AVIF
(ABLe Volunteers International Fund) www.AVIF.Org.UK
Volunteering Policy
Introduction AVIF exists to : aid vulnerable children, their communities and families in Kenya. assist with sustainable development via online & onsite volunteering in rural Kenya, East Africa. We are an innovative online charity, with a promise to Invest in our Volunteers. Operate with negligible administration costs for worldwide impact. We believe in efficiency, honesty and transparency.
In line with this AVIF seeks to involve volunteers to: Ensure our services meet the needs of our target groups Eradicate corruptive influences within communities Provide new skills and perspectives Increase our contact with the local communities to enable them to live more dignified and fulfilling lives, further participating in their countries development.
Principles This Volunteering Policy is underpinned by the following principles: AVIF will ensure that volunteers are properly integrated into the organisational structure and that mechanisms are in place for them to contribute to AVIF’s work. AVIF promises to invest in volunteers in their role as Ambassadors. AVIF recognises that volunteers require satisfying work and personal development and will seek to help volunteers meet these needs, as well as providing the training for them to do their work effectively.
Donated teaching resources taken to Imani Agape near Kisii, Kenya Summer 2006
Volunteering Handbook
The Volunteer’s Voice Volunteers are encouraged to express their views about matters concerning AVIF and its work. SUPPORT All volunteers will have a named person as their main point of contact. They will be provided with regular supervision to feedback on progress, discuss future development and air any problems. (Liaison in Kenya and Volunteer Co-ordinator at placement). We want to make sure your volunteering experience is the best it can be but if something does go wrong you can get support from AVIF.
On safari with GDS in the Maasai Mara
BEFORE YOU START It is crucial that we have all your correct contact details (if you’re a student then both a university and a more permanent address if possible). We’ll also need an emergency contact person. Please make sure your Liaison has this information. There are no contracts to sign but we do ask that if you commit to a certain role or placement, you are able to give the amount of time required to fulfil its responsibilities. We recommend you learn some conversational Swahili and/or Luo and read books / surf the internet about rural Kenya. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AVIF believes and actively promotes equal opportunities in all aspects of its activities. Equal opportunities is about recognising, valuing and respecting differences. It is important that as part of your commitment to AVIF you also commit to equal opportunities.
HEALTH AND SAFETY We want to make sure that everyone stays safe during their experience with AVIF. Whatever activity/event/role you are taking on please be aware of the need to take into account the health and safety of all volunteers, participants and members of the public involved as well as yourself. Also remember to report any risk, hazard or incident to both the volunteer/project coordinator and your AVIF Liaison. AVIF will insist you obtain adequate insurance to cover your involvement. While volunteering is an incredibly rewarding pursuit, the very nature of development work means that you are likely to be exposed to injustice, human suffering and deprivation. Most illness contracted abroad are preventable or easily treated. Pre-trip health preparation greatly reduces the risk of ill health which will interfere with the enjoyment and effectiveness of your experience. Filling out the medical form attached also allows AVIF to carry out our Duty of Care to You and to your hosts to minimise the risk of avoidable illness & promote a great experience.
TRANSPORT AVIF works with STA Travel to provide the cheapest most efficient route to Kenya from anywhere in the world. Mona Elawasi is your Account Executive and is experienced in booking any flights from point to point, multistop and round the world tickets and can also advise on additional products such as accommodation, tours and insurance. Please contact Mona on the details below : Phone Number: 00 44 (0)8714 680 668 Email: AVIF@statravel.co.uk On arrival Do Not take a taxi from the Airport to the Hotel unless you are a very well travelled person and can handle a Kenyan scam. Read the Tourist Blog on our website (Join Us page). In case of delays please telephone/ text your Liaison. Taxis to the Orientation hotel are at most Ksh 1200 from Jomo Kenyatta Airport, do not pay more. Try to avoid Matatus (vans or mini-buses). They are very affordable (Ksh 20-30) but accidents are frequent. Make sure you ask how much it costs to go to your destination, and make sure the matatu is
going in that direction ! Be prepared to wait for loading and note that a matatu will not leave until it is COMPLETELY full. Please travel by day. Night travelling is dangerous! Have your money ready before you get in, so you don’t have to pull out a wallet or pay with a large bill. Pay with coins and preferably the exact amount, otherwise you may not get change. It is never advisable to display your wealth. We recommend flying for longer distances e.g. trips to the coast. Roads are not good in Kenya. Check with your Liaison for details and always let them know your plans. All up-country allocations require an internal flight to be booked at your own cost. Our inland partners www.fly540.com fly Nairobi to Kisumu, we have an agreement to provide excess baggage allowance up to 45kg and you can book online. The cost is approximately GBP60 (March 2007) and takes less than 1 hour, as opposed to over 7 hours by road.
