Here are some ways to get started:
Research Volunteer Organizations
There are a plethora of different charity and volunteer organizations world wide that offer programs of all lengths and types. Now you just need to find the one that fits your time constraints, budget and interests.
VFP {Volunteers For Peace}
An American organization based in Vermont that partners with groups all over the world in order to offer a wide variety of programs. Projects are moderately priced and vary from a few weeks to a year or more. A great starting point if you are unsure of where and what you want to do.
KVDA {Kenya Voluntary Development Association}
This is the organization that that ran my program. Obviously the projects are limited to Kenya though they do cover a variety of volunteer opportunities. You will meet people from all over the world which I found to be an important part of the experience. The people are fantastic!
Teddy's Center
A friend of mine, Geoffrey, who I met through KVDA, decided to make the best of the violence that occurred in Kenya after their election in December 2007. He has fully adopted one child orphaned by the violence. He named him Teddy and that is how it all began. Since then he has taken in more orphans in need of care. He has opened his own home to these children and is trying to care for them and also provide education. It is a small organization since it is so young. But it is a touching story and a chance to improve the lives of those spared during the turmoil after the election.
The Peace Corp
I originally was looking into the Peace corp but thought that 2 years+ might be a little too long for me. It is more of a commitment than some other programs but you get some serious bonuses too. And I'm sure 2 years goes faster than it sounds. They do seem to be a bit more selective in their volunteer choices however.
Can't Travel...you can still Donate!
Yes, monetary contributions are always appreciated. Here are a list of individuals that I met in Kenya that are seeking assistance in any amount. Email me if you are interested and I will send you their contact information and you can communicate with them directly. They will be forever grateful!
Clement Murimi
I received a letter of admission in the best university in Kenya called University of Nairobi to study Bachelor of Science (Electrical and Electronics Engineering). The problem is that my parents may not be able to support me to pursue the course due to their poor financial ability and with only two months left I am a worried person because I don't know what to do. This is the reason why am turning to any one who may give me any kind of assistance. Please, if you can give any assistance please do.
My High school grades were as follows:
English B+
Kiswahili A
Mathematics A
Chemistry A
Biology A-
Physics A
Geography A
C.R.E A-
Computer Studies A
Josephine Mwangosi
Josephine just finished her degree in Community Development and Social Work. She is now doing an unpaid internship with an organization that will hopefully hire her after 3 months. However in the interim she has no income and her family is in no position to help her through this period.
Geoffrey Nyakundi
Geoffrey is the man who started Teddy's Center mentioned above. He is trying to raise funds to care for a group of orphans that he has taken into his care after the violence in January. He and his family had some land and a house for the kids to live in. They are currently trying to establish a small school for the kids. Supplies and funding are needed to teach and care for the children.
