Program Photos

Help Fight Poverty by Teaching in Micro Finance

Location: Kenya: Nairobi

Program Duration: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 3-6 months (includes high school academic semester abroad)

Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months

Dates: ongoing

Kosmos Solutions International

http://www.kosmossolutions.org

Sun Valley Estate, Hse No. 135 Nairobi, 00517 Kenya

Call Us

Phone: +254733650231

Description

The overall objective of the project will be to develop business organization for select communities to improve the quality of life. Most communities depend on hand outs yet with micro aid and better financial services this communities can turn around their lives by learning the much needed business skills. This placement creates opportunity to help empower grass root communities and prepare them to access already existing micro credit facilities and other financial services.

KSI fully recognizes that the fight against poverty requires the implementation of a broad range of strategies. For reasons of remaining focused and striving to approach poverty alleviation from a sustainable basis. However, the organization has in the past chosen to fight poverty through micro-enterprise lending methodologies among other developmental interventions. Estimates from many parts of the world show that the poorest 40% - 80% of the poor cannot be reached through micro-enterprise credit, mainly because the majority of them are not entrepreneurs but also because suitable lending methodologies have not yet been developed that can reach the very poor. To reach them and to improve their lives in a variable manner, intervention programs that go beyond micro-enterprise credit must be found.

So far KSI has proved that the Financial Service Society (FSA) model has proved to be viable, beneficiary driven and locally based financial institution providing banking facilities for rural population, while linking the villages with the country's banking system. The FSA has the potential of generating, overtime, important financial resources in the form of shares, savings, loans, allowing effective ownership and control by the beneficiaries, fostering institutional development and becoming rapidly financially sustainable. This is a process through which the rural communities become empowered to take control over their own development and get access to financial services, which previously had remained the privilege of urban areas.

Highlights

The opportunity allows volunteers to interact with existing clientele, meet local chiefs and local leaders, and experience Kenyan food and customs. During the stay, volunteers meet with participating women and youth groups to answer their questions, conduct business assessments and screen prospective borrowers. While learning on the first hand what can make the institutions more effective.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications

The programs is open to everyone, however, preference is given to current students and graduates with business, economics and finance. Nonetheless, a basic interest in micro-finance and strong motivation are a must.

Minimum Education

Diploma/Certification

Languages
  • English

Cost in US$:

USD 650 per month

Cost Include Description:

- Application fee
- Application processing
- Volunteer information packet
- Volunteer orientation
- Airport pickup and drop off
- Accommodation in Nairobi
- Host family stay at your respective locations
- Home cooked traditional meals during your stay
- Local support at your volunteer locations
- Liaison to personal travels (I.e. Safari, Malindi, Mombassa and Beach, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Nature Reserves, Giraffe Sanctuary, etc)

Credit Available

no

Volunteer Types
  • Organizational Development
  • Economic Development
  • Micro-enterprise
  • Teaching
  • Technical Assistance
  • Community Development
  • Income-generation
Typical Volunteer
Open minded, flexible, passionate about work and adventurous.
Age Range
above 18
This Program is open to

Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements
  • Dormitory
  • Group living
  • Home-stays

Participants Travel to Kenya

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves
  • Online Application plus Application Assessment
  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Resume
  • Written Application
Typically The Application Process Time is
1-2 weeks
Kosmos Solutions International's Mission Statement

We are a people business and a product of a life-long desire to assist individuals in need. Our mission is to educate and empower impoverished individuals, by equipping them with the knowledge, understanding, skills, and tools necessary to develop a sustainable future. Through various educational and humanitarian initiatives, the KSI team has been addressing the important issues that hinder the prospects for sustainability and development in the disadvantaged regions of the world. With a unique blend of environmentally friendly, educationally based, and community directed projects, KSI is providing opportunities for people whose alternative circumstances have been weakened by the unfortunate struggles surrounding them. It is KSI's belief that through education and empowerment, sustainable opportunities can be provided for healthy community growth.

Year Founded

2009

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