volunteer program – maisha children's home nairobi, kenya

Volunteer Program – Maisha Children’s Home

Nairobi, Kenya

Table of Contents • Project Overview • About Kenya • About Nairobi • Volunteer Partner Organization • Project Work • Typical Day of a Volunteer • About Ethical Volunteering • Working With Orphans & Vulnerable

Children • Code of Conduct • Program Duration • Dates • Free Time / Excursions • Volunteer Program Costs • What’s Included

• Tax Deductibility • Accommodations • Meals • Getting There / Visas • Orientation & Contact information • Departing • What to Bring • Immunizations and Vaccinations • Booking Process • Appendix A: Booking Terms &

Conditions • Appendix B: Liability Waiver

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Project overview

You will work directly with orphans and vulnerable children of all ages, as well as with their caregivers, doing house and farm work, helping with homework and English, reporting on status of projects, and more. About Kenya (sources: Wikipedia & Lonely Planet) For a country of its size, Kenya has it all: mountains and deserts, colorful tribal culture, beaches and coral reefs, and some of Africa’s best wildlife attractions. Stunning landscapes set the scene, from Kakamega’s rainforests to Indian Ocean beaches by way of Mount Kenya National Park; the rolling grasslands of the Masai Mara to searing deserts on the shores of the Jade Sea; with The Rift Valley, cleaving a massive gash through it all. Wildlife safaris have been the mainstay of Kenya’s tourism for decades, and several Kenyan parks, like Tsavo National Park, are among the best places in Africa to see lions, elephants, leopards and the famous wildebeest migration. Other activities for include trekking the glacial ridges of Mt Kenya, ballooning over the Masai Mara, snorkeling at the Marine National Park in Malindi on the Indian Ocean coast, and much more. The people, too, represent a wide cross-section of everything that is contemporary Africa, and everyday life brings together traditional tribes and urban families; ancient customs and modern sensibilities. Colonized by the British Empire in 1895, Kenya has been an independent state since December 1963 and boasts the largest economy by GDP in East and Central Africa. Current exports include tea, coffee, and more recently, fresh flowers to Europe. Location Eastern Africa

Area 580,000 sq km

Border Countries Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia

Climate Varies from tropical to arid

Population 43+ million

Ethnic Groups Bantus 67%, Nilotes 30%, Other African 1%, Non-African (Asian, European, Arab) 1%

Religions Christianity 83%, Islam 11.2%, Indigenous Beliefs 1.7%, Other 4.1%

Languages English and Swahili are official languages; nearly 70 other indigenous and ethnic languages

Capital Nairobi

Currency Kenyan Shilling (KES/KSh)

Time GMT +3

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

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About Nairobi The capital city has a population of approximately 3 million people. Unlike the ancient port of Mombasa, Nairobi is a completely modern creation that owes its existence to the East Africa railway. Originally established as a depot en route to Kampala in modern-day Uganda, Nairobi benefited from ample water supplies and a high elevation, which prevented malaria from taking hold. In 1907, Nairobi became the capital of British East Africa, and subsequently attracted waves of white settlers, including Karen Blixen of Out of Africa fame. After independence, Nairobi underwent massive urbanization, resulting in the infamous slums depicted in The Constant Gardener. Today the city is seeking to reinvent itself as the economic hub of not only Kenya, but also the East Africa Community (EAC). Most things you need are available in Nairobi from diverse foods, to toiletries, to souvenirs, and more. As in any large city, you should take precautions. Beware of pickpockets. It is best to carry large sums of money and your passport in a money belt hidden under your clothing. Use common sense and don’t wear expensive jewelry or watches; keep cameras and other valuable items out of sight and don’t leave them unattended. If taking public transportation, keep a close eye on your bags. Do not walk alone when it is dark outside.

Volunteer Partner Organization Maisha is a locally registered orphanage located just outside Nairobi in the semi-rural village of Ruai. Maisha supports 22 children – one of whom lives outside the home with his grandmother. Five staff workers care for the Maisha children and maintain the home. Maisha is also registered as a nonprofit association in the Swiss canton of Bern (“Verein Maisha”), and was founded in 2007 by Beatrice, a Kenyan woman who once lived in

the slums of Nairobi, and her Swiss husband, Florian. Wanting to find a way to help other less fortunate children, they started with community-based projects in the slums, and since 2009, they have been rescuing orphaned children from the streets and slums and giving them a safe home, education, nutritious food and clean water, and most of all, a loving home.

