Be part of a movement to improve a destitute community! Kenyans are working hard to improve the conditions of their country. Although its world-class safaris attract hordes of tourists each year, it is still one of the poorest countries in the world. The Maasai people lack basic infrastructure such as roads, community buildings, schools, hospitals, etc. and greatly need the help of volunteers to improve their lives. Through this community development project, you’ll help to improve the local infrastructure, sanitation, education facilities, and eventually the overall quality of life. New Hope works with local initiatives which focus on issues such as community organization, income generation, micro-credit programs, land reform, agriculture, animal raising and gender empowerment. Volunteer in Kenya, and help improve the quality of life for the local people, while enjoying the enchanting scenery and unique cultures!

As a volunteer in the Community Development project, you will be able to exchange ideas and experiences to contribute to projects for community development. Depending on the individual’s skills and expertise, and the needs of the local staff, your daily duties include but are not limited to:

• Building schools, orphanages, hospitals, community centers, etc.
• Assisting locals make their crafts and sell them to tourists
• Promoting HIV/AIDS education
• Working on community clean-ups
• Educating and helping locals expand upon community sanitation
• Supporting women's groups
• Organizing children's programs
• Fundraising
• Promoting community health, disease prevention and personal hygiene
• Expanding community goals and planning future projects
• Teaching English
• Organizing extra-curricular activities such as talent shows, singing, dancing, sports, art, games, etc.
• Helping to promote tourism

With problems such as extreme poverty, political corruption, weak democracy, poor educational standards and the prevalence of serious health issues, it takes much manpower and resources to develop destitute communities in Kenya. This is why volunteers are greatly needed to improve the living conditions of the local people. By volunteering in Kenya, your time, dedication and support will help progress in communities and locals will have a new lease on life. If you have an interest in community development, this is also the perfect opportunity for you to gain hands-on experience.

There are no specific qualifications needed to volunteer in the Community Development program in Kenya. However, volunteers are expected to be flexible, patient, enthusiastic and a self-starter, yet able to follow directions well. Volunteers must also respect the rules and regulations of the center, be resourceful, and must not hesitate to become involved in different activities.

This project is located in Maasai and Ngong Hills.

Maasai land is close to Kenya’s best-known and finest wildlife reserve – the Maasai Mara. The land is located in the south west region of Kenya, about 90 minutes from Nairobi. The land covers an area around 1530 square km and is reserved for Maasai people, who live a pastoral and nomadic lifestyle. Many Maasai, however, have settled down permanently and have build houses. There are also schools and hospital in the region, although there are insufficient manpower and facilities to run them smoothly. The Ngong Hills are located southwest near Nairobi, in southern Kenya. It is a range of peaks, which combine fantastic hill walking with breathtaking views into the Rift Valley. This walk offers visitors a contrast of the green and fertile rural hills with the skyscrapers of Nairobi city in the background, and the vast plains of the Rift Valley. On a very clear day you can even see Mt Kenya and possibly Mt Kilimanjaro.