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TRIP KYAA0423.CT

Kenya April 2023 Lenovo Volunteer Project-Kenya

C$3,400Approximate cost based on 10 volunteers
Apr 2, 2023 Apr 16, 2023 Naro Moru, Kenya Corporate Trip handUp for Education
Rainwater catchment tank in Kenya

About the ProjectBringing Water to a School and a Community

This DWC project will enhance a school facility and create a positive learning environment essential for students. There is a focus on addressing water access through rainwater collection, planting gardens used to feed children who often only get one meal a day, repairing classroom walls, floors and roofs, adding blackboards, and assisting with lighting improvements.

Volunteers work alongside local tradesmen, parent volunteers and teachers doing manual labour. Moving materials and tools, digging, installing gutters, water tanks, pipes and fittings, mixing concrete by hand and using buckets and wheelbarrows to move sand, water and concrete are examples of the tasks the team assists with. It can involve some sweat, but everyone pulls together, inspired by the benefits the project will have for the community’s future.

What to ExpectA Typical Workday in Kenya

DWC’s Kenyan partner, ACCESS (Action Crew on Community Environment for Sustainable Services) Kenya, is a non-profit group based out of Naro Moru village at the base of Mount Kenya. This organization is focused on education and protecting the environment, as well as raising awareness of the problems that come with deforestation. ACCESS Kenya strives to safeguard water that is much needed for people and wildlife to survive. DWC volunteers will be immersed in the village culture, with many locals jumping to lend a helping hand.

In general, expect to work 6-8 hours per day. Volunteers usually wake up early, around 6:00 or 7:00 am for breakfast. After breakfast, the team is transported to the project site (usually by private bus) and the workday begins, usually somewhere between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. There will be lunch in the middle of the day, which is either provided by your workplace, host family, or purchased by you. Your workday will usually end around 4:00 pm.

Happy school children in Kenya
Man feeding Giraffe in Kenya

It's Not All WorkVisit the Maasai Mara National Reserve on a Safari

A small market town of roughly 3,000 people in central Kenya, Naro Moru survives mainly on tourism, with hikers headed to nearby Mount Kenya and wildlife lovers taking their cameras to the Solio Game Reserve, the Mau Mau cave and other natural sights. Naro Moru is also close to the Rift Valley, which is where Kenya’s wildlife really flourishes. It’s a stop well worth it on a weekend or an add-on trip after volunteering with ACCESS Kenya and DWC.

Climate wise, Kenya is close to the equator and has a pleasant, tropical climate with daytime temperatures averaging between 24°C and 29°C. Humidity is high and the rain is sometimes heavy on a daily basis, although it seldom lasts the whole day. Of course, it’s never easy to predict the weather but consider this a rough guide.

Trip Details

Itinerary

Sunday, April 2 – Team arrives in Nairobi, Kenya and check into the hotel
Monday, April 3 to Friday, April 7 – PROJECT WORK in Naro Moru after a 3-4 hour private bus ride
Saturday, April 8 to Sunday, April 9 – Free days for some R and R
Monday, April 10 to Friday, April 14 – PROJECT WORK in Naro Moru
Saturday, April 15 – Transport to airport and fly home or continue your travels in Kenya

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?
The cost of this trip is displayed at the top of the page. This cost includes accommodations, meals, in-country transport, program costs, and a donation to our host partner in their respective country. It does not include airfare and you are responsible for booking your own flights. The entire trip is 100% tax deductible. A $1000 non refundable deposit is due once the trip is confirmed which is then credited towards your trip cost. Your trip cost is due in its entirety 45 days prior to departure. Select trips may be subject to additional cultural activity fees. As of 2025 airfare will no longer qualify for a tax deductible receipt on our open trips. US volunteers may be subject to administrative fees/exchange rate adjustments.

Are accommodations included and what are they like?
DWC books your accommodations for you, and it is included in your Trip Cost! Your team will stay at a local hotel that is comfortable and clean. Rooms are booked as shared double occupancy. You may upgrade to a private room for an additional cost, where possible. We will do our best to accommodate adjustments.

Are meals provided and can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
All meals are included in your trip cost. Some meals will be at the hotel, while others at local restaurants. The food is prepared hygienically, and dishes range from local to standard western fare. Volunteers submit a health form to DWC and all requests for dietary restrictions will be provided to the Team Leader, hotel, and host partner, to be accommodated wherever possible. Your Trip Cost does not include tips, alcohol, or snacks.

Can I add personal travel onto this trip?
Absolutely! We want you to have the best travel experience possible. If you choose to add personal travel onto the front or back end of your trip, you are welcome to book your own accommodation and transportation arrangements for early arrivals or late departures, however you are required to arrive in time to fully participate in the volunteer experience with your team. Personal travel would not be covered in your tax-deductible receipt.

Can my family come on the trip with me?
The trip cost listed is a per person rate. Family members can participate in the trip as part of the volunteer team by paying a separate trip cost. Children 12-17 wishing to participate in a volunteer trip require a parent/guardian with them.

What is the minimum age requirement to volunteer?
Children under 12 are unable to participate in our program due to the nature of the volunteer work involved. Children 12-17 wishing to participate in a volunteer trip require a parent/guardian with them.

Do I need construction experience and how much will we work?
You don’t need special skills or training to be able to help. We hire local skilled labourers who will give training onsite for construction and team leaders. You will work at your own pace, within your own comfort level, five days a week from about 8AM to 4PM. Your evenings and weekends are free for cultural activities and relaxing.

What is the work site like and what is the intensity of the labour?
There is a building manager and translator on site. Tasks on the work site vary and you will only be asked to do what you are comfortable with and within your physical abilities. There is no pressure!

Why should I volunteer?
Support sustainable change with us. Learn about the world and yourself, lend a hand and build hope. Every bit of time spent on a DWC project is helping a person, a family, or a community. You’ll know that your contribution will make someone’s life better. DWC matches teams of volunteers and resources with people and organizations in developing nations to alleviate poverty and inspire hope and your efforts do have impact. The experience is enhanced by working as a team. Simply put, there is joy and self-discovery that comes with giving to others. And you’ll have fun doing it, too.

Are DWC trips religious or political in nature?
DWC has no religious or political affiliations.

Meet the Trip Leader

Each trip is coordinated by DWC with the help of a Team Leader, who has travelled with DWC previously, is First Aid Certified, and has completed a Criminal Record Check. Your Team Leader will liaise with DWC and ensure all your questions are answered. Your Team Leader will handle all team finances through the trip and travel with you to ensure the best possible travel and volunteer experience for their team! They also facilitate fun, cultural experiences where possible, ensuring group cohesion. See your Team Leader Biography here:

Craig Taylor Team Leader

Craig Taylor

Craig is an IT executive from Toronto and is passionate about giving back to his communities, both where he lives and across the world.  In his early 20s, Craig realized his social responsibility to help others and the incredible impact volunteers can have in society. Today, he is actively involved in many non-profit charitable organizations and boards in Canada.  Diversity and Inclusion is one of Craig’s areas of focus. Craig is an avid traveler, enjoying the excitement of exploring new places and cultures He has visited Europe, Northern Africa, Southeast Asia and South America, including volunteering in India and the Philippines with DWC.

Travel Light Offset Your Carbon Footprint

Carbon offsets are used to compensate for the greenhouse gasses that we create through certain activities, such as flying. For every tonne of carbon released into the atmosphere, an ‘offset’ is a carefully designed project that absorbs or stores the equivalent CO2 emissions. You can choose to offset your own flight, your whole family’s, or do this as a gift for a friend.

Offset Your Carbon Footprint

Joy

Volunteer Program Manager

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