VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES IN EAST AFRICA
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2 Weeks
Daily Tour
10 people
English
Upon your arrival at Moi International Airport, our dedicated staff will be there to greet you and in readiness to begining your exciting volunteer program in Colobus Monkeys conservation. Our team understands the importance of a smooth and seamless transition, so we ensure that you are well taken care of from the moment you step foot in Kenya. Later, we will transfer you to the beautiful coastal town of Diani. Here, you will have the opportunity to live in our Volunteer House, a comfortable and welcoming accommodation where you will have the chance to meet and connect with other volunteers who share your passion for wildlife conservation.
The Volunteer House in Diani serves as a hub for collaboration and learning, providing a supportive environment for volunteers to exchange ideas and experiences. This unique setting allows for the formation of lifelong friendships and the cultivation of a strong sense of community among like-minded individuals.
During the volunteering program at Colubus Conservation Diani, the second day is dedicated to an orientation program. This orientation provides volunteers with valuable information on what is expected of them during their time at the conservation, including volunteer house rules and guidelines. Additionally, volunteers are introduced to the rich Kenyan culture and history, which helps them better understand the local community they will be interacting with.
Moreover, the orientation program equips volunteers with essential knowledge on how to handle emergencies that may arise during their stay. This includes understanding the protocol to follow and the necessary actions to take in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Volunteers are also provided with guidance on how to effectively relate with the locals, ensuring a positive and respectful interaction that promotes cultural exchange and understanding.
One of the practical aspects covered during the orientation is the acquisition of a Kenya SIM card. This is to facilitate easy communication between volunteers and their friends and family members back home. Assisted by the program coordinators, volunteers are guided through the process of obtaining a SIM card, ensuring they have a reliable means of staying connected while participating in the conservation efforts.
Your volunteering work will revolve around animal welfare, conservation, education and fundraising. Under Animal Welfare as a volunteer you will wash the monkey cages, prepare enrichment for the monkeys, go for branches and leaves with the team on site, respond to emergencies of sick, injured or dead primates and participate in infant care which involves taking care of orphaned or abandoned infant monkeys. For infant care sometimes you can be assigned to take care of the infants which involves feeding them.
Under conservation as a volunteer will be involved in tree nursery work, tree planting in local primary and secondary schools, tree planting with the community and if you find the annual primate census going on then you will also volunteer in the census. Under education you will work as assistants to the staff members teaching during our education program, which happens every Wednesday when schools are in session. In Fundraising as a volunteer you will help in making posters, taking photographs, designing the newsletter and creating fundraisers.
As your transformative volunteer experience draws to a close, Day 16 marks a significant milestone in your journey. The morning will be dedicated to your final volunteer activities, allowing you to put the finishing touches on your projects and say goodbye to the people you've been working alongside. In the afternoon, you'll participate in a heartfelt closing ceremony where you'll receive your well-earned certificates, recognizing your dedication and hard work throughout the program. This will be followed by a reflective session, giving you the opportunity to share your experiences and insights with fellow volunteers and program staff. The day will culminate in a special farewell dinner, where you'll break bread with local staff and community members who have become an integral part of your volunteer journey. To cap off the evening, you may have the chance to enjoy a cultural performance or gather around a bonfire, providing a perfect setting for final conversations and memories.
The final day of your volunteer program begins with a bittersweet farewell to your temporary home. After checking out of your accommodation, you might have some time for last-minute souvenir shopping, allowing you to pick up a few mementos of your time in Kenya. As the afternoon approaches, you'll be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for your onward flight. As you board your plane, you'll carry with you not just souvenirs, but a wealth of experiences, new friendships, and the satisfaction of having made a positive impact on the community you served.
Please note that the exact schedule for Day 17 may vary depending on individual flight times. It's advisable to confirm your departure details with the program coordinators well in advance to ensure a smooth transition from your volunteer site to the airport.
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