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Kitengela is a pleasant little town set in the heart of ancient Kenya, so the learning on this project will be a two way street; you’ll help develop the children’s English skills and in turn receive a fascinating insight into traditional Maasai culture. The Maasai have suffered greatly at the hands of the land authorities and have seen their land shrink. They are now caught between the traditions of their nomadic culture and a modern world which relies heavily on formal education. It’s a scenario that is played out in traditional communities across the world and if you’re interested in the issues it raises this could be a very valuable project for you. We will include our TEFL certification to help prepare you for the experience.
We work with schools based near Kitengela, 50km south of Nairobi, providing primary education for children from the Athi Plains region of the Rift Valley. In the heart of native land of the indigenous Maasai tribesmen, the schools cater mainly for children whose education is normally sidelined in favour of the traditional role of caring for cattle out on the plains. The syllabus covers a broad range of subjects with a focus on English, sporting activities and environmental awareness, designed to be sensitive to the Maasai culture which it impacts on.
Throughout their history, the nomadic Maasai tribesmen have suffered at the hands of the government and land authorities, as well as falling victim to famine, sickness and diseased cattle. Despite Maasai traditions - which do not allow for land ownership - with the booming colonial spread into the Rift Valley, the Maasai people were relocated to the Maasai Mara Reserve, and over the decades the boundaries for their wandering herdsmen have been reduced time and again. They now exist mainly on traditional Akamba lands, caught between the traditions of their nomadic culture, without education, healthcare or currency, and the influences of the ever-expanding western world, which relies heavily on formal education and the wealth of the tourist industry.
The educational programs which cater for the needs of Maasai children are designed to give a balance between both worlds. While such structures must be sensitive to the Maasai culture, education will give the new generation the opportunities to understand, and hopefully play a part in the western political systems which they have, until now, fallen victim to. It is also hoped that primary education will lead to increased health awareness, (particularly by reaching women and girls, who would normally be excluded from education), and contribute to stemming the ongoing battle with HIV/AIDS in Kenya, as well as covering important environmental issues. As a volunteer, you will be relieving the stretched schooling staff and playing a part in assisting with the empowerment and long term protection of the Maasai culture.
Your main role will be to support the school in English lessons of varying standards, as well as extra-curricular activities, which are very popular. Any help in coaching sports or in activities to raise awareness of environmental issues in relation to the Maasai community, as well as any extra classes that you are interested in introducing, will be greatly appreciated.
An understanding of other cultures is an essential skill you'll need. You should be able to approach your role as an English teacher with an open mind and the flexibility and initiative to teach in an under-resourced environment. Any extra skills that you can bring to the table; including music, sports or more vocational areas, can be utilized to benefit the children.
You will be staying in a shared volunteer hostel in the bustling town of Athi River, which is close to the popular tourist destination of Kitengela.
The projects are often under-resourced, but items like paper and pencils can be bought very cheaply in-country, so we advise you to do a bit of fundraising before you arrive to allow you to buy some extra materials for activities. Any English language resources you can bring from home would be really appreciated!
Kitengela is within easy reach of Kenya's lively capital of Nairobi, and all the facilities that the colurful city has to offer, as well as good amenities of its own, such as banks, postal office, internet access, a medical centre and good public transport. Kitengela also has the advantage of being located in the heart of the Rift Valley, with the rich culture of the Masai people and the diverse wildlife which characterize ‘wild Kenya'. Quite literally on its doorstep are the tranquil rural areas of Nairobi National Park, Masai Mara and Amboseli National Park, while Namanga (the bordering town between Kenya and Tanzania), is just three hours away. Here you'll find the gateway to northern Tanzania!
You'll be provided with two nutritious meals a day, consisting of breakfast (e.g. cereal, fruit, toast, etc) and delicious local dishes for dinner, which are vegetarian-friendly.
It may seem like a strange concept to pay for your volunteer experience. You'd be right if you think you shouldn't and the truth is you actually don't! Your placement is free; it's the benefits around it that you pay for. It's important to note that i-to-i is a travel company and not a charity. We provide a professional travel service. We are responsible for finding and assessing worthwhile projects across the world, preparing you for the volunteering experience and supporting you whilst you're there.
Here’s some more information about what your placement fee covers….