Mercy Childrens Home with the team, Summer 2007
ANTI-MALARIALS You are responsible for bringing your own (50% DEET recommended) insect repellents. Research repellents thoroughly using one of the many search agents or Travel Clinics, including www.MASTA.org. Insect repellents and nets will reduce the possibilities of being bitten by a carrier and therefore protect you beyond any vaccination. Regarding anti-malarials please seek advice from your GP. Please read the MASTA Health Brief available for download on the website (Join Us section) The children and residents of Kenya take no anti-malarials because they have very well developed tolerance. They are still at risk but taking anti-malarials for periods over 2/3 months can be harmful. Remember that contracting malaria can be fatal. The best way to avoid it is to avoid being bitten in the first place. Use a 50% "Deet" repellent spray on all exposed skin, reapplied often, wear long sleeved/ legged clothing after sunset or if outside at dawn. You can treat clothing with the same spray. Leave windows / doors closed, use plug in vapourisers and burn coils closeby if outside. Tuck your nets into the mattress to avoid other insects climbing up the net from the floor ! Only air conditioning precludes the need for a mosquito net, preferably one treated with permethrin. You do not require a Yellow Fever certificate unless resident / traveller through an endemic area, normally Africa.
Children at Imani Agape, 2006 (Rebecca’s photo)
GENERAL INFO Electricity: 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are UK-type square three-pin. Bayonet-type light sockets exist in Kenya. GMT+2 in Summer Telephone: IDD service is available to the main cities. Country code: 254 (followed by 20 for Nairobi, 41 for Mombasa and 51 for Nakuru, etc). Outgoing international code: 000. International calls can sometimes be made direct or operator-assisted by dialling 0196. Public telephones work with coins or with phone cards (which may be purchased from post offices or from international call services in major towns); coin-operated phone booths are painted red, cardoperated booths are painted blue. Mobile telephone: GSM 900. The main network providers are Celtel (website: www.celtel.com) and Safaricom (website: www.safaricom.co.ke). Post offices are identified by Telkom Kenya (Kenya Posts & Telecommunications Corporation). Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0900-1200 (main post offices). Post boxes are red. Using generators is very expensive, you must all be prepared to live without electricity and be happy to use kerosene lamps, cook over fires and live traditionally. It is inexpensive to access the internet using a mobile phone with a local SIM card, phones are very cheap, do not bring an expensive western phone it will very probably be stolen.
Marie & Nick building the new dorm at Mercy Home, Summer 2007
RESPONDING TO BEGGING Approach with consideration and tolerance. Tell them your name first, ask them their name, give bread, milk, bananas, etc. but please OPEN anything before you hand it over to children otherwise they will simply sell it. Locals WILL ask you for money .. white skinned people are “muzungus”, western foreigners are always assumed rich. Do not give gifts of money to children as AVIF would rather ensure the US$10 note you hand over goes directly on repairing the families roof, or a school sponsorship, not on beer for an uncle! If you want to offer anything then trade with them for something. A pair of socks will buy a fantastic wood carving. A child in a classroom may well be able to keep the notebook you gave them, rather than hand it to their parents to be traded for food. Pens and biros are also valuable commodities so be careful if you are planning to donate these. SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR Smoking is illegal in public places. Do not smoke in public. Do not drink alcohol where children are present. CORRUPTION Kenya is marred by corruption, so "be prepared and make sure you don’t get over-exploited". Make sure what you give actually goes to the needy and not to greedy individuals that you will encounter. "Take your time before you commit any of your funds and investigate costs through trusted individuals". (Ben Leonello, ACAS Senior Consultant, Sustainable Development and Climate Change, AVIF Volunteer Sep-Nov 2008) You SHOULD also read this important blog article.
ACTIVITIES (see also FAQ) Pass on valuable information & techniques in the simplest way, distributing these posters : http://www.fourthway.co.uk/posters/ Teaching basics about health & hygiene, farming & cooking techniques. We also introduce solar cookers, full details here : http://solarcooking.org Teaching or assisting a teacher Constructing a tree nursery Painting: many of the school buildings need to be brightly decorated Building: if funds are available Recreational; dancing, crafts, music, sports. Help the children with computer studies Your own ideas…Teach art classes, play football. We also hope to help distribute malaria-prevention literature & nets from KeNAAM (WHO). AVIF partners can offer either Safari, Climb to Kilimanjaro summit or Diving on the coast, please visit the links and mention AVIF for discounts if interested.
LEVEL OF ENGLISH
The primary children's English will be good enough to get the gist of what you say, but please try to manage expectations, the children WILL believe anything you tell them.
LEARNING CURVE AND THE CULTURE SHOCK When you first become involved in AVIF you may not know much about Kenya. This doesn’t matter; it’s all about learning through experience. But some volunteering opportunities will need a basic understanding of the issues in order to ensure sensitivity and a positive experience for everyone. Do plenty of internet research, a great place to Idealist.org’s resource centre. AVIF volunteering will have training included in the Orientation so that you are at least partly prepared for the role. It is important that you are able to attend before you start volunteering. This is an opportunity to talk with Sharon, Managing Trustee of AVIF & a Kenyan resident, to equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed for the specific role. You can also talk with other experienced volunteers via the FaceBook group. There are a few simple things to always keep in mind: Rural Kenyans are ordinary people faced with extraordinary circumstances, which makes them a vulnerable group with specific needs. Some will need specialist assistance but many just want to build a stable life for their family. You will be in direct contact with children who have been abandoned and battered by family and society, growing up knowing little about love, kindness, justice, and security. Some may have had contact with family members, others are orphans or have no contact with their parents. Most have very little to live on and WILL ask you for help financially or otherwise. Please ensure that you are not out of pocket in these circumstances, use your own personal judgement but also remember that it is not your responsibility to provide this type of assistance. AVIF strictly promotes sustainable development NOT hand-outs. Buying a chicken will provide more than giving a few dollars.