Nairobi National Park: Photo by Mkimemia via Wikipedia

Photo courtesy of Maisha

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The Maisha children are orphans and many are brothers and sisters. Most of the children’s parents have passed away from AIDS while others were victims of the 2007 post-election violence. Several of the children were living alone on the streets before coming to Maisha. The Maisha home was originally built as a private, single house for Beatrice’s mother, Susan Wangari, also known as Mama Maisha. The house has since been converted to a children’s home. Today, there are nearly 30 people living in this space, sharing 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, at a crucial time when some of the older children are becoming young adults and still sharing beds with the little ones. Desperate for more space, some of the oldest kids have moved into the outside metal shed, while a makeshift metal room for homework and dining has been created as an extension to the main house.

Generous support has allowed Maisha to purchase the land on which the existing house is sitting. A vegetable garden and small farm have been established, which teach the children about gardening, nutrition, and caring for animals. However, Maisha seeks support for a new home with more stable infrastructure, better living conditions, and enough space to comfortably and safely separate the little ones from the young adults while providing adequate space for caregivers.

As of April 2015, the housing project is still ongoing. We expect the house to be completed this year. In addition to raising money for the new Maisha home, Global Gratitude Alliance is involved in a number of projects to provide holistic support for the Maisha kids, including educational, psychosocial development, skills-building, computer literacy, and much more. Project Work As a volunteer, you will be working with the children of Maisha home as a caregiver, English and homework teacher, and mentor/friend. You will also help the staff of Maisha with daily house and garden work. You should be a patient yet highly self-motivated individual, good with children, and comfortable organizing activities on your own. Your work will be intense, yet highly rewarding, and may involve any of the following activities:

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• Organizing play activities, arts and crafts, or sports games • Helping with English lessons and after-school studies • Taking children on excursions to museums, animal parks, or the cinema (volunteers will need

to bear the costs of such excursions) • Teaching skills and/or sharing any hobbies you have, such as photography, playing guitar,

computer skills (e.g. how to create a PowerPoint presentation about yourself), or basic household budgeting

• Introducing eco-friendly crafts and projects • Assisting staff with chores, such as dishwashing, laundry, gardening, or feeding animals • Working on maintenance projects, such as painting interiors or exteriors • Documenting progress on Global Gratitude Alliance projects via interviews, narratives, and

photos. We will let you know in advance if this is required. • Discussing additional needs and projects with the local partner

Please note that the children have school breaks during Easter (3 weeks), August (3 weeks), and around the Christmas holidays (6-7 weeks). Apart from this, they are in school during the day. If you plan to volunteer while the kids are in school, you should try to stay during the weekends to ensure enough time is spent with the kids. Students don’t return from school until around 4pm, so if you’re volunteering during the school year, you will spend much of your day helping the staff with house, garden, and farm work, as well as cooking, and cleaning. While it may be tempting to only engage in only free play activities with the children – especially the little ones, volunteers are encouraged to organize focused activities where the kids can develop concentration skills, English or math skills, or learn something specific. Such activities are best organized with a smaller group of children (10 or less) at a time, then rotating a new group in so everyone gets a chance to participate. Typical Day of a Volunteer Although day-to-day activities vary, a typical day for a volunteer might be: • 05:30 – Wake up and have breakfast with

the children. Help them get ready for school. If you are not an early riser, you are free to wake up around 7, though your help in the morning is always appreciated.

• 06:00 – Children leave for school. • 07:00 – Help with housework, gardening,

or farm work. • 12:00 – Lunch and nap or relax. • 14:00 – Help with housework, gardening, or farm work. Prepare dinner with the aunties. • 16:00 – Children start returning from school. Help with homework and work on a craft activity. • 19:00 – Dinner with the Maisha family.

Photo courtesy of Maisha

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• 19:30 – Play games, help with homework, or work on a craft activity. • 21:00 – Children go to bed. Reflect on the day’s activities and go to bed early. About Ethical Volunteering Your number one goal during your volunteer program should be to learn – about the local country, culture and people, and the issues faced by local communities.

The history of colonization and deep exploitation of the developing world by wealthy Western nations has shaped complex attitudes about the role and approach of Westerners in local community development. Volunteers may be prone to adopting the view that they are there to ‘save the world’ and local host organizations should be grateful. This is a dangerous and harmful approach that can perpetuate feelings of inequality and does not empower locals with dignity and respect.

