Why did you choose this program?
I taught coffee knowledge for Starbucks back in the early 2000's and when I saw the opportunity to go to Kenya - my favourite coffee... must say it was an opportunity I couldn't pass. PLUS being able to be of service at the same time at Positive Life Kenya - it was a Win Win Win! The attraction to the Women's Education and Empowerment Program was a huge draw as I own a Public Relations & Marketing Company - I knew these services would be valued during my stay.
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
The program provider (International Volunteer HQ) gave me a complete, extremely detailed to- do list with dates needed to be completed, plus a comprehensive look at what the program I was volunteering with was all about. I only had to arrange flights and let them know when I was arriving and I was met at the airport by their driver.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
You must experience this type of travel... it's rewarding, it's safe, and you will be cared for like family. When you follow the outline IVHQ gives, there will be no surprises when you get there. And you can be any age and must be able to walk a minimum 3kms on a bumpy road. You will be always with a person from the program.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
The average day was we gathered for breakfast between 7am to 9am, the program lead would let us know if were staying at Faraja House or if we were heading out for home visits or going to the school. We typically finished at 4pm and dinner was a few hours later. You helped out at the school or chatted with the women in the program, or you helped in the classrooms.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
Biggest 'fear' was not being able to be connected back home or to my work when I was there. This was easily solved as I had bought an Esim, the Faraja House had WIFI you could pay for and the school had it too - I felt connected! Every moment I felt safe and we had a group WhatsApp that also kept us connected.
Write and answer your own question.
Favourite story to share was during a home visit: I met a Mom who had 7 years old twins, both born with Cerebral Palsy and I was able to do some research to connect them with the Cerebral Palsy Society of Kenya. I provided this information to the social workers who gave it to the Mom - she had no idea this service was available to her.