CONFIDENTIALITY Remember that the people you are working with are often in great need and you may be around sensitive information. Most children in homes come from very difficult, abusive backgrounds. This makes them very sensitive to relationships with people. They will cling to you, or may have a hard time trusting you. You are encouraged to embrace them, talk to them, counsel them, etc. Some of their backgrounds are confidential, so don’t be offended if a staff member doesn’t share their details. Be aware that personal information should not be discussed or given out. In any case where you are concerned about sensitive information you should contact the project/volunteer coordinator or the AVIF Office.
Laura decorating the walls, 2007, Maseno
MONEY Carry money and documents in a hidden money-belt. Bring travellers cheques (you won’t need more than US$200 during the 4 week program) and cash them in Nairobi before leaving the airport. Banks “up-country” are very slow. You will need cash in small denomination notes (50/100/200) and coins so make sure you have them before you leave Nairobi. Visa/Mastercard are acceptable in most large towns. There are many branches all over Kenya. COSTS International Airfare : Variable between £400-£800 (to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport code: NBO) Internal flight if travelling up country : for safety and convenience volunteers should book 1 hour flights with our partners Fly540.com between Nairobi & Kisumu (Mar 07 GBP60) rather than a 6-8hr road trip, though the decision is ultimately yours Visa and Insurance : Visa between £15-£40, and comprehensive travel & health insurance £50+ Essential medications : Anti-malarials variable between 50p - £1 per day, insect repellent sprays Subsistence (food & drinks) : Allocate at least $25 / £18 a week to contribute to meals from your host and buy essentials like Fanta, popcorn & chocolate! Orientation : $100 for the Gracia Guesthouse for 2 sharing, 2 nights, taxi to ($15) and from ($15) the airport, meals, drinks Meals & fuel payable to the host range from $100-$140/month (it is far cheaper to have your host buy goods than yourself). Meeting up with other groups. The average cost of shared rooms at a budget hotel for 2 nights, transportation via matatu, and some sort of entertainment or park or guide fee would be between about $30-$50. (More if you have taken to Tusker beer!!!) See Expenses doc on website
VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTION AND AGREEMENT In order to make sure everyone is clear about what they are getting out of and putting into the AVIF volunteering experience, you’re entitled to add to, discuss, complete, sign and adhere to the Volunteer Agreement (included in this handbook). This is not a legal agreement but will help to make your experience the best it can be by identifying the rights and responsibilities of you as a volunteer and those of your project.
Nic & Laura fetching water, Mercy Home, Summer 2007
GRIEVANCE & DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE Should the need arise AVIF has established strategies to deal with any problems. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IT’S ALL OVER? We’d like to know how everything went, did you enjoy your volunteering, do you have any suggestions of how to improve the experience for others, would you like to stay involved with AVIF? Please complete the Evaluation Form included in this booklet once your volunteering role/project is complete. Before you finish volunteering assess your experience and give us. We are always pleased to provide references and don’t forget that by volunteering you are building up important skills for your CV. Lastly please remember to complete your course of anti-malarials and have a health check with your GP. DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION The DEA works with AVIF to bring a Global Dimension to your classroom, no matter where you teach. Please visit the website and read details below for further information on the issues which you will have experienced and making a difference, for example, supporting pupils all over the world to challenge stereotypes and consider global interdependence and the root causes of poverty. (details later) TEACHERS BLOG (see JOIN US section of website) Many more updates and blogs on the site : Angela’s Review Marie’s update J Smith & S Kimber, Uhunda village, 7km from Usenge, Bondo District, Nyanza Province, Western Kenya. Summer 2007
Soraya’s brilliant photo of the kids in Uhundha
Our experience: The community of Uhunda is about a 30 minute walk from the main road from Kisumu that carries on to Osieko. The community has its own beach on Lake Victoria, called Honge, which is about a 5 minute walk from the school itself, which provides stunning views over the lake. This beach is the lifeblood for the community, which relies on the fishing trade, mainly catching tilapia, Nile perch and omena (or daga). There are wooden boats lined up on the beach and it is well worth asking one of the fishermen to take you out for a trip; it is interesting to see the various fishing methods and the views are fantastic. Nyanza province is dominated by the tribe Luo. They are one of the largest tribal grouping in Kenya and along with Kakuyu hold many of the most influential positions in the state. They speak their own language, as so many of the Kenyan tribes do, which is very different to Swahili. Sharon can provide a helpful list of common words and the people are appreciative and often amused by any attempt to converse in their mother-tongue. Having said this, you will not need to speak it to teach in the school. Even the small children in the orphan centre and nursery learn some English and latterly all lessons are given in it. Even exams are set in English, so it is helpful for the children to speak to you in English. This will at least help them become more confident speaking it and will provide a good reason for them to do so. The people are extremely generous and they will bring you presents from their shambas (their small allotments) or whatever they can afford: fish, fruits, milk. It is very difficult to turn down these gifts, even though you may feel bad accepting them. But they will be very pleased to give them. We were made so welcome that we really felt that we had an African home and even an African mama in Priscah. As with any small, rural community, everyone knows everyone. They have large extended families and so people are always round each other’s houses. The Luos are polygamists and it is still common for men to have more than one wife. Traditionally the man lives in a house in the middle and provides separate houses around him for each of his wives. As you can imagine, this can lead to huge families and you will find brothers (strictly half-brothers) who could be father and son. We are 'muzungus', or white Europeans. The kids shout it and wave as you walk past. Some of them had never seen white people before and were either terrified or fascinated by us. This was made amusingly clear when we went to visit a community project up the road in a very rural area. Soraya saw a particularly cute little boy and went over to him with hands outstretched, cooing. His smile was immediately replaced by blood-curdling dread; he ran away as quickly as his little legs could carry him. Soraya was keen to cheer him up and tried to pick him up again and the closer she got, the more terrified he became.