The communities we work with, Maisha included, have agency over their own lives and know best what they need to thrive. They must not be viewed as victims, but as empowered individuals who simply need our support. By standing with them as equal partners in shaping a better world, you will help dissolve the old paradigm of ‘aid to the poor’ and create a new one based on mutuality, deep trust, and respect for local wisdom as the driving force for change.

Travel with the open-minded attitude that you are ‘here to learn’ rather than just ‘here to help.’ You’ll be viewed as an equal partner in a shared experience. You’ll develop empathy and mutual respect and will get the most out of the volunteer experience.

Working with Orphans and Vulnerable Children Most of the Maisha children are single or double orphans. Having experienced deep loss at such young ages, and also surviving other unimaginable experiences, many suffer from trauma and other psychosocial challenges. Practice empathy and compassion. Understand that not all children will connect closely with volunteers, especially those who only stay for a short time. Further, those children who do refrain from close connection may simply be protecting themselves from later feeling loss upon your departure. Do not ask the children about their personal stories or their biological families. If they naturally want to share with you, this is okay – however please do let us know after you’ve returned home, so we can track which children might be opening up. Refrain from dramatic, emotional good-byes as you depart from your volunteer program. This may re-traumatize the children, opening up feelings of abandonment and loss. The Maisha family may ask if and when you are returning. Be honest. Even those with the best intentions of returning may find it difficult to find the time and resources later on. Making well-intended promises that may not be kept can be harmful for the children. It is okay to say something like, “I would like to return someday, but I don’t know if or when that will be possible” (or something similar).

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Code of Conduct Throughout your volunteer post, we ask that you contribute constructively to the project, behave responsibly, and adhere to the following:

• Behave in a civil and responsible manner. Be considerate to fellow participants, staff, beneficiaries, local community members, and the environment.

• Bring a positive attitude and keep expectations in check. Showers may not always be hot, toilets may not be clean, and timetables may be only rough guides. Be up for an adventure and keep an open mind. Going with the flow will make for a less stressful and a more enjoyable experience. As the Maisha aunties say, “Never rush when you are in Africa.”

• Help with cooking, cleaning, and tidying up. Don’t wait to be asked. Note that for many locals, asking or telling white Westerners what to do may still be considered disrespectful because of the long history of colonialism and subservience. This may mean asking several times how you can help. Or simply jumping in and starting to help.

• Respect the local staff. Problems can arise when volunteers may not realize that differences exist between the way of doing things in the host country and what they are accustomed to at home. Organizational structures, concepts of time, and management systems may be different in other cultures. Respect the expertise and experience of the local staff and accept that things may be done in different ways.

• Do not give money directly to the beneficiaries. This may be perceived as paternalistic and can do more harm than good. You can contribute directly to the project via Global Gratitude Alliance (www.gratitudealliance.org/donate). We are also open to ideas you may have for projects or other ways to help.

• Practice ethical photography. Be respectful and ask first before snapping photos of locals, especially children. Do not take images that sensationalize, dehumanize or stereotype vulnerable people as helpless victims. Subjects should be fully clothed. To protect the identity and privacy of our beneficiaries, do not use real names if posting images on social media. The local partner may require you to sign a photographic agreement allowing only group shots and for personal use only.

• Do not engage in public drunkenness. Cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs on the local partner organization’s premises will not be tolerated.

• Sexual misconduct, assault, or verbal abuse of any kind will not be tolerated.

• Any volunteer who misbehaves, is disruptive or threatens the safety of any other volunteers, staff or beneficiaries may be found guilty of misconduct and as such will be subject to disciplinary action. This includes behavior such as serious rowdiness or drunkenness, failure to turn up to activities without notice, or violating the local and/or national laws or regulations of the volunteer location. Every reasonable effort will be made to resolve any disciplinary matter before it becomes serious, however, we reserve the right to take appropriate action in the event of misconduct including issuing verbal and written warnings. In cases of very serious or repeated misconduct, we reserve the right to expel the perpetrator from the Volunteer Project without a refund.

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• If a diversion in the Volunteer Project is necessitated by the misconduct of a participant, that participant will be liable for costs incurred by Global Gratitude Alliance.