We work with hundreds of locally run partner projects around the world and are constantly sourcing new opportunities. We visit all projects to check that they are worthwhile and legitimate and we also conduct a thorough safety assessment before we'll send volunteers there. More
Almost everyone who works for i-to-i has traveled extensively or worked overseas. This means we're a goldmine of information; we're always available to offer support and guidance before, during and after your trip.
Once you book on to a project you'll receive a Welcome Pack that contains loads of general information about volunteering, about your chosen country and project, and a DVD about how to have fun and stay safe. We'll also give you advice on visas and inoculations.
If you are volunteering on a Teaching or Community Development project then a 40-hour Online TEFL course is included in your placement fee. This is an internationally recognised and accredited certificate that will help you to make the most of your time overseas. More
It can be pretty daunting arriving in a different country for the first time… especially after a long flight! If you arrive on your project start date, there'll be a welcoming face at the airport to pick you up and take you to your accommodation.
Soon after you arrive you will attend a thorough orientation with our in-country team. This is to cover important safety and security information. You'll also get some tips about sight-seeing options for your time off and maybe even learn some of the local lingo!
Accommodation is included with all projects and meals are even included with some. We only use locally-owned and operated accommodation so that part of your placement fee is filtering back into the local economy. Most projects offer homestay, guesthouse or shared volunteer houses as standard accommodation, but some offer the chance to upgrade to a more comfortable living standard. More
Your in-country coordinator (ICC) will pick you up from the airport and conduct your orientation upon arrival. All ICC's are English speaking and are locals of your destination country. They won't be at your project every day, but will be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need them. More
Aside from the local support from your in-country coordinators you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line manned by i-to-i staff in case any problem should arise while you're overseas. We also hire crisis management professionals Docleaf to be on hand in case of a situation that requires additional expert support. More
The safety and security of our volunteers is paramount. For this reason we provide ongoing crisis management and emergency response training to our local teams around the world. At the end of 2006 we flew all our in-country coordinators to the UK for thorough training to help them offer the best safety to the thousands of volunteers they support each year. More
We don't fund our projects directly, but once a year they are all invited to apply for funding for special projects or resources from our registered charity arm, the i-to-i Foundation. i-to-i funds the operation of the i-to-i Foundation and is the largest single donor. Along with the generous support of our volunteers, we have distributed over US$200,000 in funding in the last two years alone! More
We make no secrets of the fact that part of your placement fee is reinvested in to recruiting volunteers just like you! The volunteers recruited in one week will typically deliver over 2000 man-days of service. The difference this makes to projects overseas is immeasurable. Many of our overseas projects rely on assistance from international volunteers, so it's necessary for us to put together brochures and websites to find the people who can support them. This recruitment process is vital to ensure programs have a constant stream of reliable volunteers.
Volunteering through a company like i-to-i has a lot of intangible benefits to developing overseas communities and the individual projects that we work with. To find out more about our placements. click here
You will arrive on the Arrival Date - Saturday and will be met at the airport on that day (whether it is 12 in the morning or 11:59 at night). You will be taken to the Sandton Palace Hotel (see contact details below) where you will have the first day/night to recover from your flight. The hotel has a bar that also serves food and an internet terminal so that you can write home if you need to. It is located within walking distance of the main shops if you wish to have a wander - just ask at reception for directions.
Note: If you're arriving early we can arrange a meet and greet for you. If you require this please contact us to arrange this service.
If you wish to make your own way please arrange to be at the address below on the arrival date:
Sandton Palace Hotel Taveta Road Nairobi +254 (0)20 217600/1/2/3Your orientation will take place the next morning and will introduce you to life in Nairobi as well as important information about staying healthy and safe. You'll also learn a bit of Swahili along the way! You will then transfer to your permanent accommodation on Sunday afternoon. The transfer will be arranged for you by the team; transfers in and around Nairobi will take about 1 hour and if you're going to Nakuru or Mount Kenya the transfer will be around 4 hours. Monday will be the first day that you meet your project and start working as a volunteer. From here on in you will spend your time with the project but the in-country team are there if you need them.
It's important that you get adequate travel insurance for your i-to-i experience and as many of you will be working this often means standard policies won’t work. The good news is that no matter where your coming from we have already found a policy to suit you.