In some ways it was quite fun being a muzungu because when we walked around the village we were greeted by everybody and generally treated as washed-up z-list celebrities might be at home. But with that comes the assumption that we are made of money and could, if only we were that way inclined, solve all of Africa's problems with a swish of our Pound Stirling. What we have learnt though, and what we were keen to stress during a 2hr school committee meeting, is that the most pressing problems of poverty and HIV/Aids cannot be solved instantly by anyone, or any amount of money. This was a problem of communication and when we arrived they had been waiting for 4 muzungus (we were two) for a year and a half. There expectations were out of proportion sadly, but hopefully in the future they will know what to expect having had us there for a month. The things that we were most impressed with have been the community projects which are run, organised, and established by locals, but which are sometimes funded by charities. There are lots that try to educate and raise awareness of various issues, and they seem to me to be making more integral progress than carpet-bomb charity involvement. I had had no previous teaching experience and was not a little nervous about the prospect, especially when I met some of the other volunteers who were professional teachers at home. But the experience was really satisfying. The fact that muzungus are teaching them is an intriguing novelty factor for the pupils and they are keen and receptive. They were extremely shy to begin with and it took a while for them to get them to put up their hands and say anything they wanted, but it is worth the effort because it makes the lessons more interesting and stimulating for the children and for you. You will probably want to buy all the materials you will need to teach. We ended up travelling to Kisumu every weekend to pick up various things. The chairman of the beach, Henry, a very respected man, has a car and is always willing to help with transport from Usenge if you have heavy things. Even though we were not able to teach the orphan centre kids the irregular past tense in English, we could help with their learning by rote (A is for Apple) and with games and drawing, something which they seem not to have done before. They were adorable and we both had our favourites, who we wished we could pack in our bags and take home. I think they also took something from the relationship and were pleased to have us with them. We both thoroughly enjoyed our time in Uhunda, made a lot of real friends, and learnt a lot about Kenya and Africa. I almost wish I could vote in the upcoming presidential election because we learnt a great deal about the politics of the country and came to hold strong views of our own. I would recommend this experience to anyone. We will definitely go back. And we feel quite proud to be the first of many people who will go back and forth in this relationship between Nyayo and AVIF.
Menengai, photo by Raul, part of a project with NABUUR http://bit.ly/wQXW WHY FUNDRAISE?
Fundraising promotes the work you are doing, the work AVIF is doing, the work our Kenyan partners are doing and raises awareness of the needs of the children in Kenya. It will also cover your travel expenses! Fundraising will draw friends and family together around a good cause and is an excellent entry to your CV. WHAT can you fundraise for? Flight costs Class equipment and resources Vaccinations Visa costs Health and travel insurance costs Living expenses Some tips! Understand your reasons for volunteering. Remember you are fundraising to get your enthusiasm and expertise to the vulnerable children in Kenya. Think carefully about your reasons for volunteering. Remember these reasons throughout your fundraising. Network - this means people helping people either financially or simply with advice and support. Friends, family, everyone you know can help with brain-storming. Ask all the people on your Christmas List ! Ask all the people on your email list, in your address book ! Calculate how much you need from each donor to achieve your goal. Ask for specific donation amounts and spread your requests. Plan well in advance. You can use AVIF's logos and images, as well as our FREE design services. Get yourself a mature email address NOT wild_child@hotmail.com Be prepared for people to say NO. Be innovative. Name your project and who will be benefiting at every opportunity – sponsorship forms, press releases, adverts and events. Thank your donors. Fundraising literature AVIF can help with design of any digital literature / leaflets etc. Designing an interesting leaflet will help you to market yourself and your volunteering as a worthy cause. You must cover the costs of printing and distribution otherwise simply send leaflets electronically - costs of an email sent to multiple contacts are negligible. Donors will need to know who you are and brief details of your background before they can support you:
Include your name and contact details together with the AVIF's name and contact details so donors know the work you will be doing has been arranged by a committed, REAL organisation. We will give you as much detail about the project you will be assisting with. Explain how your work will make a difference to the local community Include a short biography of yourself with your picture and reasons for volunteering abroad
Make a list of companies, organisations, places and people who you think will be interested in your project and send the leaflet to them. Think of venues which may have some link with Kenya, e.g. local community centres holding coffee mornings, local primary schools that may want to be involved in the PenPal scheme. Ask to leave leaflets there.
