Medical Professionals:
Kenya has one of the smallest health worker to population ratios in the world. Kenyan health professionals are stretched thin by the demands made on them and welcome qualified volunteers to assist with day to day tasks in a hospital or small clinic. Conditions are very basic, and due to the lack of staffing, many patients are forced to endure long waits before receiving treatment. Tasks are assigned by the local staff based on what they feel is appropriate given a volunteer's background. Many volunteers also assist with educational outreach programs in addition to time spent with patients in the clinic. This is a great opportunity for doctors, nurses, PAs, and other health professionals to learn about Kenya while also giving back to the community in a very appreciated way. Please note that this volunteer opportunity is designed for experienced medical professionals.

Medical and Pre-Medical Students:
ELI works with the Nakuru Provincial General Hospital and Municipal Health service to create programs for pre med and medical students. Interns will shadow the doctors and other medical staff in order to gain an understanding of the day-to-day practice of healthcare in Kenya. Participants in this program will have no medical responsibilities, but may be given tasks such as assisting with patient histories, taking vitals, and anything else the permanent hospital staff feels is appropriate. Interns at the hospital are encouraged to get involved in the health education outreach programs in order to give back to the community as well as learn first hand about the health challenges the community faces. Pre-dental and dental students have the opportunity to work with a Kenyan dentist in a private practice. Interns shadow the dentist to gain insight into the practice of dentistry in Kenya as well as gain valuable work experience. This opportunity is ideal for participants wanting to gain first hand experience working in a government hospital in Kenya, learn about tropical diseases, and learn about public health issues in East Africa.To Learn more about the day to day activities in the Medical program, see Alexandra's Photojournal and Kaitlyn's Photojournal

Orphanages and Youth Centers:
UNICEF estimates that approximately 2.3 million children in Kenya are orphans. Many of these children move in with relatives after the deaths of their parents. Orphans are often put to work, denied the opportunity to attend school, and suffer physical abuse. Many run away or are forced out of the house. These children turn to the street or an orphanage for refuge. ELI partners with orphanages in Nakuru, Nairobi, and the base of Mt. Kenya, as well as with day centers for street children in Nakuru. These organizations all place a large emphasis on the education and empowerment of the children. The orphanages are very good at providing the children with basic daily needs, but the children are often lacking the personal attention they need to really thrive. Volunteers have the chance to serve as a role model and mentor as well as to motivate the children to study. For more information on these projects, see Kirsten's Photo Journal, Alexandra's Photo Journal, and Kaitlyn's Photo Journal.

Kaptembwa Soccer Club:
The sprawling Kaptembwa Slum is home to an estimated 140,000 people on the outskirts of Nakuru. The children of the slum face many serious challenges in their day-to-day lives. By some estimates 30% of Kapetembwa's population is HIV-positive. Many of the children are the main wage earners in their families and do not know when their next meal will come. Others are forced to care for their younger siblings when their parents succumb to disease or abandon the children. The Kaptembwa Soccer Club was started to give adolescents the opportunity to play in regional soccer tournaments with the goal of empowering the local kids. The soccer games give them the opportunity to play with more well-off kids in Nakuru – a valuable and rare social interaction in this city of disparities. Volunteers assist with daily practice and attend matches. Please note that this is a part-time, volunteer placement. It may be combined with another volunteer opportunity.

Kenya is home to many strong and inspiring women, but many Kenyan women find themselves marginalized by lack of education, sexual violence, and limited opportunities. Volunteers can work with a women's center that provides support services for women in the largest slum of Nakuru. The center supports women by providing counseling, education, short term accommodation, vocational training, and a positive environment. Volunteers may teach English conversation, adult literacy classes, vocational training, basic financial literacy, and also support the women in their group meetings.

As in many countries, the Kenyan school system is facing many challenges including limited resources, overcrowding, and lack of qualified teachers. Volunteers can work in a primary or secondary school in Nakuru. The primary schools are especially in need of English teachers. English is one of the official languages in Kenya and students must pass an English proficiency test to move on to secondary school. The schools also warmly welcome volunteers able to assist subjects such as math, geography, the sciences, and entrepreneurial classes. Volunteers are also encouraged to assist with extra-curricular activities in order to serve as mentors and role models to the children.

Deaf Educatio n:
This internship provides practical classroom experience and insight into Kenyan Deaf culture in one of Kenya's few schools for the deaf. Interns will assist with day-to-day classroom activities, especially focusing on one-on-one tutoring. Participants in this program must be conversational in sign language and have past experience in the field of deaf education. The minimum time commitment is eight weeks. This internship is a great opportunity to gain insight into strategies for deaf education, an understanding of attitudes toward the deaf in Kenya, and the challenges deaf people face in a developing country.

Kenya has been ravaged by deforestation. Between 1990 and 2005, the country lost around 5% of its forest cover, leading to a wide variety of unintended consequences including rapid desertification of some regions of Kenya, food security issues, and changing weather patterns. Volunteers can assist with a locally initiated project to plant trees in rural communities surrounding Nakuru. Volunteers assist with planting the trees as well as educational outreach to highlight the importance of trees within the community. This is a part time project available during the rainy seasons of October through December and April through June. Volunteers must be in good health and prepared for the tough physical work of planting.

The International Work Camp Program is a low-cost alternative that gives volunteers the opportunity to work on a three week long project with other volunteers from all over the world. The projects are organized by the Kenya Voluntary Development Association and serve all areas of Kenya. Volunteers meet in Nairobi for a 1-day orientation before heading off to the work camp site as a group. We work with many other organizations worldwide to provide volunteers for these projects.

Participants in these projects need to be ready to adapt to life in poor communities in Kenya. This is a program requires participants to be flexible and ready to camp for the duration of the program. Sleeping arrangements are made in spaces provided by the community and there may not be cots or beds available, and toilet facilities consist of pit latrines. Bath shelters provide privacy for taking bucket baths. Participants must plan to not have access to running water and electricity. All meals are included in the program fee, but please keep in mind that the meals will be typical Kenyan meals and may not include luxuries such as meat with every meal.