Would you like to help a community of people who are left forgotten by the government? Kibera is considered to be the largest and poorest slum in Africa, with a population of around one million. Most of the inhabitants lack the most basic necessities, such as drinking water. Less than 20% of households have electricity, and there is no functioning sewage system. Furthermore, about one fifth of the HIV-infected in the whole of Kenya is located in Kibera. On top of that, there is an epidemic of diseases like cholera and typhoid amongst the people, due to polluted waters and poor nutrition. There is plenty to be done, and a lot that volunteers can do to improve the lives of the slum inhabitants in Kibera. Volunteer in Kenya, and be part of the project that makes the biggest difference in the life of the impoverished in Kibera.

As a volunteer in the Slums 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.

The dire living conditions of the people will be a shocking eye-opener to most. Seemingly forgotten by the Kenyan government, the Kibera slum is a population of around one million of the poorest in Africa. There are no roads, sewage systems, no clean water, no schools and no hospitals. All available schools in Kibera were started by NGOs, and the hospitals and clinics are either NGO-started, or private. The inhabitants live on less than a dollar a day, and often have no money to pay the school fees, or even food and medicine. Volunteer in Kenya and help the communities in the slums of Kibera to lead better, healthier lives. This project is one of the toughest, but it will also be the most rewarding.

There are no specific qualifications needed to volunteer in the Slums 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 Nairobi. Nairobi is the capital and the largest city in Kenya. The colorful combinations of culture and modern living are living examples of past meets future. There is a solid tourist infrastructure in place that supports day trips and city tour planning, and volunteers can spend free time in the National Museum or Nairobi National Park. The city is a hub for safari launches and there are many opportunities for different excursions. There are also crocodile farms and nature trails to explore, along with the standard pulsing city options for travelers.