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Flying Kites

This organization has been expired and its programs are no longer offered.

Why choose Flying Kites ?

At Flying Kites we believe that education is the key to empowering children, and rising out of the cycle of poverty. Through our Primary School and Community Outreach Initiatives we are investing in children and families to provide access to high quality education, expand access to training and opportunity, and ensuring that children have a safe and healthy place to call home.

Founded
2007

Reviews

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Virginia
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Real impact, real family

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Julianna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Read to be apart of an amazing, love-filled family?

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Sam
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life changing experience

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Peter
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

FK Oasis - Changing Lives, And Not Just Mine

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Allison
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Full cultural immersion with FK Oasis

Flying Kites Oasis gave me the opportunity to immerse myself with in the Kenyan community by using my skills as a nurse to assist other Kenyan nurses at various clinics around the slums of Nairobi. This was an un-forgetable experience unique to the Oasis program. Most other volunteer programs allow you to only work with other volunteers. With the Oasis program I was the only volunteer working side by side with Kenyans. I would highly recommend this program :)

Programs

This organization no longer has any active programs. Visit our homepage to continue your search.

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Chase Klingel

Chase Klingel is from Spokane, WA. He is a Freshman at the University of Washington. He is 19 years old and loves to cook, play sports and experience new things in life! He volunteered with Flying Kites from June 16 to July 22, 2012.
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Why did you decide to volunteer with Flying Kites in Kenya?

The reason I decided to go abroad and volunteer at Flying Kites was because I knew there was a chance for me to give back. I have been so blessed my entire life and I knew that if I had the opportunity to impact a child's life who had grown up with less than me, I had to take it!

Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.

My day to day activities consisted of waking up at about eight am, heading to the school and tutoring for three hours (9:00-12:00). During these three hours I would tutor three different children in math, science, or English. These were some of my favorite memories because you really get to know your students. After school I would play soccer or jump rope with the children and then after dinner I would help them study. I could also never forget helping cook with auntie Rebeccs! You must do that if you go!

Lastly, the nice thing about Flying Kites is that you CAN explore! You aren't forced to stay at the orphanage so you can go check out places like Nairobi, Mombasa etc. if you need a break. I highly suggest exploring around but make sure you spend time at the orphanage getting to know the children. That's always priority number one!

What made this experience unique and special?

The reason Flying Kites was such a special experience was because its not an orphanage at all. Within the first 24 hours of being there, you aren't a stranger from America. You are just another fun loving member of this incredibly humble family!

How has this experience impacted your future?

Personally, this experience taught me the meaning of love. Yes, this sounds cliche but it is true. I of course knew what love was beforehand, but it was astonishing to see children who never knew their parents and yet they still acted like they lived the lives of rock stars! This family showed me that having material goods can't give you the ultimate happiness, only expressing and sharing in genuine love can.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Julianna Morrall

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Tell us a little about Flying Kites and your role at the company.

Flying Kites was started when a little boy living in an overcrowded orphanage in the slums of Nairobi challenged a small group of volunteers to see him as a child, and not as an orphan.

Orphans need bowls of rice. Children need families, people to invest in the quality of their education and the possibility of their dreams. They need nourishment and inspiration and adventure and security; they need to be shown that the world cares about who they are and who they will become.

At Flying Kites, we believe in children.

And so, in the Aberdares Mountains of Kenya, we have built a Home and Leadership Academy for orphaned children who would otherwise have nowhere to turn. Through our emphasis on exemplary care, education, and compassion, children who have suffered the devastating effects of poverty are being empowered to change the world.

Believe with us.

How did you get involved in the volunteer industry?

Three years ago, I began working in the field of international volunteering as the Volunteer Coordinator for Flying Kites. Since then, we have transformed the volunteer program from one of short term engagement and limited impact, to one defined by the deep, long lasting dedication of participants and community- altering impact. Our ambassadors literally drive the organization forward and upward and it is a privilege to work with them.

What makes Flying Kites unique?

Flying Kites is unique in its acheivement of creating a home- in every sense of the word- for children who had no where else to turn. The children at Flying Kites are loved, nurtured, and educated to the same degree you'd want for your own children. They are given the opportunity to be unique, to adventure, to be curious and active and compassionate. Flying Kites may care for orphan children, but it does not run an orphanage in any typical sense of that word.

In your experience, what characteristics make a good international volunteer?

First and foremost, humility. Alongside humility, you must possess a vast openness and eagerness to learn. International volunteers absolutely must be ready to serve others- to truly put others' needs before their own and do so with a sensitivity to the limitations of their knowledge. Someone I respect greatly recently reminded me to be a learner and always listen when told you don't know anything. I think that is an incredibly important attitude to maintain when volunteering, and especially when volunteering abroad.

What does the future hold for Flying Kites?

The future of Flying Kites is as bright as the smiles of the children we care for. I believe that Flying Kites will continue to strengthen it's ability to deliver family style care and high quality education to orphaned children, and within the next few years, be able to expand its reach to more children in desperate need of a home, support and opportunity.

I also hope Flying Kites can continue to strengthen its Oasis network through which many childcare institutions in Nairobi, Kenya have begun to share their best practices, explore new funding resources, and work to a higher standard of care in partnership with each other.