Project Name: Tich Kouma Community Based Organization

Code: KVDA/MLTV/2023/17

Location: Kisumu City, Lake Victoria.

Service Sector: Conservation / Ecotourism / Voluntourism

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

• Tich Kouma Community Based organization was registered on 5th July 2011 as a self-help group under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development. 
• The project is situated in the heart of Kisumu city that is the third largest city in Kenya after Nairobi and Mombasa respectively. 
• The site is situated behind Tom Mboya Labour College off Ring Road. The group members are residents of Nanga, Dunga, Kapuothe, Katuoro, Got Owak, Sigalagala, Kogello, Milimani that are villages within Winam Division of Kisumu East district, Nyanza province.

OBJECTIVES OF THE GROUP

• To build a social and economic force taking advantage of the environment and best use of natural resources for sustainability
• Provide funds for conservation to preserve the biomas flora and fauna, culture and history, to set sustainable use of limits of the wetland and to protect natural attractions alongside the preservation of existing endemic species
• To empower members through income generating activities as adaptive to natural resources available at the project site
• To engage appropriate technology innovatively by wise use practices like conservation farming
• To build human capital through empowerment of the community by utilization of intellectual property rights-like making of conservation furniture through weaving of papyrus reed in the making process
• To engage in activities aimed at alleviating poverty, creating employment and engagement with equity
• Advocate for environmental restoration, conservation by showcasing the way forward through activities like tree planting, nursery, husbandry, farm management and related activities that can create micro climate for Kisumu city

Project activities

Agro forestry, eco-tourism and conservation activities as outlined in the objectives of the group

Volunteer tasks

• Tree planting
• Tree nursery planting
• Farm management
• Climate change issues with focus on greening Kisumu city 
• Submit Project Report to KVDA

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 200 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

• 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