Program Duration The minimum duration of a volunteer post is 2 weeks (at least 10 days working at the partner location) – however, we strongly recommend trying to stay as long as possible. Often, it takes at least a week or two to acclimate to the time zone, culture, and way of life. More importantly, the longer you stay, the better it is for the children’s psychosocial development. You will also cultivate a deeper sense of trust and kinship with the community. Tourist visas are typically for 90 days. If volunteers wish to stay longer, please note that visa extensions by the Kenyan authorities must be requested in Nairobi and approval is not guaranteed. Volunteers are expected to work a 5-day week. Weekend work is not mandatory, though volunteers are encouraged to continue to help out, especially those who stay for only 2 weeks as kids have the most free time during the weekends. This is the best time to organize activities or outings. Dates Based on proposal by volunteers, to be coordinated by Global Gratitude Alliance with the local partner depending on space available at the Maisha Home. Free Time / Excursions During your days off, you are free to travel and explore as you choose. Various activities are available in and around Nairobi, including visiting museums, national parks, and local tourist sites. For excursions further out, whether you want to go on safari at Tsavo National Park, snorkel in Mombasa or Zanzibar (Tanzania), or explore the indigenous Masai people and culture, you can plan excursions on your own or through Maisha’s recommended tour operators: Sansonera Travel (Great rates & personal service) Contact: Florence Chianda Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Destination Africa General Manager: David Nguro Email: [email protected] Phone: +254 (0) 20 235 7131 Mobile: +254 (0) 727 270 077

Please copy Beatrice Luechinger ([email protected]) when you email these contacts. Be sure to mention that you are referred by Maisha children’s home.

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Volunteer Program Costs As with all of our programs, volunteers become activists who advocate for the Maisha children and therefore raise funds to support ongoing projects that provide opportunities for them to thrive. The Fundraising Challenge for participation in this program depends on the number of weeks you spend at the project. Your participation in the program will not be confirmed until you have met the challenge. Total Program Costs comprise two elements: • Base Costs:

Includes accommodations, meals, water, airport transfer, etc. Calculated based on $20 per day. See What’s Included.

• Fundraising Challenge: A donation that supports our ongoing project(s) with the partner. You are welcome and encouraged to fundraise for more.

You have several options on how to pay and fundraise for your Total Program Costs. Fundraise for Challenge. Pay Base Costs out of pocket. • You can set up your own fundraising page using our Fundrazr widget:

http://fnd.us/c/bsA53/customize • Your donors' contributions are tax deductible and will go directly to our PayPal account. • You can pay your base costs directly to Maisha (contact: Susan Wangari) in USD or KES before

you leave your volunteer post in Kenya. Fundraise for Challenge AND Travel Costs. • You can set up your own fundraising page using any tool of your choice (e.g. Fundrazr,

GoFundMe, personal blog and PayPal, etc.) and collect donations to your own bank account. • Your donors' contributions are not tax deductible. • You can pay your base costs directly to Maisha (contact: Susan Wangari) in USD or KES before

you leave your volunteer post in Kenya. • You will make a one-time transfer from your bank account to ours for the Donation portion. We

will give you a tax receipt for this amount. Costs are person, per volunteer program participation in USD

Duration Base Cost* Fundraising Challenge**

Total Program Cost

2 weeks $280 $500 $780 3 weeks $420 $500 $920 4 weeks $560 $500 $1,060 5 weeks $700 $1,000 $1,700 6 weeks $840 $1,000 $1,840 7 weeks $980 $1,000 $1,980 8 weeks $1,120 $1,000 $2,120

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9 weeks $1,260 $1,000 $2,260 10 weeks $1,400 $1,000 $2,400 11 weeks $1,540 $1,000 $2,540 12 weeks $1,680 $1,000 $2,680

* Accommodation, food, and airport transfer. If you pay out-of-pocket, this may be eligible for tax deduction as volunteer expense – please check with your tax advisor. ** Donation to Global Gratitude Alliance project(s) with the local volunteer partner. Donation receipt provided for taxes.

