Project Name: Epang’a Primary School

Code: KVDA/MLTV/2023/03

Location: Luanda Constituency, Vihiga, Western Kenya

Service Sector: Education

Date 2023.

OVERVIEW ON HOSTING ORGANIZATION 

• Kenya Voluntary Development Association (KVDA) is an indigenous, non-political and membership organization which is non-sectarian and non-profit making started in 1962 as a work camp organization registered under the Societies’ Act. In 1993, KVDA was registered as a Non-Governmental organization by the establishment of the NGOs Coordination Act.
• KVDA has since inception hosted over 50, 000 international volunteers to its community service development projects that have left indelible mark to efforts to enhance sustainable development.

Project background

• Epang’a Primary School was founded in 1928, by community members who valued education after being challenged by the Missionaries who had settled at Kima Mission Station.  It is a two-streamed mixed primary school. It is thus an old educational institution which without doubt, has for decades positively contributed to the general development of the people of this community and beyond.  It is a bridge of hope many have crossed to make the entire society to be what it looks like today and to that effect, we find it quite abnormal to just watch it go down to ruins as History and the future generations may judge us harshly in the name of justice.

• The school buildings which sprung up rapidly in a feat to run away from temporary and semi-permanent structures in 1970’s were poorly planned and the workmanship was very much wanting. The ratio of the mixture of sand and cement was so poor that within 19 years, most of the buildings had become so risky for habitation.  One of the blocks in March 2005 was heavily brought down by storms; thank God children were not in school then.  The Ministry of Public Health moved swiftly and condemned all the 15 classrooms in March 2005.

• From March 2005, a lot of effort has been made by the community members and very many other stakeholders to provide classrooms for the children.  We have got a lot of support from the Government through CDF (Constituency Development Fund).  The Ministry of Education and Luanda Town Council, KVDA (Kenya Voluntary Development Association), Bamburi Cement Factory, Former M.P. Honourable Kenneth Marende, the current M.P. Honourable Chris Omulele, Member of Country Assembly, Administrators (Assistant Chief and Chief), friends and well-wishers from all walks of life.
• The School has a population of over 800 pupils with improve classrooms constructed and connection to the national electricity grid

Project activities

• Promotion of the education growth of the children both through classroom work and also practical work in science based and Mathematics subjects as well as sporting and club activities to enhance innovation and creativity
• Career development process that will be instrumental in enhancing solidarity among the youth
• Community sanitation

Volunteer tasks

• Teaching Primary School pupils on the academic course
• Physical education and life skills program
• Build the capacity of the School management on resource mobilization
• Link up with community based organizations on capacity building programs
• Submit Project Report to KVDA

PROJECT START DATES

• It is recommended that volunteers applying to join this project should be aware that school terms in Kenya start at the beginning of the following months January and May 2021
• Schools in Kenya have three holiday seasons; April, August, November and December annually
• This means the volunteers wishing to participate in this project should arrive in Kenya at the start of January, towards the end of April 2021
• It is important to note that due to the stringent regulations by the Ministry of Education, we do not possible to accept volunteers to join the project during the 3rd term that begins in September 2021 as the term is fully dedicated to national examinations and the Government has imposed restrictions that would not allow the participation of volunteers on the school program.

Financial contribution

• The project participation fee is Euro 200 per month paid upfront on arrival to the cover costs stipulated the entire duration of the project. 
• Monthly payment of participation fees is not allowed for conventional purposes. 
• Volunteers accepted on MLTV project for one month will pay Euros 300 for the one month placement.

What is included in the participation fee?

• Return transfers from the airport
• Full board at the project (Accommodation and meals provided at the project)
• Orientation, evaluation and monitoring
• Volunteer mentorship

What is not included in the participation fee?

• Travel to and from the project. The volunteer will be required to pay for the bus tickets
• Refreshments outside the project
• Air ticket and excursion
• Visa and Insurance 
• Local travel 
• personal effects

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS

• Home stay and the volunteer is entitled to private room but will share other amenities and meals with the host family. 
• It is convenient for the volunteer to carry sleeping bag, mat and personal effects. 
• KVDA has a memorandum of understanding with the host project regarding the project costs with appropriate procedures, checks and balances.

Terminal 

• Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi is the port of arrival and KVDA will designate a driver for the airport pick up. 
• We strongly advice volunteers against getting taxis on their own without reference to KVDA due to the obvious risks and in case of any challenges on arrival kindly contact KVDA via mobile telephone 0721650357

KVDA RESIDENCE

• Volunteers will be driven to the YMCA South hostels located 15 Kilometers away from the airport where they will be accommodated ahead of their placement to the project. 
• The residence is situated in the serene environment with amble space for recreation and spectacular setting as the inauguration of volunteering to make a difference in the world.

Leisure time

• Kenya is replete with a lot of interesting and natural spectacular sites of interest that would capture the imagination of volunteers. 
• From the tour to the renowned Maasai Mara Game Reserve to visits to local community beholding sights, the volunteers have the previledge to make choices that would fundamentally make the difference. 
• The project also offers a perfect opportunity for people who enjoy being close to nature and are interested in the spectacular setting that traditional way of living in the heartland of the African culture would enrich your cultural heritage

Laundry and water:

• Water is available at the hosting house from springs and it is important to preserve water at all times due to its scarcity and cooperation with the hosts will be highly appreciated

• There are no washing machines in the institution and the volunteer will be guided on how to wash clothes

Medical:

• Volunteers are expected to have their own medical insurance and other personal expenses and it is important to carry your own medical and travel insurances.

MENTORING:

• Mentor for the volunteer from the hosting organisation: KVDA will designate its staff to play the role of mentoring and this is the vital link between the volunteer and the organization. The Mentor has the responsibility to enable the volunteer to efficiently execute their tasks with diligence.
• Function of mentor: advise, educate, be a role model to the volunteers; providing problem solving, collaborative support, positive and non-evaluative feedback and emotional support for volunteers; to provide comfort, exposure, visibility and challenging assignments which directly support the volunteer’s personal and professional development; to provide counselling and friendship to support the volunteer’s self-image and competence and thus to listen, guide, advice, teach and offer professional support to the volunteers 
• The mentor will be available for the volunteer as a constant supporting person. However, he/she should not be directly involved in the daily work of the volunteer.
• Mentor’s Experience with international volunteers: More than 3 years’ experience with international volunteers

Project participants: Maximum 10 volunteers from different nationalities recruited through KVDA partner organizations

What to carry: This is outlined in the detailed info sheet and includes, sleeping bag and mat, toiletries, torch, flashlight, sandals, mosquito net, national flag from your country, among others

DONATION AND GIFTS: These are usually symbolic gestures to enhance the solidarity of volunteers and the hosting community. Kindly contact KVDA for details in case you are willing to support a worthy cause in the community either by offering a donation or long-term intervention on the project.

APPLICATIONS: Should be done at least one month in advance through KVDA partner organization in respective countries. KVDA does not accept direct applications by volunteers