different from the European culture: we expect our participants to meet the population with an open and respectful attitude and not judge their way of life prematurely. Please inform yourself in advance about the country and life in Kenya.

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Accommodation in Mombasa

Our volunteers are usually accommodated in a lively as well as the quiet district of Mombasa (Nyali area). There are many choices, from backpackers to holiday apartments and hotels. No matter what the price range, the options in the area are great. We will be happy to assist you in choosing your accommodation. However, you are responsible for the booking and payment yourself.