Volunteer for MAXFACTA YOUTH GROUP

Description

Project Description: HIV/AIDS has continued to be a major pandemic in Kenya. It is responsible for thousands of deaths since the 1980s. Currently it is estimated that 300 Kenyans die daily as a result of HIV/AIDS and related infections. The youth are especially vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They are also susceptible to drug abuse, not just intravenous drugs/injectable, which increases the risk of HIV infection. More young people are facing the pandemic, a situation that calls for more care, support and information to the youth. It is against this backdrop, that a group of young people living with HIV/AIDS founded Maximizing facts on HIV/AIDS (Maxfacta) Youth Group, a community-based organization, in the year 2002 and registered it in 2003 to provide quality care, prevention and as a forum for mutual empowerment and support to enable them live positively. Activities carried out by the group are:

Group therapies: Providing psychosocial care for people living with AIDS, Abused women, drug addicts, ex-juvenile delinquents.

Rescue center: The people in the rescue centre are given shelter, food and the children get the opportunity to go to school. There are 20 children in the centre, in the age from 9 to 17 years. The children are trained on live skills, for example beadwork, making detergent and embroidery. They are also taught facts about HIV/AIDS and how to live positively with an infection.

Target Group: The target group consists of the youth infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, drug and substance abuse.

Location: The project is located in Nairobi East District, Kayole.

Nature of Work: Advocacy and mobilization, organizing for out door awareness campaigns, teaching at the rescue centre.

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 people’s 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

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, toys, games, pens, old books and any other thing you may deem necessary are kindly welcomed.

Special Remarks: Volunteers should be interested and used to work with children and youths. Skills to manage club activities (ex. music, dance, sports, theatre) are an asset.