Kenyan Experience

PIVS strongly emphasizes on the aspect Voluntary and Culture, we are welcoming open minded Volunteers who want to learn about African-Kenyan culture appreciate and respect different diverse cultures. The volunteers will have an opportunity to meet and find out about the local people and experience their simple living conditions and culture. Volunteers will be taken to festivals, markets and local activities where possible.

In addition community elders and invited guests will give occasional informal evening talks on cultural matters so that volunteers learn more about the local culture.

We organise programs in different locations such as Mombasa, Nakuru, Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret among others.

Program goals differs from the specific program we organise such education if it is teaching, planting trees if it environment, provision of health services if it hospital e.t.c.

We do a need assessment with our communties to identify areas volunteers can assist. Once we identify the areas we come up with a program despcription and advertise online to prospective volunteers. Once the volunteers meet the desired requiremnts we send them a information sheet and confirmation letter to take part.

Apart from the usual work we organize kiswahili lessons and encourage volunteer to travel to see has to offer in terms of nature and wildlife

Volunteer role depends on the program specification for example, teachers of math, english sciences in a school, a nurse in a hospital, lawyer in human rights program and legal aid e.t.c.

Work camps have start and end dates while medium term volunteering dont have start and end dates.

A work camp is a place where people of all races, ideologies religious beliefs and nationalities live and work together for a period of time, usually from 2-4 weeks, on locally defined project(s) organized by host organization. In general a work camp consist of around 6-10 participants, it brings people together from different cultural, social, economic, and educational background in a situation, which can be called at least "uncommon".

Work camp provides an opportunity for people to meet socialize, exchange ideas (intercultural exchange) and combine their energies together to address problems and issues of their concern. They are a multicultural and voluntary workforce.

Work Camp Activities

Each work camp is divided into 4 sessions as follows:

1. Work

This will involve physical work. Normally this will take place 5 hours in the morning before lunch (Monday to Friday). Detailed information about the work will be sent to all organizations/individuals before the camp starts

2. Study

Two hours after lunch (Monday-Friday) is allocated for discussions, seminars etc. Sometimes we will have invited guest's speakers to present for discussion but most of the time volunteers will facilitate the discussions. We have selected topics for each camp but volunteers can add new topics of their interest. Please be informed and prepared for discussions.

3. Cultural Nights

Each country presented in the camp normally has one night to present their culture. Obviously we do not have enough countries for 14- 21 days, so some evenings are free

4. Excursions

These trips are organized depending on the possibilities for recreation existing in each area as well as the interest and need for each camp. This is normally done on weekends but in special case weekdays.

NOTE: Work camps are organized in different locations in partnership with local authorities, government, other N.G.O.S and Civil Societies Organizations e.t.c. The location, project activities are subject to change so please be flexible.

Volunteer's Activities

Volunteers will be involved in the implementation of the project. However, most volunteers will not be required to have specific skills. Volunteers will work hand in hand with the local communities/ institution(s) with local skilled technicians hired by the community. Usually by the time volunteers arrive for the project, work will already have commenced, so that volunteers can help complete the project.

Work camps and mid and Long term volunteer programs are not a leisure holiday or adventure therefore we require Volunteers who are committed and willing to assist the host community/ Institution.

Facilitator/Leader

The volunteers will always have a local representative from the office who will be their camp leader and translator in some cases. The camp leader should always be contacted incase of any problem, decision, plans are made. Each and every participant should respect the camp leader's decision, plan and work toward a harmonious living with other participants. The Camp leader together with Volunteers in work-camp program have the right to expel any Volunteer(s) guilty of Gross Misconduct e.g. of this could be stealing or using racist's remarks, fighting, drinking and drug abuse or tarnishing the Organization's name etc. (This applies only to short-term volunteer programs)

We are looking for motivated volunteers, aged 18 years and above, able to speak english. Physically strong for manual tasks in some cases.

We utilise volunteers qualification and skills depending in the area of their training.

To participate in a work camp means

• A Commitment to a group experience.
• Willing to learn new things (being open minded).
• Respecting the host culture and not imposing one's value on others.
• Commitment to working out problems and decisions together.
• Willing to contribute with ideas and skills.
• Having psyche and being a source of motivation.
• Attending the entire work camp.
• Contributing fully to work.
• Having fun.
• A step towards peace and friendship.

Our host community provides for accommodation, which could be in local school's classroom, tents, huts (traditional African Thatch and Mud constructed houses) or whatever facility is available in the community setting. We advise volunteers to bring their own pillow, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, mosquito net and tropical quilt.

