I'm going to Kenya for two and a half months!
Yes, you heard it right. My dream to volunteer abroad with International Citizen Service (ICS) will soon become a reality.
This June, I will be heading to Kenya for 12 weeks to volunteer with VSO as part of the ICS government-funded programme.
What is ICS?
ICS is a development programme that provides 18-25 year olds with the opportunity to volunteer overseas for 10-12 weeks. It brings together young people in the UK and developing countries to volunteer in some of the poorest countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
UK volunteers work side-by-side with local volunteers in developing countries and volunteers stay with host families in the local community while they work on their projects. Volunteers are required to raise £800 to show their commitment to the programme, and help keep the ICS programme running and provide this opportunity to future volunteers. ICS covers all costs for the volunteer's placement, including visas, flights, vaccinations, food, accommodation and in-country support.
Where exactly will I be going?
I will be working on a project in Machakos, which is just over an hour away from Nairobi. This is the home of the Kamba tribe, an Bantu ethnic group that make up about 11 percent of Kenya's population. The Kamba people specialise in woodcarving and basketry, and the main problems faced in Machakos are food insecurity and water scarcity, due to the dry environment of Machakos, and youth unemployment as many immigrants have been drawn to this upcoming county, increasing competition and levels of unemployment among the youth.
The project and why VSO is working there
The project is part of VSO's secure livelihoods programme, with an emphasis on agri-business, nature-based opportunities and integrating inclusive education for people with disabilities. Business prospects in Machakos from food crop production is limited due to inadequacy of credit facilities and business management skills, and 62% of Machakos County live in poverty.
What will I be doing on my 12-week placement?
I have not yet been allocated to a specific placement yet, as that happens later down the line when the team have got to know me and decide which placement I am best suited to with my skills and experience. However, it is possible I will be doing some of the following:
Civic education in cross-cutting issues
Initiation of income-generating projects such as agricultural activities
Training farmers on nature based enterprise
Business development support
Empowering the community (in particular youth, people with disabilities)
So, what's next?
My next challenge is to raise £800, which will go towards the funding of the ICS programme to ensure that the opportunity is available for future volunteers. Any contributions would be hugely appreciated, and you can donate following the link below:
I will also be doing various fundraising, such as cake sales and sponsored events, so keep an eye out for updates and I'd love to hear any ideas.
June can't come soon enough!
