Volunteer in Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya’s capital and largest city, is truly diverse. Even though Nairobi has a reputation for being somewhat unsafe, it is actually not very dangerous and in fact has its own unique, charming culture. Due to high poverty, the city definitely has a need for volunteers.
Teach Children
Many children in Kenya do not have access to a proper education, but luckily there are organizations working in the nation to improve this. As a teacher, you will teach disadvantaged children various subjects such as math and science, and also focus on teaching them English.
Orphanage Work
Due to poverty and HIV/AIDS, a number of children in Kenya are orphans. There is a tremendous need for volunteers to help in the orphanages. As a volunteer, you will help the children in their daily routine, teach them, and organize activities for them.
HIV/AIDS work
Like many African nations, Kenya too has an HIV/AIDS problem. Even though the number of people suffering has been decreasing, there are still many who suffer from the disease. As a volunteer you will work with local communities to raise awareness about the disease. You will also help take care of patients suffering from the disease.
Volunteering Tips
NGOs/Nonprofits: Nairobi is home to a number of nonprofit organizations that work in almost every sector imaginable. Specifically, there are many nonprofits that work on issues like education, disadvantaged children, and healthcare. For more information, visit Wango
Best Places To Volunteer: Westlands: district that is home to many businesses. Also home to places of attraction. Lang’ata: district in the southwest region of the city; home to the Giraffe Center and Uhuru gardens.
Health and Safety of Volunteers in Nairobi
As a volunteer in Kenya, it is recommended that you get vaccinated for Hepatitis A & B, and Typhoid. If you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors, particularly in rural areas, you should also get vaccinated for Rabies and Yellow Fever. For more information, visit MD Travel Health.
Safety is somewhat of a concern in Nairobi and you should be very vigilant while in the city. Locals often try to scam visitors. You should always ignore a stranger if they approach you on the street. Always be careful when you’re in crowded streets as pickpockets will definitely try and snatch your belongings.