Toilet will be the "Asian type" or what we refer to pit latrines or Turkish toilets, Water for bathing will be boiled. Usually there will be no showers, volunteers will use buckets, which will be provided for. Volunteers are expected to understand provision of electricity and hot-water will not be available in most cases. Cooking appliances such as Gas cookers and Electrical cookers will not be available, only "Jikos" (Charcoal Burners) and the traditional 3 stones cooker and use of firewood. Volunteers must be flexible and understand most of our programs are in rural set up.

Washing and cooking is done by volunteers but they are guided. Internet is available in cyber cafe but we advise volunteers to carry their laptops and buy a modem.

Food

Most meals will be of a local nature, although once in a while will have western and Asian cultural nights and volunteers will have an opportunity to prepare their local food-dish. Vegetarian's meals will also be available. Volunteers will be cooking in turns and all volunteers are expected to participate in preparing food and take care of the kitchen.

The camp will be provided with a food budget, which will have a food menu, and volunteers will be required to stick to it. The food budget allocated for the respective program i.e. (STV) (MTV) and (LTV) will only cater for Volunteers and PIVS officials and not any other party. The camp leader will assist to purchase food at the local market. We encourage Volunteers to be modest while preparing food and usage of cooking ingredients and to avoid wasting food. Junk food is not part of the menu in addition they should not ask for food that is not within the camp budget i.e. things like peanut butter, jam, cereals (Corn Flakes), sausages, bacons, e.t,c. (they should be aware that they are here to learn the culture and the way of living in terms of food and living). We make sure Volunteers food is balanced diet. We try as much as possible for volunteers to come to the level of the community in terms of simplicity and modesty

Volunteers should be aware that NO bottled drinking water shall be provided by PIVS. Purchase of bottled water is the volunteer's responsibility at all times. They are expected to boil water for consumption and for hygiene reasons (we advice volunteers to come with iodine tablets for treating water).

Living Conditions

There will be challenges at times especially the first 3-4 days because of new surroundings, the people, food, climate and work. Volunteers should be aware that conditions will be basic. Volunteers will do most of the work like washing your clothes, food preparation, general cleaning etc.

Volunteers should not ask for cozy, luxurious living this is in terms of housing (volunteers should appreciate the structure where they are placed). As most of our programs are done in remote areas basic services like electricity and Water are either scarce or not available.

Health

Travel health insurance is a must in order for you to attend PIVS work camps. The insurance should cover emergency repatriation and include an international emergency help line. We also advice volunteers to carry a first Aid kit for dealing with minor cuts and ailments.

Language

English should be the medium of communication unless a volunteer is completely unable to communicate in English but in such instance translators will be required to participate in the work camp.

Visa can be applied at the nearest consular/embassy in your country or altenatively buy at our international airport Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Visa should be a tourist visa valid for 3 months.

We do organise airport pick up.

Transport from the office to the site will be borne by the volunteers. Transport is usually long, slow, uncomfortable, (dusty and bumpy roads). Although volunteers often find it exciting experience travelling by public transport. In some cases Taxi will be used in areas where public transport is not available.

• Work Camp 2 weeks  Euros 200
• Work Camp 3 weeks Euros 270
• Medium term volunteering 1-6 months Euros 300 per month

Volunteer's participation fee covers food, accommodation and Administration costs.

Potential volunteers should be aware that 30% of their participation fee will be used to take care of the volunteers. The rest of the money covers office expenses and overheads. Without the financial aid provided by the volunteers the project would not happen. Expenses outside the work-camp budget will be met by the volunteers themselves; e.g. of this will be medical, entertainment, traveling costs etc. Volunteers should pay their registration-participation fees before attending/participating in their respective programs.

Medium term Volunteers (MTV) and Long term Volunteers (LTV) will be required to pay a processing fee before they can be accepted to participate in any program. This fee is non-refundable.

Any Volunteer who applies to PIVS directly, other than being sent by any of our Partner Organization will also be required to pay the processing fee before he-she can be accepted to participate in any program. This applies to STV, MTV and LTV. PIVS in cases where possible will assist Local Volunteers who are financially handicapped and willing to do Voluntary work by allowing them to participate in the work-camps free of charge. BUT if the Local Volunteer is able to pay, we will charge him or her.

PIVS does not pay money to any Host Organization or and Community for Volunteer's placement. We only cater for their food and accommodation. In addition we discourage the Host's Organization or Community from Soliciting Funds, Equipments and Favors from the Volunteers.