The best time to get your insurance is when you book your project as this means you can get a fully tailored policy exclusive to i-to-i, just ask your consultant for further details at the time of booking.
If you have already booked but still need insurance then you may still be able to take our tailored policy. If, however it was more than a few days ago then try the links below:
Australian customers - find out more here >>
All other customers - find out more here >>
As with insurance we advise you get these booked as early as possible to avoid high prices and to make sure you arrive on the right day. The i-to-i team is right up to date with the best deals no matter where you’re flying from; their insider knowledge could save you some time and money.
If you are arriving before your designated arrival date, we can arrange for an extra meet and greet service for you. For an extra supplement we will be there to meet you at the airport and take you to your orientation accommodation. One additional night accommodation is included in this payment; if you require more than one night please inform the team.
The cost of this Early Pick-up service is US$ 80.00
An archaeologist’s dream, Kenya is home to fossil finds indicating that human life existed over 2 million years ago, while excavations across East Africa show primates date back 20 million years. More recent history, relatively speaking, shows that the Cushitic-speaking people from Ethiopia were among the earliest migrants and settled around 2000 BC. Various tribes from across the continent flocked to what is now Kenya, including the Bantu-speaking people, while Arabs and Persians developed trading routes along the coast from the 8th century onwards. By the 16th century, the Portuguese had colonised the country and taken control of trade routes only for the Arabs to regain control of the coast by the end of the 17th century.
By the mid-19th century, the Germans and the British had turned their interests to Kenya and in 1920 it became a British colony. The spread of white settlement led to tribes like the Maasai losing land and escalating tensions which culminated in the Mau Mau rebellion in 1953; the Mau Mau’s aim was to drive the white settlers out of Kenya and by 1956 were defeated by the colonists. Jomo Kenyatta, a key figure in Kenya’s quest for liberation, became the country’s first president after Kenya gained independence in 1963 and the Kenya Africa National Union (KANU) held power for nearly 40 years; a one party rule mentality existed until 1991 when several political parties emerged. In recent years, the current government has been faced with corruption allegations, and together with one of the country’s worst droughts and the spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the country’s journey to a socially and economically reformed future has so far been challenged.
Kenya’s hot and dry climate is interspersed with periods of rain, from March to May (the ‘long rains’) and from October to December (the ‘short rains’). The most popular time to visit is January to February and July to August, which are also the best times to go on safari; during the rainy seasons accommodation prices are lower but it’s possible that there may be restricted access to some safari parks. To catch the migrating wildebeests from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, June to September is the time to catch the roaming hordes.
Kenya’s skies accommodate a number of domestic airlines and private operators that jet to major cities like Nairobi and Mombasa, as well as national parks and reserves such as Masai Mara and Amboseli. The main domestic flight operators are Kenya Airways and Air Kenya. It’s advisable to book in advance and reconfirm flights at least 48 hours before departure.
Kenya is well served by an extensive bus network. Matatus (minibuses) are a regular feature on the country’s roads, though they do have questionable safety records, are often crowded and it’s not advisable to use them at night. There is a selection of private bus companies to choose from including Eldoret Express, Stagecoach and Akamba that serve major routes and offer reasonable fares.
Although scenic, train travel is limited and time consuming; the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa takes around 13 hours compared to 6 hours by road. There are three classes to choose from but only classes 1 and 2 are worth considering due to better security. Locally and long distance wise, there are ample amount of private and shared taxis available and fares should be negotiated prior to travel. For more independent travellers, car hire is available but it is hard on the wallet and police permission is required for driving on certain routes in the northeast of the country.
Kenya is much more than a real-life jungle book of exotic animals and the string of safari hotspots that most visitors flock to. Its chequered history has given rise to a diverse population of tribal groups and swathes of agricultural land have remained untouched from the infringement of the modern world, culminating in a culturally rich and splendidly scenic country that’s often hailed as the crowning glory of East Africa.
