Volunteers Program Information
Youth for Conservation (YfC) was established in Kenya in August 1998 by young Kenyans who are concerned about the future of their county’s wildlife heritage. It is a non-profit organization. Besides protecting Kenya's priceless wildlife, the organization is nationally and internationally recognized as leaders in conservation programs, community involvement and environmental education. Our main activities involve de-snaring operations i.e. removal of animal traps in and around various National Parks, Game Reserves and Private Wildlife Ranches and sanctuaries in the country, thus saving countless animals from a terrible death. We also conduct community conservation education, sensitize on a clean environment, carry out animal welfare campaigns and implement afforestation programs.
Youth for Conservation currently offers volunteer opportunities to English speaking people. The main languages in Kenya are English and Kiswahili. The volunteers' work with Youth for Conservation cover research, education, animal welfare, proposal writing, accounting, editing, writing and analyzing legal documents, reporting, artwork, website updating and maintenance, ecotourism, journalism, newsletter, desnaring and afforestation. The volunteer program is intended to provide practical experience for people interested in making a difference through contributing towards conservation activities and projects for a better future.
The organization requires as many different types of skills as possible. Website design and maintenance, languages, teaching, drama, journalism, photography, art, fundraising, publicity, marketing, business, reporting, research and other academic training. What we require may not be limited to this as the needs are project tailored. Be clear in your application on the qualifications, skills and experience you have to enable us to place you in the most satisfactory area. The volunteers will be allocated specific duties dependent upon their individual experience, skills, interests and openings in the organization, however, all volunteers should be willing to help out in any aspect of the organization's work when required and change topics if necessary. Volunteers should also be able to undertake strenuous and sometimes tedious work in a hot tropical climate under primitive living conditions. Some of the volunteer activities include:
Desnaring is the removal of snares or traps that are set by poachers to kill animals for bush meat in and outside protected area. It involves carrying out anti-snaring patrols. Youth for Conservation works closely with the Kenya Wildlife Service rangers who provide security for our teams, during anti-snaring patrols. Volunteers may accompany desnaring teams and help in the removal of snares, collection and documentation of data from the field and in report writing. Desnaring projects are funding dependent and volunteer participation will depend on whether we have the projects on schedule at the time of visit.
Research projects include forest surveys, human wildlife conflict, hyacinth study and desnaring. The research projects change regularly due to the prevailing needs of the organization. Volunteers will be assigned projects according to their individual skills, experience and interest. The volunteers on research should expect to spend full days in the field. Volunteers are also encouraged to develop their own personal projects that they can work on.
Youth for Conservation has planted over 500 tree seedlings on the Ngong hills and is working towards reviving a natural spring. Further work needs to be done to establish and expand the forest safeguarding the natural springs. Volunteers can nurture tree seedlings for planting in the area.
Through the partnership between Youth for Conservation, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Kenya Wildlife Service, volunteers can spend scheduled days giving talks to the public on elephant baby orphans at the Trust and on various other conservation issues at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (See website www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org) and at The Nairobi Safari Walk. Volunteers can also visit academic and non-academic institutions giving animal welfare and awareness talks in the company of Youth for Conservation members. They can also come up with artwork conveying relevant animal welfare messages to the public.
Youth for Conservation is a not-for-profit organization and fundraising activities are crucial in view of the conservation work we carry out. Each year Youth for Conservation carries out a number of fundraising activities and writes proposals to raise funds. Volunteers may help with the writing of proposals and organization of the fundraising events.
Youth for Conservation produces a newsletter every six months. Volunteers can help in producing the newsletter by contributing articles, editing, photographs, designing and production of the newsletter on computers. They can also contribute articles on our work in the local media in addition to participating in exhibitions, talks and local conservation events.
Volunteers can also help in posting updates and in the maintenance of our website.
Through this program, the Youth for Conservation trained guides take visitors both local and international to eco-friendly sites and places in protected such as Nairobi National Park and non-protected areas. Volunteers after some training can take part in this program.
During the months of April, August and December Youth for Conservation involves volunteers to run a vocational program for the local children from around Nairobi. This will include theatre, arts, music, sports, etc. around the theme "environmental education".
Volunteers may be called upon to assist in routine office work such as correspondence to the organization’s members, donors and supporters.
^^Back to top^^
The YfC office is located in Dam Estate – suite No. 61, off Langata Road, next to Langata shopping center, opposite Wilson Airport. It is situated 7 Kilometers from the Nairobi City Center. Most of the volunteers’ work will be done here.
