Are you a natural with children?

Working with primary schools located in Mikindani, 7km west of the coastal city of Mombasa or at the south of Mombasa Island, you'll share your English language skills as you soak up the sunny Kenyan culture.

Mombasa is one of the poorer areas of the country, so local youngsters struggle against the problems of child labour, alcoholism and abuse, and schools here are in desperate need of teachers. As a volunteer teacher, you'll play a vital role in enriching their education and helping them to build brighter futures. Large class sizes and limited resources ensure this will be a challenging yet highly rewarding experience!

What does this teaching project do?

i-to-i works with a number of schools located in Mikindani, 7km west of Mombasa, and at the south of Mombasa Island. Mikindani is a very poor suburb, which means the youths and orphans in the area struggle against the problems of child labour, alcoholism and abuse. The schools were founded in the 1990s, usually with sponsorship from the local church, NGOs and other well wishers. They have been set up as places where orphans and street children in the local area can be provided with an education. The schools are severely under-resourced and often have large class sizes due to staff shortages. As the schools cannot afford to pay its teachers a good salary, it is hard for them to recruit staff and often the staff they do have are forced to take on other work, so cannot be at the school regularly.

Why does this project need volunteers?

Education is seen as a privilege in Kenya and until recently was reserved for those who could afford to pay school fees. In recent years, primary education became free and (in theory) universally accessible. With very little funds though, the schools simply cannot afford to hire new teachers or purchase resources. The support of volunteers is critical in order to continue providing the most basic of education to children.

Your role as a volunteer

When teaching in Kenya, your primary role will be to help teach English to the children. Extra curricular activities are encouraged and extremely popular at the school; in particular sports and activities to raise awareness of environmental issues in relation to the communities.

The skills you need

As a volunteer, you will need to show patience and initiative to cope with the sheer volume of children in your classes. You will work closely with local teachers, but for those with more experience and confidence, there will be opportunities for taking classes independently. Your resources will be limited so you will need to show imagination and creativity to get the most out of your time.

Remember the children may come from difficult backgrounds and you will need to show patience and understanding and be able to act as role model. Skills in any extra curricular activities will be welcomed at this project, with particular emphasis on sports coaching and environmental awareness.

Accommodation included

You'll be staying in a local homestay which comes with water and electricity, although both may be cut off from time to time.

Accommodation Upgrade

If you're looking for a single room with a little more luxury, you can upgrade for £275.00 per week. Castle Hotel provides rooms with electric door locks, electric safes, refrigerators, air conditioning, satellite TVs and ensuite bathrooms. In addition, the hotel has internet access, a coffee bar, long bar and restaurant. The hotel is only ten minutes from the Old Mombasa Town, so there are plenty of nearby shops, cafes, restaurants, etc.

Project resources and advice

You may need to bring or purchase sports equipment, crafts or stationery, but this can be bought in Mombasa so you might want to budget for this. We also advise you to budget for stationery supplies that you may wish to purchase in Mombasa.

Local facilities

The schools are either based in Mikindani, just 7km west of Mombasa along the Nairobi-Mombasa road, or at the south of Mombasa Island. Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya and is also the largest coastal port in East Africa. Mombasa has good transport connections and is well linked to the rest of the country. Facilities are good, with several banks, including Barclays, internet cafes, tour operators and the main amenities you would expect from a city.

Food included

You'll be provided with breakfast and dinner each day, which will be made from delicious local produce such as meat with rice, ugali, chapattis and macaroni.

Airport pick-up included

If you time your arrival to one of the designated arrival dates then airport pick-up is completely free. Please book your flight to arrive into Mombasa (airport code MBA). Should you require a different pick-up time, a charge will be required to cover fuel and staff time to come and get you. Any additional nights needed at the orientation accommodation, for example if you arrive a day or two early, should then be made in-country directly to the accommodation (roughly 2500KSh per night) or for the accommodation upgrade (roughly 60$USD per night).

Things that you will need to organize yourself

Flights to Kenya: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us

Travel insurance: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us

Visa

In-country transport (except your airport pickup on arrival date)

Tours, trips and add-ons: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us

Extra equipment such as stationery, craft items, sports gear, etc

Extra food

What exactly do i-to-i provide?

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….

Project sourcing and assessment

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

Expert help-desk

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.

Thorough project briefing materials

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.

TEFL training

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

Airport pickup

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.

Arrival orientation

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 and meals

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

Local in-country coordinators

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

24/7 emergency support

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

Ongoing training

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

Supporting our projects

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  

Recruiting people like you

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.

The intangible benefits

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

What we will do after you've booked:

• Once booked on you will instantly receive a welcome email confirming your booking with access to your online account
• We will send a Welcome Pack in the post containing further information and a t-shirt, the information in this pack should answer most things you need to know
• Community Development and Teaching customers will receive an email introducing them to their Online TEFL course
• Community Development and Teaching customers will be requested to complete a police check (where relevant) or send through a reference
• We will contact you if we require anything else e.g. CV/resume for some projects, doctors note for medical conditions etc.
• We will hound you to complete your forms and pay your final balance when they are due
• We are available for any questions you may have on 800 352 1794 or operations@i-to-i.com
• We will prepare for your trip and send you an email with final project and accommodation confirmation 21 days before you go

What you need to do after booking your place with us:

• Book your flights
• Arrange suitable travel insurance
• Fill out some extra details through our online interface:
  • application from
  • travel details
  • insurance details
  • medical information
  • emergency contacts
• Complete your police check or request your reference (where relevant)
• Do your Online TEFL Course (where relevant)
• Make final payment at least 60 days before you go
• Make sure you have a visa for your trip if its needed
• Visit a nurse or travel clinic for advice on inoculations and malaria prevention
• Read all details and prepare as much as you can for your trip
• Take contact details of the in country team and where you're going in your hand luggage - just in case!
• Get on the plane!

Orientation Information

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 Manson 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:

Manson Hotel

Kisumu Road

Mombasa

+254 (0)41 222421/20/19

If you have opted for the accommodation upgrade then you should make your way to the following address:

The Castle Hotel

Moi Avenue

Mombasa

+254 (0)41 222682, 222628, 220373

http://www.castlemsa.com/

Your orientation will take place the next morning at the Manson Hotel and will introduce you to life in Mombasa as well as important information about staying healthy and safe. You’ll also learn a bit of Swahili along the way!

You will transfer to your permanent accommodation on the Sunday and this will be arranged for you by the team; transfers within Mombasa will take up to 1 hour and those to Kilifi will take about 1.5 hours. You will be introduced to your project on the Monday and start at the project on this day. From here on in you will spend your time with the project but the in-country team are there if you need them.

Insurance

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 >>

Flights

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.

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Country Guide

A little bit of history...

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.

Best time to go...

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.

Getting Around...

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.

Sights and Sounds...

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.

Highlight: Nairobi...

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.

Useful links

www.lonelyplanet.com
Lonely Planet are leaders in the travel guide sector and their website is a great source of travel information.

www.fco.gov.uk
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s website provides up-to-date political news, travel advice and information on visas

www.airkenya.com
Domestic airline Air Kenya.