The monumental Great Rift Valley runs the length of the country dividing east and west and carries a multitude of contrasting scenes from hot springs arising against the backdrop of steep cliffs to soda lakes graced with flocks of flamingos. At the valley’s northern reaches the climate is distinctly hotter and the elevation lower, with routes to the huge water expanse that is Lake Turkana (formerly Lake Rudolph); it is world’s largest permanent desert lake and alkaline lake. Wild and wonderful parks and reserves adorn the surrounding area, while various tribal groups including the Turkana, Samburu and Elmolo inhabit the land. Sibiloi National Park, on the north eastern shore, is a treasure trove of fossils and pre-historic finds; human, giant tortoise and crocodile fossils have all been found here. The barren setting is also home to abundant bird species, including flamingos and storks. Further south, Central Island National Park provides a refuge for breeding crocodiles and is located in the middle of the lake in the shadow of an extinct volcano. Loiyangalani is the main jumping of point for explorations in and around the lake and is equipped with an air strip, post office and campsites.
The valley’s central region is home to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake, which is located around one hour from Nairobi and is a popular retreat for city dwellers and tourists. The south shore boasts a host of day-trip delights and most visitors make their base at one of the lakeside hotels or guest houses. Elsamere is the former residence of conservationist Joy Adamson, made famous by the Born Free film, and today comprises a small museum, conservation centre and guest house. Further west lies a crater lake that is worth visiting, while the eastern side of the lake is home to the Crescent Island Sanctuary which teems with bird species, as well as small herds of zebra, giraffe and antelope. There’s freedom to roam to your hearts content at nearby Hell’s Gate National Park, which is one of the few places in the country where it’s possible to venture unguided among the game herds. Walk, cycle, skip or run, whichever mode you choose, there’s a high chance of spotting wildlife such as buffalos, zebras and baboons. Campsites are accessible within the park.
The remote southern sections of the Rift Valley are not as frequented by tourists but are no less astounding. Lake Magadi is the southernmost of the valley’s lakes and is a soda-encrusted stretch that supports a number of bird species, most notably flamingos. The Olorgasailie Prehistoric Site lies north of the lake, less than an hour from Nairobi, and is where excavations uncovered ancient tools and animal bones. Guided tours and a museum provide a wealth of information.
Western Kenya for the most part is off the main tourist trails but radiates an appealing charm, one that is characterised by equatorial rainforest, tea plantations and not a safari tour in sight. Its major draw is Lake Victoria; the largest on the continent, which also borders Uganda and Tanzania. The lake’s islands make for an interesting jaunt although getting to them isn’t plain sailing due to boat services dictated by unpredictable water levels. Mfangano Island is particularly worth the effort for its ancient rock paintings and rich culture; it is serviced by large wooden motorised boats (matatu boats).
The Swahili language and culture, together with Arab-Muslim influences enrich the country’s coastal stretch that has more than idyllic beaches to recommend it. The region is bathed in historical significance and ancient sites are a common theme along the coast, while its exotic waters are among some of the world’s best dive sites. Mombasa, the country’s second city, is the coastal hub but has much more going for it than a springboard to the rest of the coast. The city is actually an island connected to the mainland by bridges and is the biggest port on the continent’s east coast. The Old Town provides an interesting mix of architectural styles dating back to from as early as the first half of the 19th century and includes Indian and British influences. Overlooking the city’s historical heart is the Portuguese-built 16th century fort, Fort Jesus, which now stands as a monument to the past and houses a museum. The Tsavo National Park is only an hour away and is populated by rhinos, monkeys, buffalo, giraffe, antelopes and large herds of elephants.
Malindi, north of Mombasa, was once a centre of power for Swahilis and a Portuguese stronghold and has since evolved into a fully fledged beach resort town. The tourist tackiness, however, is redeemed by its protected coral reef-waters that mark it out as top snorkelling and scuba diving location. The nearby ruins of Gedi, a Swahili town that existed between the 13th and 17th centuries, is another fascinating highlight that includes the remnants of palaces, mosques and tombs.
For a taste of paradise, the Lamu archipelago off the north coast is a true contender. It has an army of winning attributes from tranquil white-sand beaches to the absence of motorised vehicles. But to keep things interesting, this largely Muslim enclave has a history and strong Swahili culture to keep it afloat. The island’s main centre, Lamu Town, is the oldest inhabited town in the country and boasts old Arab architecture, mosques, a Hindu temple and decent museums.
