Boomers Abroad

Description

The Maralink Eco-Volunteers is a leading volunteer abroad organization dealing in international volunteer abroad placements in Kenya. We offer a variety of volunteer programs? in Kenya which include: Rural Medical and health, Teaching, Environmental sustainability & rehabilitation, orphanage/childrens homes, special needs schools, Masai Teaching, Masai Medical and volunteer travel(Voluntour) program for free time purpose or weekends when not volunteering.

* Medical and Health Program

The health care industry has been on the spot so as to enable every human race to access affordable and the appropriate health care in every part of the world. In reality this is neither easily accessible nor affordable for many Kenyans especially those living in the rural areas and slums. Poverty creates a large barrier to the acquisition of healthcare in general. As a volunteer you can help by sharing your medical skills and work alongside staff in hospitals, medical clinics, orphanages and schools to provide those in need with basic medical care such as; first aid services for colds & injuries, malaria, pregnancy/childbirth maternal health, mental health, surgery, laboratories, counseling and testing, simple surgeries etc.This type of volunteering is very suitable for those undertaking medicine, nursing and or a career in the health industry.

* Teaching

Though Education in Kenya for primary schools is free; A number of schools struggle with overcrowded classrooms and lack of enough skilled staff is prevalent. We highly recommend this program to those volunteers who have a passion for passing on new knowledge, research and innovation to these curious, smart and ready to nurture young minds. They should have a good command in written and spoken English with a strong passion for children and cross cultural experience. Subjects taught include: English, Mathematics, Science, Arts, Religion, health education and Music. All subjects are taught in English.

* Orphanages and Children Homes Programs

Orphanages and children homes in Kenya mostly care for children who are from different backgrounds (that range from broken homes, post-election violence, have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS, have been abused emotionally or physically, have been abandoned, or whose parents are unable to provide for them long-term).These children have been deprived of many opportunities necessary for their development & need specialized and personal care due to their misfortune. They need a shoulder to lean on, someone to inspire them, instill hope and love them in a practical way. This program is suitable for all volunteers.

* Environmental Sustainability & Rehabilitation Programs

Kenya were is much concerned about reviving and re-afforestation of their forest cover, which has been immensely depleted over the last decade from 12% to less than 2% and also generation of green energy . Due to the in-adequate specialized skills and resources required to generate this type of energy in Kenya and the fact that a majority of the Kenyans still live in the rural areas and are illiterate. Focus areas: Agriculture, Energy generation, Planting trees, Environmental awareness program, Gardening, Landscaping. This type of volunteering is suitable for people from all walks of life as long as you have a desire and urge towards a clean and sustainable environment.

* Hiv Aids Program

Approximately 1.25 million adults are infected with the disease and about 100,000 children are also infected. The disease makes children become orphans as the parents die of AIDS and the grandparents are the one who become the parents. Also the disease cripple the growth of the nation as it takes away the work force that is available. As there is no cure to the disease the best way to tackle the problem is through awareness. This is done by educating the people on the dangers of unprotected sex. Awareness is done through Voluntary Counseling and Testing centers, hospitals and clinics also many local NGOs are having awareness campaigns to try and curb the spread of the disease. As a volunteer you will be asked to help in the outreach programs to help educate the local and create awareness about the disease. Supporting the infected is very important which will be done through provision of food and medical supplies. Also you will be working with infected people and you will be counseling them encourage them and help them with little things that their need. Our partner organization will be carrying out outreach programs in schools, community centers and public occasions.

* Maasai Teaching

One of the main reasons the Maasai have suffered from personal and social in-justice is because of illiteracy. Though primary education is free in Kenya, it is estimated that less than half of all Maasai children attend schools, so teaching volunteers are urgently needed to help reverse this trend. Volunteers have the opportunity to educate children at primary school level. Typical Subjects taught include: English, mathematics, science, and social studies. Volunteers are also encouraged to initiate extra-curricular activities like, art 'n' crafts, reading groups, drama, music and sports. Uniqueness of teaching in this area is that youll frequently find animal droppings and gazelles roaming nearby, Giraffes often wander freely around the school grounds and it is no big deal to have some wild animal burrow holes through the school fields overnight. This program is suitable for all volunteers.

* Maasai Health/Medical Program

The remoteness of the territories where Maasai communities are found and poverty still has a large impact on the quality of their health and lives. This means that medical expertise & knowledge, supplies and training are always in short supply. Lately, few Community Clinics have opened up and are providing healthcare to the locals. However, because the land is remote and very few facilities exist, local medical professionals are not enough, thus an urgent need for Medical volunteers. Volunteers have the opportunity to work in the area of general medical practice. Volunteers will be assisting with the running of a local health clinic, providing first aid treatment, counseling Maasai community groups on the dangers of HIV and how to prevent themselves from getting infected, home visits, counseling and testing services for HIV and maternity services.

* Special Need Schools.

This program is intended for you to assist in specialized primary schools for these children who have intellectual and physical disabilities. Assistance is needed in the areas of teaching; massage therapy, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy and integration aids. Volunteers with knowledge of Sign Language also have the opportunity to help hearing impaired children with their lessons. For one to undertake such a crucial, noble role to care for these children you have to be a person who is down-to- earth, patient, kind, not easily angered, compassionate and understanding. You must love working with children and encourage them to meet their full potential. There is a lot of scope in this program for you to create new programs or sensory experiences for the children. This type of volunteering is suitable for people from all walks of life as long as you have a big heart and love children.

* Volunteer Travel

This normally occurs during weekends or free time and volunteers can take advantage of being in Kenya and go for a safari and see the wildlife in Kenya Parks which are worldwide renowned.