Clothing

With regards to clothing, keep in mind that the local area is very dusty and is often hot and dry, even in rainy season. Volunteers should anticipate that clothes and footwear will become dirty quickly so we suggest durable outdoors clothes that will last your stay. Of course there are facilities to wash clothes and shoes as regularly as you wish.
Some suggested hints for clothes are:
- As the orphanage is in a conservative area, all volunteers should bring at least one pair of long pants or skirt as well as a shirt that covers your shoulders otherwise acceptable clothing includes singlet and knee-length skirts/shorts. Volunteers should understand that very short skirts and skimpy clothing will attract attention and we particularly advise that women volunteers limit the wear of bikini tops, halter necks, midriff tops and short skirts. However we also advice that male volunteers wear a shirt/singlet (i.e. not topless) and wear knee length shorts.
- At least two pair of shoes, including one pair of comfortable covered shoes or trainers and one pair of sandals or flip-flops.
- Sunhat to prevent sunburn (particularly for volunteers unused to strong sunlight).
- During rainy season, the nights and mornings can get cool. We suggest that volunteers bring light jumpers or pullovers to layer clothing (rather than thick jumpers etc).

Accommodation

While working at the orphanage or surrounding community, volunteers sleep in shared rooms with other volunteers and kids.
Although we provide sheets, blankets and mosquito nets, volunteers are encouraged to bring their own sheets or sleeping bags

Food and Water

All meals are provided by the orphanage as part of the program fee. The main staples of the diet are rice, beans, ugali (corn meal), potatoes, cabbage and bread (chapati). Fresh fruit and vegetables are readily available and are inexpensive to purchase.
The orphanage is vegetarian as a result of the cost of meat. Volunteers are encouraged to cook and to introduce different meals, for instance past volunteers have introduced pasta and French toast. There are always restaurants available in Thika for meat–based or western-style meals (such as French fries/hot chips).
The water used by the orphanage is from a well and is very clean and safe to consume. Bottled water is also available in a nearby shop.

Cost and Payment

Volunteers are required to commit a fee that caters for expenses of their meals, housing and support for our projects. This is payable in cash upon arrival in Kenya (payable on first arrival) or online by credit card. Kindly inquire directly about the volunteer program costs. Please be aware that some participants come through Volunteer Organizations and pay different price. These Organizations support African Orphanage year round with donations and program fees may vary.

VISA

We recommend volunteers to get tourist visas to come to the orphanage. This normally is a 3 months renewable VISA, and can easily be purchased upon arrival (with cash) at the airport for US$50.00 or in advance from Kenyan consulates in most countries

Airport Transfers and Orientation

Upon arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (airport code: NBO) in Nairobi, you will proceed through immigration and customs officials. One of our representatives will be waiting for you outside the arrivals hall. Look for a sign with your name on it. Our representative will accompany you to the orphanage the same day if you arrive before 5:00 PM. If you arrive after 5:00 PM, we organize for volunteers to stay in a hotel in Nairobi, and proceed to the orphanage the next day. We are able to assist with arranging accommodation.
If you are arriving via other transportation (such as train) please contact us so we can make the necessary arrangements to meet with you.
Upon arrival at the orphanage, we offer orientation which include meeting kids at the orphanage, a tour of the local area, discussion of the volunteer role, recent changes and current plans/developments at the orphanage, etc.
On departure, volunteer will be accompanied by African Orphanage representative to the airport.

Health, Insurance and Vaccination

It is recommended you have travellers’ health insurance when you leave your country. We suggest purchasing on-line www.TripTithe.com
On the orphanage compound, we have a well where we get our drinking and bathing water which is clean and free of diseases, so it is safe for all to drink. Most of our food is vegetarian, cooked from crops we grow on our own land. No volunteer has gotten ill from eating or drinking any of the compound’s supplies. However, in case of illness or any emergency, we have contact of a local doctor who has a clinic at mithini.
Medicines are readily available at pharmacies in Thika however it is advisable that volunteers bring their own first aid kit, and any prescribed medication. Basic medication such as paracetamol and for upset stomachs is available, as are basics such as bandaids, cotton buds and wipes.

Yellow Fever is absolutely required to enter Kenya and you may be required to show prove at the airport. Also, the following are recommended vaccinations;

• Diphtheria
• Polio
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis

Volunteers will also require anti-malaria pills.

What We Expect of Volunteers

Your Role as a Volunteer

As a volunteer, we encourage you to actively participate in the daily activities of the orphanage such as caring for children, cleaning, teaching, cooking, washing clothes/bedding, fieldwork, construction, watering the vegetable garden, collecting firewood, hauling water, feeding animals, preparing food, etc. We also encourage you to utilise the skills you have to assist in improving the lives of the children and workers.

Attitude

It is important for volunteers to understand that the culture in Kenya may be quite different to what they may be accustomed to. Volunteers should bring with them an easy-going, open-minded and relaxed attitude. Kenyan people are very friendly and social people. While we will endeavour to maintain a daily routine, volunteers should understand that things move slowly in Africa (and indeed even at the orphanage). Relax and enjoy the slow pace. Remember that life here is not as organized and predictable as life in developed world. Although work can be very busy and active, at other times work is determined by number of factors including weather, availability of resources, whether a relevant contact has turned up, cultural activities etc.