Menengai, 2008
Letter writing Letter writing is an essential element of fundraising. Large businesses receive hundreds of letters asking for donations every year so you need to make sure it goes to the right person and make sure it stands out. Always address a particular person. Enclose an LOI (letter of invitation) from AVIF (also useful for visa applications) verifying your status as an international volunteer. Business will be most interested in the positive contribution to their CSR (corporate social responsibility) and good citizenship obligations, whereas grant-giving organisations also take into account the personal development the experience will bring you as an individual. Be brief and to the point. One page is enough but keep your reasons for volunteering in mind when writing. If you know senior members of a company, or you live close to company headquarters, your request will stand more chance of success. Contact employers of your friends and family. Companies will be more inclined to donate money if they have some kind of link with the individual, or Kenya. Say exactly how much you need to raise and why and ask for a specific donation. Deadlines are also important: give a time limit for people to make a donation. The bigger the organisation, or wealthier the individual, the more you can ask for. Offer something in return; a presentation of your experience after the trip for the company newsletter, updating an online blog for donors to read about your progress week by week, company acknowledgement on AVIF website, wearing the company logo on a T-shirt during your trip. Telephone prospective donors. Many companies may read your letter and put it to one side – they may only be reminded about your request once you phone them to follow up. Make it as easy as possible for people to make a donation; directly to you by cheque or cash. Sample Letter : [ADDRESSEE] [ADDRESS] [DATE] Dear [Mr/Mrs/Ms Lastname],
[Project name] – [place name, Kenya] My name is [Firstname Lastname], and I have lived in [##] for [##] years. Before continuing my [career/study] in [##], I want to fulfil an ambition to help the vulnerable children in Kenya through volunteering. After thorough research I have chosen to support the work of ABLe Volunteers International Fund (AVIF). AVIF is an innovative charity, assisting in sustainable development. They initiate projects by sending volunteers to assist in children's homes and orphanages throughout rural Kenya. I intend to spend [project duration] on an AVIF volunteer project [next/ later this] year to further their work. I will be devoting my time to assisting the children at [project name and description]. I will be fully supported by AVIF, who specialise in bringing voluntary help to areas where it is needed most (see www.avif.org.uk for details). On the project, I will be teaching the children english, arts, sports, IT and life skills as well as general mentoring. All AVIF's projects, including the one I will be working on, rely solely on the support of volunteers, and without them, the children would simply not receive adequate education enabling them to further their own futures. To participate in this project, I will need to raise [£XXX]. This covers my airfare, vaccinations, visa and living costs. AVIF covers my in-country accommodation and transport. I have saved [£XXX] already from my current job and the rest I am hoping to gain through fundraising. [As your organisation has an interest in Kenya, ] I would be extremely grateful if you would consider donating a maximum of [£XXX] towards my venture to teach the children in rural Kenya. I require funds by [month of year]. During my volunteering I will record my experiences in a [weekly diary/ blog/ with photographs]. Upon my return this will be published on the AVIF website to encourage other people to consider such a worthwhile experience. AVIF will also be happy to acknowledge your support with a link on their website, and I would be very happy to wear your company logo on a tshirt during my time in Kenya. [To further my fundraising efforts, I will also be holding a special event on [date, at time, in place], at which I will also be giving thanks to all those who have given their kind support.] I very much hope you will be able to contribute to my cause. Details of how to make a donation are enclosed. Yours sincerely, [Signature] [Firstname Lastname] Use the media For help with media contacts, photographs or writing your press releases, contact AVIF. If you know of any specific publications or contacts you would like to target, highlight them in your correspondence. Newspapers Send press releases to the appropriate editor or other media contact. If in doubt telephone, explain what you are doing and ask for the contact details of the most relevant people. Use an ATTENTION GRABBING headline. Newspapers are interested in the local community and as a member of the local community your story will be of interest. Also, if your fundraising event incorporates the local community the newspaper will be interested. Keep the message clear and to the point within the first paragraph (Who, what, when, where and why). Write in the third person, in a professional news style. List your contact details at the top. Double-space the text so that the journalist can make notes. One page max – journalists are busy people. Include a good photo of yourself.
