Help Me Volunteer in Kenya!

I am trying to raise funds to help purchase much needed supplies for the orphanage and community I will be volunteering in. During my stay I will work alongside local staff to help with teaching, cooking, cleaning, farm work, assisting with feeding programs, and caring for the children and infants. Ever since I was a little girl I have always wanted to go to Africa to help children less fortunate then I and now I am finally making that dream come true.

Due to the high incidences of poverty and illness, orphanages in Kenya can host 50 to 300 children at any one time. These kids need love, attention, life skills and education so they can have successful futures that are filled with the same opportunities as others. I want to help make a difference even if in just one child's life, knowing I could give these children hope is worth more then anything to me. I am extremely fortunate to have the life I have and I am determined to help others in any way I can. 

I have requested to stay in either the Gioto Garbage Slum or the KCC Slum, as I feel there is more of a need for volunteers there and I will be of greater help. I am currently fundraising so when I arrive in Kenya I can purchase the children clothes, shoes, books, pencils etc. If I am able to raise enough money I am hoping to buy much needed medical supplies, water and food for the community. I have also been looking into purchasing livestock, chickens etc. but when speaking to Joe Gichuki the program director of Networks For Voluntary Services, the partner organization of IVHQ, he recommended that I am better off waiting until I am in Kenya so that I can assess the situation there and see if the community has the facilities and capabilities of keeping the animals. I have also looked into purchasing large plastic water tanks, so that the communities are able to store uncontaminated fresh rainwater, but again I wont be able to do decide whether the community will need this or not until I am there.

None of the fundraised money will be going towards my expenses; every cent of the money I raise will only be used to help the orphanage and community I will be volunteering in. I have paid for all my program fees and flights and I am currently saving for all my other expenses I will have whilst over there. Every dollar counts, every dollar is appreciated and every dollar goes towards love, hugs and warmth these children otherwise miss out on.  Thank you to everyone who is willing to lend a hand. x

If you have any questions or would like more information feel free to contact me. You can also visit the IVHQ website at  http://www.volunteerhq.org/volunteer-in-kenya.html