What’s Included • Accommodation at Maisha throughout your program • All meals at Maisha home • A large container of bottled water (bring your own smaller water bottle for daily refills) • Airport transfers and petrol for trips into Nairobi • Daily support from the Maisha staff • Cost of additional electricity, hot water, toilet paper, staff support, and other real costs

incurred to house and care for volunteers • 15% of total program cost as a donation to Global Gratitude Alliance projects with Maisha What’s Not Included • All flights • Personal travel and medical insurance for the duration of your post (note: we require all

volunteers to get travel insurance) • All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing (work and other) • Telephone calls, SIM cards, etc. • Internet • Dining outside of Maisha home • Weekend activities • Visas • Any excursions over and above your planned itinerary

Tax Deductibility If you are a US taxpayer, your Base Costs, travel, and out-of-pocket expenses may be tax deductible (See IRS Publication 526). Please check with your tax advisor. We recommend you keep a personal journal detailing the hours you work for tax purposes. Please note that additional travel or vacation either before or after the service program may disqualify all or a portion of your service program fee, airfare, etc., from this tax deduction.

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Accommodations Accommodations are at the Maisha home and are very basic. It is not recommended to find another location in or near Nairobi as daily rush hour traffic will prevent volunteers from being able to spend enough quality time with the kids at the Maisha home, and the commute from Nairobi to Maisha will be very expensive. You will have a private room with a bed and mosquito net. You will share a bathroom with the Maisha staff and the other volunteers. The bathroom has a flushing toilet and toilet paper is provided. Sanitary items must not be flushed down the toilet. Internet access is possible via WIFI (assuming there are no electrical or network outages), however the Maisha family do not have unlimited data packages. Global Gratitude Alliance sponsors a fixed amount of data given the kids’ and staff’s limited Internet needs. Therefore, if you want to connect to the Maisha WIFI network, you will need to pay an additional 1000 Kenyan shillings (about $12) which will cover about 1.5 GB of data. Please refrain from uploading / downloading large video files as this will quickly deplete all the data available. You can also purchase a SIM card for your mobile phone, either for mobile Internet access, a local phone number, or both. This can be purchased at any Safaricom shop – just ask Mama Maisha when you arrive and she will take you to a shop. Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided at Maisha. Breakfast typically consists of plain bread, fruits, and milk tea. If you require something more substantial, you may want to pack granola bars in advance. Lunches and dinners can range from maize, rice, and pasta dishes with vegetables, occasionally with meat (chicken, goat or beef). If there is something special that you want, please tell Mama Maisha when you arrive and she will take you grocery shopping. While an effort is made to accommodate special dietary needs, volunteers should be flexible and those with strict diets should consider buying their own food from the local grocery store. A large container of bottled water will be provided for you and is included in the program cost. You should bring your own smaller water bottle to refill every day. Getting There / Visas • If you are travelling from abroad it is best to fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in

Nairobi. • You must have a passport that expires more than 6 months after your arrival date in Kenya. If it

expires at or before 6 months, you will need to renew your passport before you leave. A new passport can take up to 6 weeks to obtain so plan ahead.

• You will need to arrange for your own visa. A 3-month single entry tourist visa can be obtained at

JKIA for 50 USD, 40 EUR, or 30 GBP. You will need one of these currencies for payment

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(not Kenyan Shilling) so plan ahead. You can also apply for a single entry tourist visa in advance at your local Kenyan embassy. Note: the cost of visas is not included in the program cost. For a longer stay or a multi-entry visa, apply for a visa in advance of your arrival via your local Kenyan embassy. You can apply for a visa extension once you are in Kenya, but more hassle is involved. We recommend planning in advance. We will send you an invitation letter from Maisha that you can include in your visa paperwork.

• There are multiple cash machines and exchange bureaus at JKIA. Visa/Mastercard, Cirrus,

Maestro, and PLUS cards should all work without hassle. • Your escort (most likely, Mama Maisha plus a driver) should be waiting for you inside the main

waiting area, holding a sign with your name or the Maisha name. Airport transfer is included in your program cost.

Orientation & Contact Information Beatrice Luechinger, Maisha founder and Vice President, will contact you in advance of your departure for a briefing about the project, and to answer any questions you may have. Upon arrival, you will also undergo a brief orientation by Mama Maisha or one of the Maisha staff. Contact information during your stay: Susan Wangari Chimba aka Mama Maisha P.O. Box 672 00520 Ruai Kenya Mobile phone (Kenya): +254 725 177 554 or +254 722 359 249

Beatrice Luechinger Maisha Email: [email protected] Mobile phone (Switzerland): +41 79 577 1904

Amy Paulson Global Gratitude Alliance Email: [email protected] Mobile phone (USA): +1 415 361 9771