News is about “new” things and people. Target your local newspapers, specialist magazines, company newsletters, local radio stations. Create your own website e.g. www.MySpace.com. Put leaflets on your old school/college or on your university notice boards. Ask your university or employer for their support. Sample Press Release : DD/MM/YY For immediate release Press Release: [Some kind of FUNDRAISER] [Your full name], [age], of [area you live], is [details and date of fundraising event] to raise money for a volunteer teaching placement she will be joining in Kenya this [month. year]. [your name] will be [brief detail of fundraiser activity] to raise both money and awareness of the need for educational support in Kenya for children hugely less fortunate than our own. All proceeds will go towards the work [s/he] will be doing in Kenya. [your name] is travelling to Kenya with AVIF, a specialist volunteer charity which sends volunteers to Kenya to highlight and aid the needs of schools and orphanages within rural Kenya. On the [duration] volunteer experience, [your name] will be teaching English, arts, IT and sports to disadvantaged school children in [name and area of project]. For more information on [your name]’s volunteer placement and to pledge support, please contact the AVIF office on volunteer@avif.org.uk [or your own contact details]. [your name] is available for interviews and photographs on XXXXX XXXXXX. END. Magazines (Travel, charitable, educational, local interest magazines) They will want a personal account from you – your reasons to volunteer, how you think it will help you, what you are leaving behind. Most magazines are printed monthly and often work three to six months in advance so keep a close eye on editorial deadlines. Individual trusts
These have been set up to help people with worthy causes. You will need to identify which society best suits your financial needs and make an application with a letter, offering updates during your placement and a presentation on your return Useful websites : www.trustfunding.org.uk www.fund-online.com www.fund-raising.com www.fundraisingdirectory.com www.fundraising.co.uk www.funderfinder.org.uk Print : The Directory of Grant Making Trusts – check your local library as this is expensive to buy. The CD ROM version is very useful as the directory lists 3,500 grant making trusts with extensive indices including geographical area, field of interest and type of beneficiary. The Directory of Smaller Grant Making Trusts – covers more than 1,000 smaller trusts and is useful for small-scale, local fundraising. The Educational Grants Directory – contains a list of 1,200 local and national educational charities that support students. The Guide to UK Company Giving – a directory of companies that donate to charities, community projects and voluntary organisations including types of grants, support given, typical grants and application advice. Hollis Sponsorship & Donations Year Book – a guide to corporate donors, including contacts, donations, sponsorship budgets and each company’s preferred area of support.
Marie donating solar cookers to the RABUOR Community after a demo from SCI
DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION www.DEA.Org.UK
Preparing for volunteering, volunteering itself and reflecting on the experience on your return are all likely to impact on your teaching. The issues which you will be thinking about are very complex, for example, supporting pupils to challenge stereotypes and consider global interdependence and the root causes of poverty. There is support available. Information follows about the DfES (Department for Education and Skills) http://www.dfes.gov.uk/ guidance booklet; the Global Dimension website of resources; and development education centres. DEVELOPING THE GLOBAL DIMENSION IN THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM This booklet is recommended action from DfES, and shows how the global dimension can be integrated into both the curriculum and the wider life of schools. It has been published by a consortium of government bodies and NGOs: DFID, DfES, QCA, DEA and the British Council. To order multiple free copies, email enquiry@dfid.gov.uk with your name and address, contact telephone number, and number of copies required. Alternatively, contact DFID's public enquiry point, tel: 0845 300 4100. It is also available to download from http://publications.teachernet.gov.uk GLOBAL DIMENSION WEBSITE http://www.globaldimension.org.uk Global Dimension is a unique guide to educational resources that bring a global dimension to teaching. From climate change to poverty, water to fair trade, you can find resources for all age groups and subject areas. There are also case studies and information about local support, professional development and school speaker services. DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION CENTRES DECs are independent local centres that support teachers in learning about global and sustainable development issues and how to 'think globally and act locally'. Many centres offer advice and support, a library service, training and in-school talks. You can find your nearest by visiting www.globaldimension.org.uk/localsupport FOR FULL DIRECTORY OF TRAINERS PLEASE CONTACT AVIF or DEA
Nursery children at RFCH, Yala
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is the age range of participants? 18-99 What are the selection criteria and procedures? Fluency in English Some previous teaching experience and independent travel experience essential How many participants will there be on my programme? Normally 15-20 split into groups of 2-6 What will I gain from the programme? Cultural exchange, tolerance, perspective ..... Who else will benefit from this programme? Members of the community and children you directly interact with, and their families/ friends Why are people needed on this programme ? To offer skills, knowledge and experience we take for granted and to provide perspective and tolerance to all involved Will the programme continue after I have left? We are dedicated to sustainable development which means when you leave we still maintain the outcomes of each programme and initiate projects highlighted during your stay. How has the programme been chosen, planned and vetted? We have a wide network of Kenyan hosts and Kenyan volunteers. These people aid our continued work and help make links with appropriate others. Planning is ran entirely online, at low cost from our UK & Nairobi offices. Are the host organisations paid to take me? Do they pay me? The host organisations benefit in many ways, not necessarily financially. They do not pay for you, and you should not cause any extra cost to them during your stay regarding food / power usage etc. Has a responsible member of the organisation personally checked each placement? Yes
Will I be alone or in a group? Minimum of 2, normally 4-5 in a group What living and meal arrangements are there? Specific to each placement
Is there any written agreement between me and the organisation? We have a Volunteer agreement between yourself and AVIF but no legally binding contract. What are my responsibilities? What is expected of me? Is there a code of conduct for participants? Please see Volunteer Policy Do I need a budget for extras? Yes, if you want extra luxuries What deposit do I have to pay? None Is fund-raising necessary in order to cover expenses and, if so, what advice is given? Please see details on fundraising in Volunteer Handbook. We strongly encourage all of our volunteers to do some fundraising to support the cost of their program. If you can get past the feeling that you are raising the funds for you, and instead consider that you are raising funds in order to provide much-needed help to others (while learning a lot along the way), you'll find fundraising to be a much more enjoyable experience. What are our aims, objectives, philosophy? Please see website. How long have AVIF been in existence? Established March 2006 Can it give examples of successful programmes? Yes Can I speak to past participants? Yes via the FaceBook group What is the legal status of the organisation? HMRC Registered charity XR99385, under threshold for Charity Commission registration i.e. too small Where is the organisation registered? Nidderdale, UK What are the travel arrangements? Specific to each program. Arrival in Nairobi for orientation with in-country transport to/from placement. Who arranges visa, entry permits, etc.? You, though we can provide a Letter of Invitation if necessary - tourist visas are adequate What insurance cover is provided? Who provides it? Your own responsibility for health, possessions, cancellation, repatriation though we can provide assistance with full health / medical packages within Kenya. Unfortunately no major insurance company will currently provide reasonable liability cover within Kenya. What medical/health precautions are necessary? Please see website for up to date CDC recommendations.