The volunteers will be accommodated at the Youth for Conservation Hostel located in Dam Estate – suite No. 61, off langata Road, next to Langata shopping center, opposite Wilson Airport. The volunteers will be share rooms and bathrooms with up to 3 other volunteers or visitors and will be expected to feed themselves. So independent and sociable, people are essential! Efforts will however be made to secure rooms for two, but this cannot be guaranteed as it depends on the availability.
Facilities available include: electricity (though not reliable especially during the rainy season), showers (both cold and warm), telephone that can use calling cards, and a cyber café offering internet and telephone services is available 200m away. The hostel is in a secure area and has a nighttime security guard who patrols the hostel grounds.
Volunteers would be expected to pay for their own food. The hostel has a kitchen and self catering facilities. The meals are of good quality and not expensive. Vegetarian foods can be arranged.
Volunteer hours
8am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Working times may be flexible depending on the project. Field days may begin at 6am. Volunteers are expected to work full days like all other employees of the organization.
^^Back to top^^
Polio, Typhoid, Tetanus, Yellow Fever, Meningitis and Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are recommended. Please note that proof of yellow fever vaccination may be needed to enter the country. In many countries, you may have already had some of the required vaccinations as a child.First Aid Kit
The Organization has a First Aid kit. Volunteers are expected to bring items of a personal nature bearing in mind the hot and dry field conditions they may sometimes be exposed to. Antibiotic powders, anti-fungal cream, antihistamine tablets and cream may be considered. It is advisable to bring sufficient medication taken regularly.
You should come with or buy in Nairobi the impregnated mosquito nets, insect repellant and anti-malarial drugs (see your doctor for advice).
Nairobi has several has high standard hospitals. Recommended is a small but well-run hospital that is located about 7 Kilometers from the Youth for Conservation hostel where volunteers will be staying. The Nairobi Hospital is 6 Km away.
Insurance
All volunteers must have medical and travel insurance. Youth for Conservation will require to see your insurance documents upon arrival.
^^Back to top^^
Before traveling to Kenya, find out if a visa is required. If so, it is advisable to get a tourist visa for 3 months. Although you will be volunteering at Youth for Conservation you will legally be on holiday. You must apply for and get your Visa before you arrive in Nairobi. Ask your travel agent for details.
Youth for Conservation asks its volunteers to stay between 2 and 3 months in order to gain sufficient experience. Exceptions to this can however be made.
All volunteers would be expected to sign a disclaimer covering Youth for Conservation and the Kenya Wildlife Service before beginning any projects.
22 year to 35 years - though exceptions can be made. You also need to be in good health.
It can get very hot and at times very wet. Volunteers are advised to come with appropriate clothing (Rain proof coats and bags if present during rainy season end of March to May and end of October to mid December).
One should take field trousers, strong boots and walking sandals.
Others are cotton shirts and trousers for the field, hiking boots, water bottle, day pack, insect repellent and antimalarial tablets, torch (flashlight), sun hat, sun glasses, sun cream, mosquito net – square for a single bed, camera (not essential) and binoculars (not essential). These can be bought in Nairobi after arrival. One might like to bring a laptop computer.
Yes. Any time that you are not expected to be working you are free to do as you please. The locals are friendly and would be more than happy to entertain you or show you some of the local attractions - particularly animals. You may want to spend some time in Kenya before or after volunteering to go on safari and see more of the country.
Kenya is one of the safest countries in Africa. It has a democratic electoral process and a stable economy. We work hard to place volunteers in safe environments while volunteering. The people are warm and friendly towards internationals, so you will be well looked after.
^^Back to top^^
Volunteers will be accommodated at the Youth for Conservation Premises. Volunteers pay a non-refundable fee of 400 Euros per month which will include accommodation, cleaning, laundry and use of facilities (see above). This payment contributes directly to the running costs of the Organisation.
Expect to budget for: (per month):
- 50 Euros towards food per month (1000 Kenyan shillings per week for the kitty)
- 50 Euros per month extra food (snacks, cereal, soda etc.)
- 25 Euros email per month (Email at local internet cafe)
- Extra cash may be needed for toiletries, international calls, eating out sightseeing and socializing.
Volunteers will be expected to pay a non-refundable one month's fee prior to arrival to confirm their placement. Upon arrival, the remainder of the fees will be required.
^^Back to top^^
All applicants will be notified by email as to whether their application has been successful or not.
Complete the Application Form. Upon receipt of the form, we will assess your suitability for the program.
Youth for Conservation has very limited number of places available throughout the year, and all prospective candidates are assessed on their qualifications and practical experience before acceptance. This information does not guarantee you a place in our volunteer program. Often, we simply have no room during the period you wish to offer help. It is therefore extremely important that you read all of this information carefully, complete our application form including the dates you could be available, and include your resume and references.
^^Back to top^^
For more information about volunteering at Youth for Conservation, email
|
