Volunteer in MARRIANNE CENTER

Description

Project Description:

People with a mental disability in Kenya (approximately 2.9 million) face extra challenges in their lifes. Many Kenyans still associate people with a mental disability with black magic and witchcraft and little has been done to combat this stigmatization. Most people with a mental disability have a mild to moderate mental retardation. However, they can learn and are capable of developing skills throughout their lives. They have a wide range of talents that can be discovered at any moment in their childhood. The major shortcomings of the current educational system for (young) adults with a mental disability is that they are too old to be enrolled in a primary school, but mentally not capable to attend a normal secondary school. Because of this, Marianne center was therefore established in the year 2010 to focus on people with a mild to moderate mental disability from the age of 16 till 50 years. Establishing a training center for this group has given them and their parents hope for a better future. Currently, the centre has 26 students. The classes are divided according to the students abilities varying from down syndrome to Autism. The (young) adults are trained in basic skills of life and vocational and income generating activities. At the end of the training their capabilities will be assessed and they will be attached to an employer were they get the possibility to perform basic tasks.

Target Group: The target group consists of (young) adults with a mild or moderate mental disability from 16 until 50 years of age.
Location: The project is located in Kiambu District, Wanguyu Location.

Nature of work: The work consists of teaching activities in various subjects (math, language, writing, drawing, gardening, sewing, beadwork and cleaning), follow up and home visitations, organizing extra-curricular activities and the provision of guiding and counseling services to the students.

Accommodation: The volunteer will be accommodated in the project site.

Food: Basic meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) will be provided in the project.

Cost: For your first month of participation, you will be required to pay a contribution of 20,400 Kenyan Shillings (approx. 213 EUR). The contribution for the first month includes fees for Airport transportation and the orientation week. For all months following the monthly contribution will be 15,000 Kenyan Shillings (approx. 165 EUR) per month. The participation fee is to be paid in full and in cash upon your arrival in Nairobi. Please note that CIVS does not accept any other currency than Kenyan Shillings.

Transfers: The volunteer will be picked up at the airport upon arrival as well as brought to the airport for departure.

What to bring: Of course you do not have to bring anything with you but for intercultural exchange. It is always interesting for the host family to see pictures of your home country and family or to taste a specialty of your home town. Also, old books and any other thing you may deem necessary are kindly welcomed.

Special remarks: You should be interested in teaching activities or hold a degree in education or equivalent; volunteers seeking for internship are also encouraged to apply. Volunteers should be flexible and open minded.

Requirements:
o Male and female persons above the age of 18 years from any part of Kenya and the world regardless of race, religion or Education. Those below 18 should obtain written consent from guardian

o Positive attitude towards independent progress of others

o Willingness to adapt to local conditions

o A desire to interact and understand other peoples culture and philosophy of life

o Open-mindedness and willingness to freely exchange ideas, information and experiences without imposing own values on others

o Commitment to translating the ideals of international voluntary service into deeds during and after project season

Requirements

Language

English

Group Minimum and Maximum

1 - 8