Yala, Western Kenya
What pre-departure orientation and/or training is given? Orientation only given in Nairobi since our volunteers come from all over the globe, though any questions can be answered prior to departure and pre-departure meetings can be arranged if logistically possible Who is responsible for me at the programme location? In-country Liaisons and hosts Has anyone from the organisation vetted this person? Yes Where is the nearest representative of the organisation? In the community you stay with & Management in Nairobi What repatriation arrangements are in place? Provided by AVIF, paid by own insurance What in-placement emergency procedures are there? Provided by AMREF Flying Doctors, assuming subscription paid, AVIF will accompany, paid by own insurance Who do I turn to if I have a problem about the placement itself whilst on my programme? Your Liaison officer or any member of AVIF What are the living arrangements and exactly what is/is not included? Specific to each placement but you are fully informed pre-departure Who selects, screens and pays for the arrangements? Managing Trustee in Nairobi What contact will the organisation have with me on my return? Full email, phone, text Will my experience be used in briefings for future participants? If you agree
Hardrock Café ;-) Nakuru
LLK children, Rhonnda slums area of Nakuru
AVIF Medical Form
Volunteer Information Name __________________________________
Date ________________
Mailing Address_________________________________________________________ ______________________________________ Zip/ Postcode _______________ Birthdate _________________ Sex: M F Age _______ Nationality ___________________________ Passport number ___________________________ Occupation ___________________________ Spouse’s Name _______________________________ How did you hear about AVIF? _____________________________________________ Whom may we thank for referring you? __________________________________________
CONTACT INFORMATION Cell / Mobile ____________________ Home _____________________ Email Address* ___________________________ Skype username _________________________________ *We will not release your email address to anyone. In case of emergency contact: ___________________________________________________ Relationship ____________________________ Cell / Mobile _______________________ Home _________________________ Work _______________________________ Please answer the following questions with as much detail as possible. It is important for us to know everything about your health. Pre-trip health preparation greatly reduces the risk of ill health in Kenya. Filling out these medical forms also allows AVIF to carry out our Duty of Care to You and to Your Hosts to minimise the risk of illness & promote a great experience.
1)
List any health complaint(s). ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ List any treatments, medications, or supplements you are currently taking/ have taken in past 12 months. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ List any treatments, medications, or supplements that have caused negative reactions. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ List any recent medical procedures or surgeries you have had in the past 5 years. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ________
2)
3)
4)
5)
List any history of infections (excluding common colds) and allergies to medicines or other. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Please indicate vaccinations taken within last 12 months or intention to take before your assignment Diptheria BCG Measles Polio Tetanus Hepatitis A Typhoid Yellow Fever Y/N Y/N Y/ N Y/N Y/N Y/ N Y/N Y/N Y/N
6)
7)
Are you going to take Malaria Medicine? If yes, what kind and how often ?
___________________________________________________________________________________________ 8) 9) Do you smoke Y/N
Do you have any other special needs or is there any other information that may help us better understand you? ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________
10) Do you have any objection to us carrying out an international CRB check? ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Please delete* any that DO NOT apply to you. *You occasionally experience unexplained tears. *You find you are more susceptible to pain. *You prefer to be left alone. *You feel shy with all but your close friends. *You feel something is missing in your life. *You often feel anxious for no reason. *You frequently feel “edgy” and it’s difficult to relax. *Falling asleep is sometimes difficult. *It’s hard to turn your mind off when you want to relax. *You occasionally experience feelings of panic for no reason. *You often use alcohol or other sedatives to calm down. *You suffer from a lack of energy.
