About the Program
Volunteers play an essential role in supporting this program, delivering essential services relating to the huge challenges faced by drug users and the community in Diani Beach. On this project, volunteers will work alongside a team of local volunteers to run a drug awareness community center. The main role of the center is to carry out daily outreach walks into the areas where drug users are known to spend time. This project is not for the faint of heart, and will require a great deal of maturity and strength on the part of the volunteer, yet volunteers are desperately needed to aid in keeping users and non-users safe, raising drug awareness and assisting with many other initiatives of this vital program. Volunteers need to be aware that they will be working hands on with users of hard drugs and WILL witness people injecting drugs during the daily outreach walks. As a result of this, there is a strict minimum age limit of 21 to join this program. Volunteers do not need a background in the Medical field, though Nurses, Doctors, and pre-med students are welcome to join.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide essential care to vulnerable drug users in Diani Beach
- Reduce the transmission rate of disease and improve the future prospects of the population through education and tactical initiatives
- Give drug users quality care, proactive help, compassion and a sense of hope
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both locals and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
Volunteers on this program play an essential role in helping drug users and in reducing the transmission rate of disease and other health issues in the community. Volunteers will find they at working right at the heart of drug and health issues in Diani Beach, helping the addicted to achieve a better life, and working on awareness and education programs. Volunteers will visit drug taking areas with program staff, and hand out packs of clean needles, syringes, alcohol wipes and injecting liquid. They will also pick up and safely dispose of used needles, clean and dress abscesses and wounds the drug users have. Volunteers need to be prepared to work hands on with drug addicts and witness them injecting heroin on a daily basis. Volunteers will spend afternoons at the center in the community working with any drop in clients and planning community activities to raise awareness of drugs, HIV/AIDS, sexual health and hygiene.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways on this program and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Support those addicted to drugs in Diani Beach and create a safer environment for them
- Raise awareness of the issues and educate users on how to stay safe
- Dispose of drug related items to create a safer environment for the entire community
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 21 years and over who wish to assist in the support and rehabilitation of some of Kenya's most at-risk people. While this highly challenging project does not require participants to have a background in the field of medical/drug dependency care, as there are many ways you can assist, volunteers with suitable education, qualifications or experience are highly sought after. Regardless, a volunteer’s individual role can often be tailored to suit their particular skills and interests. Ideally, volunteers on this project will have at least a basic knowledge of the local language in order to communicate effectively with staff and students, though this is not a pre-requisite. All applicants must of course display a genuine willingness to help, show drive, initiative and compassion, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
- Vaccination Certificate
Project Location
With some of the best beaches in the world, Mombasa is Kenya’s main tourist destination. It is located on the Eastern coastline of Kenya bordering the Indian Ocean. There is a tropical climate all year and the city is filled with many things to do during the day and at night.
Inscribed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2011, Fort Jesus is one of the oldest European buildings on the eastern coast of Africa. The ultimate in indestructible fortresses, it stands 15 meters (50ft) high on the seaward side, where it overlooks the entrance to the Old Harbor, and its stone walls are up to 2.5 meters (8ft) thick.
The Old Town, located around Fort Jesus is a great place to visit. This historic district has mostly been converted into souvenir shops and restaurants. A maze of alleys, many too narrow to allow motor traffic, the Old Town sprawls out either side of the Ndia Kuu Road. A nice place to explore on a Sunday when much of the city is closed down. Mombasa is a truly epic place to visit and be a volunteer!
Diani Beach is a fantastic long white beach with loads of water sports and primates to see. A night at ‘40 Thieves’ beach bar is a great place to hang out for a few tuskers (beers). From Mombasa you can catch the ferry from Mombasa town center across to Diani and then Matatu to the beach - approx. 1 hour travel time.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon arrival into Mombasa volunteers will be collected by a representative of the local project team and transported to the volunteer house accommodation where they will join a full orientation session where a representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience in Kenya. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Moi International Airport, Mombasa, Kenya (CODE: MBA)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this project are billeted with one of our wonderful local host families in Diani Beach who are experienced in hosting international volunteers.
This will involve shared bedrooms and bathrooms. Please keep in mind that some will consist of squat toilets and bucket showers. Although most families have running water, hot water is still uncommon among local families in Kenya.
Staying with a local Kenyan family is a great way to be truly immersed in the local culture.
Volunteers are provided 2 meals per day (breakfast and dinner). Lunch is not included but is often taken at small cafes or restaurants where you can try cheap and tasty local food. You are also free to buy bread and other snacks. The meals provided are mostly vegetarian, local cuisine.
Fees
That’s just USD 43 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.