Assist on community education and development projects in Shimoni and Mkwiro

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Program Overview
Life on the Program
Program Details
Volunteer Testimonials

Program Overview

Live and work with an international volunteer team in the beautiful Shimoni Archipelago, on the East Coast of Kenya, an area famed for its coral reefs, marine wildlife and coastal forests.

Volunteers will be involved in local community development projects, including teaching English as a foreign language and sustainable tourism programs. Full training is provided by GVI's full time education staff allowing volunteers a hands-on and invaluable contribution to the development of these warm and welcoming communities.

During your time on the project you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, learn Swahili and in your free time you can go snorkeling, see dolphins, visit the stunning Diani Beach, Funzi Island or take a safari at Shimba Hills.

Life on the Program

You will spend most of your time teaching children English and assisting the community with sustainable development initiatives. Occasionally you may teach adults and local orphans.

We run multiple programs in this area and you will be living with volunteers who may be working on our dolphin or monkey research projects. This is a great way to learn more about what GVI does in the area and you may also have the opportunity to stop in to see other projects at work.

Accommodation is shared and there are communal areas where you can eat and relax and you will share cooking and cleaning duties.

Program Details

This program aims to improve education standards in the Shimoni Archipelago by teaching English to the local community. Project work involves English lessons with children and English reinforcement with local adults.

You may from time to time help out with physical education, creative arts and other subjects and on occasion you may do reading, talking and drawing with the children at the orphanage. Each day you will need to prepare your lessons for the following day.

The other aspect of our work focuses on sustainable development and building local capacity. Previous initiatives include producing alternative charcoal and assisting a women’s group with their traditional craft business.

Volunteer Testimonials

I wanted to visit Africa since I was a child but I did not want to go as a tourist - I wanted to see the "real" Africa. I enjoyed the visits to the orphanage, the weekend side trip, meeting other...

Susan Bechard, Canada

I wanted to visit Africa since I was a child but I did not want to go as a tourist - I wanted to see the "real" Africa. I enjoyed the visits to the orphanage, the weekend side trip, meeting other volunteers from all over the world, interactions with the local community members, learning Swahili, African cooking, buying local crafts, etc. GVI was well organized and helped to make a difference and I would love to do this again. It also provides a unique opportunity to see another country as it really is.

I had so much fun teaching and now after two and a half weeks feel like I am beginning to get settled in the classroom. On Friday three of us went to teach P.E. The students took to the new games...

Eleanor Singleton, United Kingdom

I had so much fun teaching and now after two and a half weeks feel like I am beginning to get settled in the classroom. On Friday three of us went to teach P.E. The students took to the new games like wild fire, the giggles started and seemed almost contagious. I ended the school week on a high note and looking forward to the weekend ahead. Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary here I come, for a different taste of Kenya, and bring on the cold drinks and real showers!