Volunteer and mission safaris are meant for one to visit and explore the wonders of nature that Kenya has to offer, and at the same time offering a helping hand to the community at large. While at it, one enjoys the magnificent and breathtaking touch of Kenya’s wildlife, amazing sites and hospitality of Kenya and in a major way, gaining through education, and the satisfaction of giving back to the society, thereby improving on what you found. It is kind of leaving a place better than you found it.
While at this noble quest, one works hand in hand with a resource centre or organization. One contributed some funds to help in driving the mission. The funds will cater for travel expenses, accommodation, general living and the volunteer project implementation. Most of the resource centers will usually have set projects with set schedules, detailing the aim, objectives, mission, means of implementation, resources needed and so on. There may also be set rules and guidelines which one is expected to adhere to, for efficiency. One’s career specialization may be a hindrance, but some conditions may need to be met such as age, costs, criminal record and so on.
Some of the volunteer safaris in Kenya include teaching in Kenyan schools, most probably in slums, remote areas such as arid and semi arid regions or schools for underprivileged children. The schools may be understaffed and hence requiring extra personnel. Volunteers help by sharing their ideas, experiences, education with the youth. Another volunteer project may include community health care programmes. Kenya, like most countries in Africa is affected by diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, jigger infestation, among others. Some of the activities one can do include assisting in offering vaccinations, pre-natal and post-natal care programmes, VCT programmes, home based care, user education among others. Another program is economic development programs in Kenya. Here, the participant helps in advising and implementing income generating activities such as poultry keeping, agri-business, fish farming, local tourism, goat keeping, art and crafts and many others. It may involve assisting the local businessmen with basic skills such as book keeping, customer relations and other entrepreneurial skills.
One may also be involved in upgrading tourist destinations and this may involve working hand in hand with organizations such as Kenya Wildlife Service, among others. Some of these are fencing of Kenya National parks, tree planting in Kenya National parks, education on importance of environmental conservation, instilling ecotourism and so on. One enjoys doing all these and more as there is pleasure in giving and at the same time one experiences the magical touch of Kenya’s nature.
Kamau Mbiyu is a Professional Tour Operator. Area of expertise includes hotel booking, Kenya safari, Mountain climbing, luxury holidays, golf safaris and Masai Mara Budget camping safari.
