When volunteering in Kenya, you’ll work with our in-country partner ACCESS Kenya in Naro Moru, Kenya. ACCESS Kenya works to improve the environment as well as water and education resources in the community.
About The Trip:
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 at the problems that come with deforestation. ACCESS Kenya strives to safeguard water that is much needed for people and wildlife to survive.
ACCESS Kenya has built and refurbished school classrooms, assisted at regional orphanages, constructed community water tanks and planted thousands of trees to restore life-sustaining forests. With a strong base of sustainable development and community project management aimed at alleviating poverty, ACCESS Kenya strives to improve life for people in the Naro Moru region through community-driven works.
ACCESS Kenya was started in 2004 by a local group of volunteers who realized that prolonged droughts and deforestation were affecting the ability of people to thrive in the region. The lack of adequate learning facilities in the area has also become a focal point of the organization’s goals and priorities. Read more here: http://accessvolunteergroup.org/
It’s Not All Work:
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.
Climatewise, 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.
Learn more from our volunteers. Read their Kenya blogs. »
The Project:
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.
When / Itinerary:
- Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18 – Team arrives in Kenya; check in to hotel
- Monday, October 19 to Friday, October 23 – PROJECT WORK in Naro Moru
- Saturday, October 24 to Sunday, October 25 – Free days for some R and R
- Monday, October 26 to Friday, October 30 – PROJECT WORK in Naro Moru
- Saturday, October 31 – Transport to airport and fly home or continue your travels in Kenya
FAQs:
DWC Team Leader:
David Lyon
Since taking early retirement, David has focussed on creating and participating in projects that have a positive and lasting impact on his local community and internationally. “I want my actions to bring positive change to individual lives.” David worked in the market research industry for 20 years, and then pursued his passion for woodturning, selling his work both wholesale and retail. David is married, has one daughter and twin grandchildren. He lives in Warkworth Ontario with his wife, dog and cat.
Five years ago David launched, and remains the driving force behind, a grassroots organization called The Abundance Project which promotes healthy eating and social interaction around food. He particularly enjoys coordinating the cooking and nutrition classes provided to the senior public school students by him and local foodies.
David has volunteered with Developing World Connections and Habitat for Humanity in Bolivia, Vietnam and most recently in India and Nepal. An important aspect of all of David’s travels is the opportunity to meet and work with local people. “I really like the fact that the DWC projects are driven by local grassroots NGOs that have a past and future in their communities. This fosters a deeper sense of connection with the project and the people we’re there to help.”
David’s leadership style is informal and inclusive. “It is really important to me that all team members feel comfortable, valued, involved and are provided with many opportunities to connect with the project community.” Why not consider joining David for fun, lasting memories, and a chance to make a real difference in the world? Experience Kenya and be a force for change.
Are You Ready To Go?
Want more information about this trip? Email DWC at [javascript protected email address] or apply now using our online application.
You can secure your place on this trip with a $500, non-refundable deposit that will go toward your total trip cost. After you’ve submitted your forms and deposit, our office will contact you and send you a welcome package.
We’re glad to have you join us.
Still have some questions? We’re here to help, please feel free to contact us now, or fill out the form.