The Mombasa Program
OPEN NOW!
Kenya has reopened to international arrivals and programs in Mombasa have resumed. See the 'Additional Info.' section for procedures in place during the pandemic.
The mission of this program is to support the women of Mombasa who have suffered greatly in society. The Women's Empowerment program aims to assist vulnerable women achieve a better life for them and their families. Volunteers will work alongside our local team to support approximately 300 women around the community. This involves supporting women with HIV/AIDS and their families and working on economic development programs that will continue to help vulnerable women and their families into the future. It is important to recognize that on this program, volunteers will be working with extremely vulnerable women in the community and visiting areas of Mombasa such as the slums. Volunteers will be working closely with local staff and community leaders to improve the situations of many underprivileged women. This program truly empowers women and helps them to achieve a brighter future.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide essential care and support to vulnerable women
- Improve the future prospects of disadvantaged women through education and skills
- Give impoverished women and children quality care, compassion and a sense of hope
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both locals and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
Volunteers on this program play an essential role in empowering vulnerable women and helping them and their families to achieve a better life. Volunteers will assist with developing and implementing projects of a self-sustaining nature, activities such as gardening, farming, jewellery making and running a local posho mill. This creates long term economic development opportunities that benefit the women into the future. Volunteers will also assist women living with HIV, supporting them and their families. Volunteers will be involved in home visits, assisting with trips to hospitals and doctors, working in the fields and can also develop any self-sustaining ideas they have with the women. This program gives volunteers the opportunity to have true impact by developing projects and helping women in real need. Volunteers will gain much from this experience, and give help and hope to many.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways on this program and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Support women and their families in a number of ways
- Help women suffering from HIV
- Work on economic development projects
- Help in the fields and on growing food for families
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to help us provide support to some of Kenya's most marginalized and vulnerable women. While this challenging project does not require participants to have a background in the fields of social work, counselling and/or Women’s studies, as there are many ways you can assist, volunteers with suitable education, qualifications or experience are highly sought after. Regardless, a volunteer’s individual role can often be tailored to suit their particular skills and interests. All applicants must of course display a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
Project Location
With some of the best beaches in the world, Mombasa is Kenya’s main tourist destination. It is located on the Eastern coastline of Kenya bordering the Indian Ocean. There is a tropical climate all year and the city is filled with many things to do during the day and at night.
Inscribed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2011, Fort Jesus is one of the oldest European buildings on the eastern coast of Africa. The ultimate in indestructible fortresses, it stands 15 meters (50ft) high on the seaward side, where it overlooks the entrance to the Old Harbor, and its stone walls are up to 2.5 meters (8ft) thick.
The Old Town, located around Fort Jesus is a great place to visit. This historic district has mostly been converted into souvenir shops and restaurants. A maze of alleys, many too narrow to allow motor traffic, the Old Town sprawls out either side of the Ndia Kuu Road. A nice place to explore on a Sunday when much of the city is closed down. Mombasa is a truly epic place to visit and be a volunteer!
Diani Beach is a fantastic long white beach with loads of water sports and primates to see. A night at ‘40 Thieves’ beach bar is a great place to hang out for a few tuskers (beers). From Mombasa you can catch the ferry from Mombasa town center across to Diani and then Matatu to the beach - approx. 1 hour travel time.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon arrival into Mombasa volunteers will be collected by a representative of the local project team and transported to the volunteer house accommodation where they will join a full orientation session where a representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience in Kenya. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Moi International Airport, Mombasa, Kenya (CODE: MBA)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this program are accommodated in a volunteer house, located in a safe and convenient suburb of Mombasa within a short commute to all the main attractions of this fascinating city. Rooms are shared and split by gender. Sheets and basic mosquito nets are provided so volunteers need only bring personal toiletry items.
Wifi is available onsite (limited use) but we recommend volunteers purchase a sim card with a data bundle on arrival. There are no hot showers as these are not common in Mombasa due to the climate. As with most parts of Africa, laundry facilities are basic and most volunteers simply use the services of a local laundromat.
While the accommodation is basic this is part of the challenge and experience of volunteering in a developing country. With a little patience and a flexible attitude you will quickly get used to your new surroundings. The volunteer house is well managed by the local team and there is an onsite ‘house mama’ to look after volunteers. A great home away from home and a wonderful base for your stay in Kenya!
Breakfast and dinner is provided at the volunteer house during the working week and 3 meals are provided if you are at your accommodation during weekends. Lunch on weekdays can be taken at small cafes or restaurants where you can try cheap and tasty local food. You are also free to buy bread and other snacks. The meals provided are mostly vegetarian, local cuisine. Conveniently, there is also a fridge and basic cooking facilities if volunteers would occasionally like to prepare their own meals. Easy!
There is a variety of public transport available in Mombasa, Bus (Matatu), Tuk Tuk and Motorcycle. It is not recommended to take motorcycles on highway routes or long distances.
For those who prefer, in some cases we can arrange accommodation with a host family who are experienced in hosting international volunteers. The host family accommodations will involve shared bedrooms and bathrooms. Please keep in mind that in some of the more rural areas bathrooms will consist of squat toilets and bucket showers. Although most families have running water, hot water is still uncommon among local families in Kenya.
Fees
That’s just USD 37 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
COVID-19 requirements:
All international arriving flight passengers will need to adhere to the
All international arriving flight passengers will need to adhere to the following:
- The passenger does not have a body temperature above 37.5°C (99.5°F);
- The passenger does not have a persistent cough, difficulty breathing or other flu-like symptoms;
- The passenger has a negative PCR-based COVID-19 test conducted within 96 hours of arrival.
Please see the below website for more information:
https://ke.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/