Departing Be sure to call and verify your reservation and flight time 48-72 hours in advance of your departure. Airport transfer back to JKIA is included in the cost of the program, and we will coordinate this based on the flight information you send to us in advance. Confirmation of your transfer and any changes to your schedule should be arranged with the Maisha staff when you are there. What to Bring (Note: these are suggestions and this list is not meant to be all inclusive)

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General • Passport and all visa documents • Immunization booklet (occasionally immigration will ask to confirm you have a yellow fever or

other vaccination) • Medical and travel insurance info, emergency contact numbers, etc. • Toiletries • Sunglasses & hat • Sun cream • Camera & accessories • Umbrella • Construction workers’ gloves (useful when chopping wood to avoid blisters) • Compact, quick-dry towel • Small flashlight • Journal and writing utensil • Kenyan Shillings (KES/Ksh): You can get Ksh in advance from your bank (you may have to

order it). Or, you can ask Mama Maisha about going to a local exchange kiosk in Nairobi. Your Base Costs for the program can be paid in Ksh at the daily rate, or in USD, so be sure to set aside enough cash for this.

• USD, EUR, or GBP: If you pay for your visa at the airport, you will need $50 USD, 40 EUR, or 30 GBP for a 3-month single entry visa. Authorities will NOT accept Ksh. USD must be in the newer style of bills only, due to counterfeiting concerns. Your Base Costs for the program can be paid in Ksh at the daily rate, or in USD. See also Getting There/Visas

• Credit Card & ATM card. • Travel guidebook, such as Lonely Planet • Power converter and adaptor: Electricity is 240V 50Hz

and plugs are similar to the standard British plug with 3 flat metal pins

Clothing • Outdoor cotton clothes for warm days and cool nights (please no short skirts, low cut

trousers, tube tops, or other revealing clothing) • Fleece or sweater (long sleeves are best for evenings when mosquitos are out!) • Comfortable trainers/tennis shoes • Sandals, flip flops, Crocs or other open toed shoes (optional). We recommend and older

pair of shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy and can be easily washed off. • Light waterproof jacket

First Aid Kit • Hand sanitizer • Mosquito repellent and insect bite cream, such as hydrocortisone cream • First Aid Kit (with Band-Aids/plasters, alcohol wipes, aspirin, etc.) • Anti-diarrheal tablets, such as Imodium • Personal medication • Anti-malarial tablets (See Immunizations and Vaccinations)

Supplies for the Children’s Home

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If you would like to donate general supplies, please ask us in advance. We’ll send a list based on latest needs. Books and games for kids and young adults in English are welcome. For craft activities, we encourage volunteers to contribute to the local economy by purchasing basic supplies in country. If you have something specific in mind, please discuss in advance with Beatrice during your pre-departure orientation.

Immunizations & Vaccinations This is a suggestion of what may be needed - please consult with your medical professional or travel specialist for more details.

• Hepatitis A & B • Polio • Typhus • Yellow Fever • Diphtheria and tetanus • Rabies • Meningococcal (meningitis) • Cholera

• Tuberculosis • Malaria tablets. The area where you

are staying is fairly rural and there are many mosquitos. Get tablets with the fewest side effects. Recommendation: Malarone. Please consult with your health professional

Booking process 1) Complete the Volunteer Application online at http://www.gratitudealliance.org/volunteer-

application. Or download the Word form from the website, complete it, and scan or email to [email protected]. Include all attachments requested (statement of intent, 2 unrelated references, current CV, police clearance record, liability waiver).

2) Your booking application will be reviewed and we will contact your references. This process may take several working days or weeks, depending on whether your references are available. To speed up the process, reference contacts may send reference letters directly by email to [email protected] Please note that due to the vulnerable nature of beneficiaries, we are very selective about who we send to work at our local partner organization.

3) We will notify you by email of the final status of your application. If approved, you can make a

voluntary donation of 15% of the Volunteer Program Cost. 4) You will sign the Liability Waiver and will be assisted to make the necessary arrangements for

your Volunteer Program.

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Appendix A Volunteer Program

Booking Terms & Conditions – Kenya Volunteer Program

The following Terms and Conditions apply for individuals or groups who book the Kenya Volunteer Program (hereinafter referred to as “Volunteer”) with the Global Gratitude Alliance (“the Alliance”) and its local volunteer project partner organizations.

Donation and Costs:

1. Bookings are only available for applicants who submit a volunteer application and are approved by the Alliance. Approvals will be sent by email to the address included in the application form.