Kenya’s capital is one of Africa’s largest cities and the most modern in all East Africa. Nairobi is a colonial creation that sprang up from the construction of the Mombasa to Uganda railway in the late 19th century and has since developed in leaps and bounds to become a centre for international business and a worthwhile base for excursions to some of the country’s top-rated national parks and reserves. Crime has afflicted the city’s reputation but is not a reason to stay away, and adhering to common sense and not flashing your cash should ensure a relatively hassle free stay. Despite the proliferation of western influences in the form of American-style shopping malls and fast food restaurants, the city has managed to maintain a distinct character; one that provides a sense of the real Kenya of optimistic prosperity and stark poverty.
The wide stretch of Kenyatta Avenue is a hive of activity and a useful navigation point. Amid the office blocks and conference centres, the tree-lined expanse is littered with safari touts, moneychangers and souvenir sellers. A useful aid, however, can be found at the New Stanley Hotel’s Thorn Tree café: a friendly pavement café with a message board used and read by travellers and may sometimes include details such as related to excursions outside of the capital. Further toward the centre at City Square, there’s the chance to catch a glimpse inside the country’s political system at the Parliament building. Visitors are permitted to sit and watch politicians verbally battling it out from the public gallery. The Square also reflects the country’s political past with a statue of Kenya’s founding father Jomo Kenyatta, and is also the site of his mausoleum. North of Kenyatta Avenue is one of the city’s most striking buildings, the Jamia Mosque. Though non-Muslims are not always assured entrance, the building’s exterior of green and white opulence is to be admired.
The city’s museums also make for an informed introduction to both the city and the country. The National Museum, which is set to re-open in mid-2007 following renovation, exhibits a wide range of artefacts from pre-historic fossils and some of the earliest human remains to contemporary East African art, while its grounds house a snake park and are a prime spot for bird-watching. The National Archives also provide a fascinating look into the city’s development and include photographs, contemporary art, cultural and tribal artefacts. Based at the former farmhouse residence of the Out of Africa author, the eponymous Karen Blixen museum is an interesting look at her life and the period she lived there (1914 to 1931).
The city’s parks bring a dose of light relief from the urban throng. City Park is the biggest of them all and is draped in tropical foliage and home to an array of birdlife and monkeys. To see a greater concentration of wildlife, however, you don’t need to travel too far away from the city’s sprawl since the country’s first national park is just a stone’s throw away. Herds of zebra, wildebeest and giraffe are just some of the animals to roam The Nairobi National Park, which also cares for sick and abandoned animals; the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, situated within the park, is a haven for orphaned elephants and rhinos. These wild plains set against tower blocks and traffic in the hazy distance makes for a surreal image.
The city is also something of a safari-central destination thanks to its relative proximity to some of the best-known parks and reserves. Masai Mara National Reserve (also known as the Mara), the country’s most popular park, is world-renowned for its sheer scale of wildlife and is also a haven for Masai communities. The best time to visit is from late June to September when the Great Wildebeest Migration roams en masse from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Kenya’s lush grasslands. A popular way to see the herds of lions, cheetahs and other creatures of the wild is from the confines of a hot air balloon. The park can be reached in around seven hours by road from Nairobi. To catch sight of herds of elephants, Amboseli National Park is the place to go and is just a four hour drive from the capital. Situated in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, the park is an awesome panorama of grazing animals such as zebras and giraffes on wide open plains. Mount Kenya National Park, meanwhile, is located a two-hour drive away and boasts Africa’s second highest mountain and the area is home to the Kikuyu people, as well as diverse flora, fauna and landscapes including glaciers and thick forest.
Being part of an i-to-i project is a totally unique experience. You’ll join a global network of volunteers working side-by-side with local people and experience things that you’ve never dreamed of.
Be Part of this or any project and help us reach our goal of 400yrs combined volunteer help this and many other projects around the world.
We work in partnership with hundreds of established projects that are run by local communities. The information on our website comes directly from the projects and we work with them to ensure this information is as accurate as possible. However, due to the very nature of the projects themselves the exact details of what happens on a daily basis can change with little or no notice. If you have travelled with us and have any updates to this information, please let us know.
* We can be held responsible for any starry-eyed and amazing journeys of enlightenment, discovery and thorough enjoyment...
