Project Name: Oloisukut Group Conservancy

Code: KVDA/MLTV/2023/18

Location: Narok County Maasai Mara Game Reserve.

Service Sector: Wildlife Conservation

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

• Oloisukut Group Conservancy is a 23,000 acre area of community land which borders the world famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve popularly known as the Mara Triangle, to the North in the Trans Mara District, Rift valley province. 

• Oloisukut conservancy is an intriguing conservation concept on land-use owned and managed by the community members of Oloisukut. 

• The income generated from conservation has given the land owners a reliable and dependable alternative source of income from the traditional livestock. 

• The conservancy has ensured that the northern part of the greater Mara-Serengeti ecosystem is secured for conservation and hence affording the wildlife the much needed dispersal areas.

• The area boasts of high density of game including the big five except for the Rhino. Over 300 different species of birds have been identified. Some of the common animal species are; Maasai giraffe, Burschell zebra, waterbucks, elands, lions, leopards, elephants and elusive and timid bush buck. 

• Oloisukut boasts the highest population of elands, giraffes and leopards in the Mara per unit area. Currently we have the biggest pride comprising of 18 adult lions with several cubs.
•  Tourism in the conservancy is highly controlled, a move that is aimed at maximizing the client wilderness experience and minimizing environmental impact.

Volunteer tasks

Animal conservation

•   Regular ground patrols and safari walk.
•  Identifying animal species found within the area
•   Identify and name indigenous plants and uses.
•   Monitoring wildlife movement

Cultural

-Experience Maasai way of life

-Control cattle grazing, milking and caring for cattle

-Maintain of manyatta houses

School teaching programme

• Teaching English
• Teaching Arts, Designs & Drawings
• Teaching music
• Playing football with girls and boys
•  Playing other games with the children
• Planting of trees
• Gardening and land scarping
• Outreach programme in the local community.
• Extra activities learning life skills bead work, cooking using fire wood,  e.t.c
• Ensure upkeep of the conservancy
• Work with other stake holders in ensuring up keep of the conservancy.
• Extra activities Bird watching for interested volunteers.

Submit Project Report to Kenya Voluntary Development Association

Photo taking on our scenic landscape that include wild animals, siria/oloololo escarpment, beautiful mega rocks  hanging on escarpment, very beautiful bushes and forest and our pride the Mara river that  borders us with other conservancy.

PROJECT START DATES

• Volunteers are accepted to join this project at any time of the year and should arrive in Kenya on 20th day of the month. 
• The duration of placement is flexible depending on the availability of the volunteer

• 2-day orientation seminar will be done on the 21st and 22nd of every month 

Financial contribution

• The project participation fee is Euro 300 per month paid upfront on arrival to the cover costs stipulated for 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
• Excursion
• Visa and Insurance 
• Local travel
• Personal effects

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS

• Volunteers accepted on this project will be accommodated at a host family
• It should be noted that the volunteers will cater for their own commuter expenses to and from the project
• We recommend that the volunteers should carry a sleeping bag and mat among other personal effects

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 project 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 organization: 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 15 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