2. Fundraising Challenge must be met in order to participate in the program.

The total amount payable for the Volunteer Program covers accommodation, meals, and airport transfer. See What’s Included. It does not cover airfare, visas, insurances, vaccinations, personal items and the costs of trips or excursions. See What’s Excluded.

Reservation Changes:

• Reservation changes may be made up to 30 days before arrival at the Volunteer Program, via email to [email protected] provided that there is still a vacancy for the new dates selected.

Refunds and Cancellations:

• After arrival to the program, no refund will be granted under any circumstances. This includes if a Volunteer’s expectations of an experience are not met or where a Volunteer is required to leave the program early for personal reasons or due to inappropriate behavior. The Volunteer will still responsible for paying the Base Costs directly to the local partner for the actual days on the project.

Participant Conduct

Throughout your volunteer post, we ask that you contribute constructively to the project, behave responsibly, and adhere to the following:

• Behave in a civil and responsible manner. Be considerate to fellow participants, staff, beneficiaries, local community members, and the environment.

• Bring a positive attitude and keep expectations in check. Showers may not always be hot, toilets may not be clean, and timetables may be only rough guides. Be up for an adventure and keep an open mind. Going with the flow will make for a less stressful and a more enjoyable experience. As the Maisha aunties say, “Never rush when you are in Africa.”

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• Help with cooking, cleaning, and tidying up. Don’t wait to be asked. Note that for many locals, asking or telling white Westerners what to do may still be considered disrespectful because of the long history of colonialism and subservience. This may mean asking several times how you can help. Or simply jumping in and starting to help.

• Respect the local staff. Problems can arise when volunteers may not realize that differences exist between the way of doing things in the host country and what they are accustomed to at home. Organizational structures, concepts of time, and management systems may be different in other cultures. Respect the expertise and experience of the local staff and accept that things may be done in different ways.

• Do not give money directly to the beneficiaries. This may be perceived as paternalistic and can do more harm than good. You can contribute directly to the project via Global Gratitude Alliance (www.gratitudealliance.org/donate). We are also open to ideas you may have for projects or other ways to help.

• Practice ethical photography. Be respectful and ask first before snapping photos of locals, especially children. Do not take images that sensationalize, dehumanize or stereotype vulnerable people as helpless victims. Subjects should be fully clothed. To protect the identity and privacy of our beneficiaries, do not use real names if posting images on social media. The local partner may require you to sign a photographic agreement allowing only group shots and for personal use only.

• Do not engage in public drunkenness. Cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs on the local partner organization’s premises will not be tolerated.

• Sexual misconduct, assault, or verbal abuse of any kind will not be tolerated.

• Any volunteer who misbehaves, is disruptive or threatens the safety of any other volunteers, staff or beneficiaries may be found guilty of misconduct and as such will be subject to disciplinary action. This includes behavior such as serious rowdiness or drunkenness, failure to turn up to activities without notice, or violating the local and/or national laws or regulations of the volunteer location. Every reasonable effort will be made to resolve any disciplinary matter before it becomes serious, however, we reserve the right to take appropriate action in the event of misconduct including issuing verbal and written warnings. In cases of very serious or repeated misconduct, we reserve the right to expel the perpetrator from the Volunteer Project without a refund.

• If a diversion in the Volunteer Project is necessitated by the misconduct of a participant, that participant will be liable for costs incurred by Global Gratitude Alliance.

Liability:

See Liability Waiver

Privacy and Security:

1. All information requested for a booking is required solely to process the Volunteer’s reservation. Information will not be sold or made available to third parties, other than local volunteer project partners.

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2. Global Gratitude Alliance and its local volunteer project partners may send project updates to Volunteers, donors, and people who have subscribed to its newsletter on the website. Volunteers may unsubscribe in which case no further information will be sent.

Project Documentation:

Volunteers may be asked to carry out project work on behalf of the Global Gratitude Alliance, including documenting progress on projects via interviews, narratives, and photographs. Volunteers understand that Global Gratitude Alliance and its local project partners reserve the right to use such documentation, including photographs, for internal purposes as well as for external publication.

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Appendix B Volunteer Program

Liability Waiver In exchange for my being allowed to participate in the Global Gratitude Alliance (“the Alliance”) Volunteer Program (“the Program”), I, and if I am not yet 18 years old, my parent or legal guardian agree to be bound by each of the following:

1. Voluntary Participation. I understand and confirm that my participation in the Program is voluntary.

2. Costs. I understand that I am responsible for the costs and arrangement of airfare, health

insurance, travel insurance, immunizations and vaccinations, visas, medical care, food and accommodations if dining or staying outside of the official volunteer accommodations, and any travels or excursions.

