Volunteer Abroad in Makuyu Village Kenya: Volunteering Opportunities

Orphanage Support & Education

At this project volunteers support a growing orphanage in the farming town Maragwa located in the Central Highlands of Kenya.  The orphanage is home to almost 70 children. Most of these children are rescued from the streets of Nairobi, or have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS.  The children are provided a comfortable home, food and education by the orphanage director and his staff.

The orphanage is a simple 3-4 building structure located in an agricultural area surrounded by green fertile land.  Meals are provided by a local cook.  The children are provided education and also taught how to farm; there are acres of banana, avocado, mango, and coffee trees. The orphanage provides housing for our volunteers; dormitory setting.  The orphanage recently has received electricity and a new water pump, so there is access to fresh water and for bathing.  Toilet facilities are detached and enclosed outside.  As a volunteer, you will primarily assist with the daily care of the kids; including feeding and clothing, teaching basic English. You can play games, arrange activities, create arts & crafts projects and share your time and caring with these wonderful children. Prior experience not necessary, volunteers should have a lot of patience, an open mind and a sense of adventure.

HIV / Aids - Heath Care programs

Kenya has been hit hard by the HIV epidemic with approximately 1.8 million adults and over 400,000 children infected. By 2010, it is estimated that up to 30 million children will lose one or both parents to the disease.  Volunteers with medical experience (medical/nursing students and professionals) will support the local Makuyu clinic which is located about 20 minutes walk from the orphanage.  

For those without medical experience (pre-med/nursing students, public health) you can help promote HIV/Aids education and information with the goal of preventing transmission of the disease. 

Some of the activities for volunteers include: Promoting safer sex through education, assisting with home-based care for victims with HIV/Aids, and most especially rural outreach programs to those in need with food distribution, assistance with activities of daily living and providing words of encouragement.  Volunteers with a strong interest in making a difference are welcome.  To work in this rural clinic you must be a 3rd or 4th year medical student or trained professional.  There is very limited equipment and staff and volunteers must be able to provide hands on assistance to the staff. (This is not a program for observation).

Sustainable Agriculture Program

Recognizing the long-term physical, emotional, social and economic effects of malnutrition, hunger and poverty, we offer projects that place great emphasis on teaching older children how to grow vegetables and staple food crops. The children learn sustainable techniques to produce basic grains such as maize, beans, rice and peas, and learn how to organically produce garden vegetables and fruits. The farm animals provide the malnourished orphans with protein in the form of meat, eggs and milk. They are also taught to use manure as fertilizer. The children learn how to feed, breed, manage disease and record keep in all areas of animal production. The children will learn how to build and tend fishponds, milk dairy goats, and bee keep. Volunteers with farming experience or a desire to contribute to physical labor projects are needed.

Youth Sports Program

The goal of this program is to identify and develop the rare talents of these special kids. Exercise of the body is also extremely important for growth development. A coach will be responsible for developing and implementing a physical fitness program for the children as it pertains to the creation of boys and girls soccer teams, netball, volleyball and basketball teams. Coaching or sports experience preferred, but not required. A desire to share your time and spirit with children is necessary.