Program: Special Needs Care Volunteer Program in Kenya - Nairobi

Want to be a Special Needs Care volunteer in Kenya? M.T.Expedition’s Special Needs Care project empowers volunteers to assist with programs that help people with a range of physical and mental disabilities in and around Nairobi. These people are often hidden from view by their families due to a lack of support, education, and disability awareness. Volunteers can help change this by teaching local families and communities about special needs, while also providing care, attention, and support for those with disabilities.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

The Kenyan culture is built largely around family values and beliefs, and it is expected that children should be able to contribute while at home and ultimately provide for themselves when they reach adulthood. However, there are large numbers of children born with disabilities who don’t have access to support and can’t provide for themselves. There are also many Kenyans who become disabled through the course of their lives.

As a Special Needs Care volunteer in Kenya, you’ll provide hands-on support and care and help with disability education for families and local communities. Your tasks will depend on your experience and any relevant qualifications but may include:

• Teaching
• General supervision
• Interacting with and providing training for the family and their community
• Helping at meal times
• Preparing and serving meals
• Cleaning up after meals

Volunteers with appropriate qualifications and experience may also be able to assist with physiotherapy and rehabilitation. While we will try our best to take this into account when placing you, we cannot make any guarantees as it is subject to availability and volunteers are typically placed where help is most needed at the time.

Volunteer Requirements

Participants must be at least 13 years old, speak fluent English, and provide a criminal background check or character references if under 18. Adequate volunteer travel insurance is also mandatory.

Accommodation

Volunteers are accommodated in homestays with local families approved by the program coordinators. This arrangement allows for cultural immersion and provides insight into the Kenyan way of life.

Duration & Schedule

The program runs year-round with start dates on the 1st and 15th of each month. Volunteers typically work a minimum of three hours per day from Monday to Friday.

Meals & Costs

Three meals per day are provided, reflecting the diverse Kenyan cuisine. A registration fee is required to secure a spot in the program, along with additional costs for travel insurance, flights, and personal expenses.

Why do Special Needs Care volunteer in Kenya with M.T.Expedition?

When you volunteer in Kenya you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

• Improving care and social inclusion for people with disabilities
• Supporting education for people with disabilities
• Developing your communication skills
• Gaining experience caring for disabled people
• Immersing yourself in Kenya’s diverse culture

School holidays 2024: Please note, this project is not available during the school holidays. If you apply for this project during school holidays, you will be switched to either Sports Education or Women’s Education. If you apply for this project during a half-term break, you will have these days free to explore the local area, embark on a safari, or another other tour/excursion.

• February 29th - March 1st (half-term break)
• April 8th - 28th (school holidays)
• June 20th - 21st (half-term break)
• August 5th - 25th (school holidays)
• October 24th - Dec 15th (national exams & end of year break)
• December 15th - The program closes for 2024

Volunteer requirements

• Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
• All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to M.T. Expedition prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
• All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
• All volunteers must speak fluent English.