Kipawa's FAQs

click the questions to show the answers

1. I am interested in volunteering. What do I do now?

You need to believe that you have identified the right organisation to volunteer with. Learn about us, our programmes, visions and mission and our members by going through our profiles. If you want to be certain, go through the following steps and it will help you to make a decision.

1. Read through these FAQs. You will most likely find that any question you may have is covered below.
2. Look through the Orientation Packet and get a feeling of what volunteering with kipawa involves.
3. Contact us if you have specific questions.
If you feel you are interested with kipawa volunteer programmes, and you wish to come to Kenya, continue with the following steps: Email us at info@kipawayouthvolunteers.org for details on how to fill in the on-line application.

Ensure that you have the qualifications and/or training required for the programme(s) you are interested in. Once you decide which programme(s) you wish to be involved with, we can send you the relevant documents. You should review these before your arrival. We will also put you in touch with the Director(s) of the programs you are interested in.

Let us know when you are thinking of coming to Kenya before you look into flights, insurance, visa and passport details. Once you book a flight, let us know exactly when you are coming so we can make arrangements for our arrival.

2.How do I apply to be a volunteer and how long is the application process?

kipawa allows volunteer registration either as corporate or individual.  Our volunteer officer will review it and get back to you as soon as possible. This should not take more than a week. Once your application has been reviewed and accepted, you need to follow through other preparations. Make sure you have the necessary training for the programme of your choice. 

Finalise your itinerary. You will have to communicate with us to make sure we have space available for you during the time you wish to come before you purchase your flight. Make sure your documents are in order (valid passport, Kenya visa etc). See a travel doctor and have all required immunizations.  Two weeks before you are scheduled to depart, you will need to complete the “Personal Details” form that we shall send to you concerning your flight details, health issues, emergency contact, and meal preferences. 

3. Do I have to specify a particular programme I am interested in or can I work on several programmes while in Kenya or Tanzania?

No. Don't attempt this, especially if the leg is broken or swollen. The vet will be able to remove the band, and deal with whatever injury maybe lurking under the banded area.

4.I am unsure what programme I want to work on.  Is this a problem?

Not necessarily, as long as you are sure you want to work on one of them! We will work with you to determine where your interests, skills and energy can be best put to use, and then develop a game plan from there. Read through the programme information and then email us with any questions you have concerning specific programmes. Some programs include the child related, youth, caretaker for the elderly, environmental, reproductive health see below for more.

5.Do I need to have any qualifications and/or trainings to participate in any of the programmes?

In some cases training may be required. Below are the details for individual programmes,click the programmes link to read more about our volunteership programs.

6.Will there be other volunteers in Kenya when I go?

Most probably, yes. When you have a time period in mind, just let us know and we’ll inform you of the other volunteers that will be there at the same time.

7.Will there be experienced health or other professionals present, or will I work on my own?

Local health care professionals are fully available and you will work with them. We have professionals involved in all of our programmes.

8.Is there anytime during the year when placements are not available?

No.

9.What is the minimum length of stay required for a volunteer?

We don’t strictly prohibit shorter stays, but we request that our volunteers offer at least one week of voluntary service, to make it worth our time and yours.

10.Is there a maximum stay for volunteers?

Yes. We allow a maximum stay of one year for a volunteer’s first trip. We do not have external funding, and therefore the running of these programmes depends upon the programme fees provided by the volunteers, as do the salary fees. The extension rates have been established to help those volunteers who wish to stay a bit longer, to ease the financial burden. If a volunteer wishes to return to Kenya for a second trip, he or she is welcome to stay for more than one year, as long as the Chief Director, Mr.Benjamen Gakuru, makes the arrangements in advance.

11.Who will help me organize a game plan prior to my arrival in Kenya?

The Chief Director in consultation with The Tropical Adventure Tour Director.

12.What is a typical day like?

The day’s events will vary. However, below is an example of a normal day in the life of a KIPAWA volunteer: Wake up between 6–9a.m Go on morning run (or sleep longer) Shower Have breakfast (bread, butter, jam, peanuts, chai) Go to a program of your choice Eat lunch Continue your volunteer program Take tea between 4–6 pm when you return home from the day’s work Hang out, chat, relax, write in journal, run, go to towns etc Eat dinner at around 8pm Hang out or do anything good for you WEEKEND TRAVELS or visit a picnic site.

13.I don’t have much money. Is there any type of discount for long term stays?

Unfortunately no, not at this time. The fees have been set as low as they can be to sustain the programmes and ensure that volunteers are provided with a balanced diet and secure accommodation and comfort during their stays in the country.

14.Why do I need to pay?

The money you pay allows for you to enjoy your stay while serving the humanity.