3. Identification of Risks. I understand that representatives of the Alliance may not be present

during my participation in the Program and that primarily the Program takes place in a foreign country. I understand that my participation in the Program may involve risk of injury and loss, both to person and to property. I also understand that the risk of injury may include the possibility of permanent disability and death. I understand this Waiver and Release of Liability is intended to address all the risks of any kind associated with my participation in any aspect of the Program, or with the time I am involved in the Program, including, particularly, such risks created by actions, inactions, or negligence on the part of the Foundation or its directors, officers, employees, agents, volunteers, successors, local volunteer partner organizations (“Partners”), or assigns, including but not limited to, risks created by the following: (a) the use and condition of various modes of transportation, premises, facilities, and equipment; (b) the lack or inadequacy of policies, rules, or regulations of the Program; (c) the failure of the Alliance or its local, in Partners to foresee or to protect me from actions, inactions, negligence, recklessness, or intentional or criminal misconduct of persons, other than those affiliated with the Foundation; (d) the inadequacy or unavailability of medical facilities or treatment; or (e) the lack or inadequacy of supervision.

4. Special Risks for working with HIV/AIDS infected individuals. If I am volunteering at an

orphanage where there are children or young adults with HIV/AIDS, I understand that despite safety precautions, there will still be some risk of infection during my volunteer work. I have completed HIV/AIDS awareness training and agree to diligently maintain accepted safety/sanitary procedures, and to immediately inform the staff of the local volunteer partner organization if I come into contact with bodily fluids so that preventive measures may be started immediately. I certify that I have no known medical conditions that present a greater risk of infection or that might be expected to prevent me from completing my agreed period of service, except as have been specifically disclosed and agreed to by the local volunteer partner organization.

5. Assumption of Risk. I assume all risks, known and unknown, foreseeable and unforeseeable, in

any way connected with my participation in the Program. I accept personal responsibility for any

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liability, injury, loss, or damage in any way connected with my participation in the Program. 6. Release and Waiver. I release the Alliance and its directors, officers, employees, agents,

volunteers, successors, Partner, and assigns from and waive all claims for any liability, injury, loss or damage, including attorneys’ fees, in any way connected with my participation in the Program, whether or not caused in whole or part by the negligence or other misconduct of the Foundation, its Partner, or any of the individuals mentioned above.

7. Indemnification. I agree to indemnify and to hold harmless the Alliance and its trustees, officers, employees, agents, volunteers, successors, Partner, and assigns from all claims for any liability, injury, loss, damage, or expense, including attorneys’ fees (including cost of defending any claim I might make, or that might be made on my behalf, that is released or waived by this instrument), in any way connected with or arising out of my participation in the Program, whether or not caused in whole or in part by the negligence or other misconduct of the Foundation or any of the individuals mentioned above.

8. Binding Effect. This instrument shall be binding upon my relatives, personal representatives,

heirs, beneficiaries, next of kin, or assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the Alliance and its respective successors, Partner, and assigns.

9. Severability. If any provision (or portion of any provision) of this instrument is held to be invalid or

unenforceable in part to the fullest extent permitted by law, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not otherwise affect any other provision of this instrument.

10. Applicable Law. Because the Alliance is headquartered in the State of California, and in order to

provide certainty in the law to be applied to the construction of this instrument, this instrument shall be governed, construed, and enforced in accordance with the law of the State of California.

THIS IS A WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY. I HAVE READ THIS WAIVER, RELEASE OF LIABILITY, AND INDEMNIFICATION. I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT. I AM SIGNING THIS WAIVER, RELEASE OF LIABILITY, and INDEMNIFICATION VOLUNTARILY.

_____________________________ _____________________________ _______________________ Printed Name Signature Date

If the person participating in the Program is not 18 years old: In exchange for my child or ward being allowed to participate in the Program, and as the parent or legal guardian of the above-named individual, I verify that I fully understand, agree to, and accept all provisions of this waiver, Release of Liability, and Indemnification.

_____________________________ _____________________________ _______________________ Printed Name Signature Date (Parent or Legal Guardian) (Parent or Legal Guardian)

volunteer program – maisha children's home nairobi, kenya

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