True Health with Dr Drady Hurst AVIF works with a registered, highly qualified practitioner in Atlanta, GA, USA. We truly understand the demands of humanitarian work, and uphold a Duty of Care to You. The True Health Clinic offer discounted services for Medical and Psychological Support to all our volunteers before, during and after international projects. Quick Chat: 5 minutes / $0.00 Initial Consultation (in office or Online TeleHealth) : $95 covering Medical & Travel Health advice or Psychological Health Services ~ confidential advice before, during and after your volunteering. Follow up Consultation $55 Enquiries about complex health problems or lab testing can be fast-tracked to local specialists for rapid reply overseas. Super-billing available through health insurance.
Please be assured this information will be held in strict confidence. Before returning by email please ensure you also send a recent photograph and CV. Asante Sana
TRAVEL CHECKLIST Flight ticket Internal flight via 540 airline www.fly540.com if travelling up-country Visa / passport Vaccinations Money belt - essential ! Consider securing your luggage with locks. Journal – Kenya can be overwhelming and it helps to write down your thoughts, alternatively, if you’re close to the internet, email us and we can publish your experience online for the benefit of the world. Sewing kit as hand washing clothes on boards or rocks can cause damage Plastic flip flops for showering and handling walking along VERY muddy roads ! Looose long sleeved / long legged clothing & hat, ensure you bring clothes you don’t mind being ruined – you may well be washing yourself and clothes in the river ! Fleece for chilly nights Factor 15+ Sun screen / sunglasses / hat / bandana Anti bacterial gel or alcohol wipes UK 240v power adaptor for phone/ camera charging if you are lucky to have electricity Sleeping bag for safari Pictures of family / friends / home to show your hosts & be a pleasant reminder for you Flashlight (batteries available cheaply everywhere) Pictures of family / home / friends to share with the children / staff Tourist guidebook / phrase book Anti-diarrhoea tablets Small camera (stock up on high powered batteries in Nairobi) Money for a cell phone (it is far cheaper to buy one in Kenya with a SIM card than risk having your own stolen) Anti-malarials Insect repellent Some prepared lessons with materials A smile, tolerance and diplomacy
Rift Valley, Western Kenya
KEY CONTACTS AVIF Office UK Alison Lowndes Founder Trustee ABLe Volunteers International Fund Fair Mount, Hartwith Avenue, Summerbridge, North Yorkshire HG3 4HT Tel: +44 1423 780962 Text: +44 777 171 2012 ALowndes@AVIF.Org.UK VoIP & IM via Skype: avif_volunteers_in_kenya AVIF Office NAIROBI Sharon Argwings-Kodhek PO Box 47147 Nairobi 00100 Cell +254 722 519080 SArgwings-Kodhek@AVIF.Org.UK
Volunteering Agreement
Volunteers have the RIGHT to choose have information about projects/tasks have equal treatment in recruitment, placement, training and support reasonable out of pocket expenses safety; no volunteer should tolerate violence, aggression or harassment towards them or a client time limited commitment opt out of anything by first informing the volunteer/project coordinator comment on and be involved in planning projects give feedback during and after volunteering have a supervisor and someone to go to in case of grievance have fun be adequately covered by insurance and protected in issues of health and safety training; to be adequately prepared for the task join in other AVIF activities Volunteers have the RESPONSIBILITY to be honest act under equal opportunities take a share in the responsibility for their personal safety and that of others behave appropriately – do not subject the children to use of alcoholic drinks, drugs, smoking, within the compound of any of the programs. In Kenya these habits may offend your hosts, though are not forbidden turn up on time and as agreed work in a team respect confidences of children, fellow volunteers and project workers support other volunteers as far as reasonable set a good example undertake necessary training remember that they are representing AVIF
signed by volunteer
volunteer/project coordinator
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………….
date
Children at LLK, Nakuru, 2008
Evaluation
(please complete at end of your involvement and return to your AVIF Liaison or to the AVIF Office) Every grant proposal we put forward, to apply for funds for the communities you have just spent time with, requires detailed information of AVIF's aims and outcomes. As volunteers you are able to provide us with your own research We can include every tiny experience you have had; talking to the children, eating a meal, playing and interacting with community members. Your direct or indirect experience of the need in the community can provide useful evidence to demonstrate the strength of our commitment. An individual blog entry or feedback can also help to illustrate the problems we face as a Charity, highlighting the need for funding. Please help AVIF help the communities further. Share your thoughts, photographs and experience with us. Kindest regards Alison Lowndes, Founder Trustee
Briefly what volunteering did you undertake?
How often?
Was this booklet useful?
What other information did you require?
Did you contact any of the following during your involvement? AVIF Liaison [] AVIF Office [] Project/Volunteer Coordinator [] Were they helpful?
What was the best bit about your volunteering?
What was the most challenging aspect?
If you’d like to continue to stay in touch with AVIF then please fill in your contact details below. (We will not use this information other than for the purpose of sending you relevant AVIF information and will not pass it onto a third party whatsoever.) Name: AVIF Group: Brief summary of involvement:
Year of involvement: Email address:
Please remember to complete your course of anti-malarials and on your return have a health check with your GP.
For many more volunteer photos please go online We look forward to hearing from you [Alison]