Volunteering Requirements
Registration Fee:
Registration fee of $220 USD is used to cover Green Africa’s program promotion costs, administrative costs, and travel costs to inspect and develop new & existing programs and pre-trip communication and support costs for volunteers
Program Costs
Program costs cover transportation from and to the airport in the host country, initial transportation to your volunteer placement and transfers back to the city if required at the completion of your placement, host family accommodations including 2 meals a day (breakfast and dinner), orientation, and in-country 24/7 support and supervision.
Green Africa also guarantees that part of every volunteer’s program fee will go toward supporting various ongoing Projects established by Green Africa
| Program Period | Program Cost (US $) |
| 1 week | $265.00 |
| 2 weeks | $370.00 |
| 3 weeks | $450.00 |
| 4 weeks | $555.00 |
WHY PAY TO VOLUNTEER?
As a volunteer you are giving up your time and your skills to help those in need, therefore many people fail to see why they should also have to pay to volunteer. The program fees you pay go directly to an organization in the country you will be volunteering in and are used to pay for expenses associated with your stays such as food, accommodation, airport pickups, orientation, and staff salaries to ensure your volunteering stay in the host country goes as smoothly as possible. All our partner organizations are funded almost entirely by volunteer fees and therefore in order for the program to continue it is imperative we charge volunteers for their board, meals, and airport pickups. While in the perfect world, these costs would be funded by a large NGO such as UNICEF, every organization has priorities and cannot be everywhere at once
Volunteer Application Form
Personal Information
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Address Information:
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Program Information
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FAQ
Can I get my own room or do I need to share?
We will do our best to accommodate your preference; however, this will depend on the number of volunteers at a given time. Please indicate your preference during registration and we will do what we can to accommodate you.
Will I be useful?
In your day-to-day work, you’ll be helping impoverished people. Ultimately, though how useful you are depending on you! Many volunteers choose to undertake additional “side projects” while working. If you see something missing or not working correctly while volunteering, make it your mission to fix it while you’re there. It doesn’t need to be huge! Maybe it’s a leaky tap, a broken gate, or a chicken coop that needs to be built. Whatever it is, it will be your legacy after you’ve left!
What about my Visa?
While Green Africa pre-departure packages include information on visa requirements each traveler is responsible for checking and confirming the visa requirements for their specific type of travel. The best way to do this is to regularly look at the following sites:
Other countries have their own sites.
As well as the most recent information on visas, passport requirements, and work permits if required, there is a lot of information available on these sites including addresses for embassies and consulates, health and vaccinations, driver’s licenses, laws, and Smart Traveller enrolment programs.
There are some basic general principles:
- You will need a current passport and we recommend that you travel with a passport that has at least 6 months validity.
- You should make sure you have at least 2 free pages for visas.
- Always check that for any country that you are making connecting flights through (refer to the above websites or your airline) to see if you need a transit visa.
- Always travel with your passport and documentation available to you plus have a copy in your bags and to be really sensible have copies available to you in your email account.
It is the responsibility of the traveler, not Green Africa, to make sure that the relevant visas and/or permits are in place.
Can I come with a friend, or as a group?
Yes, we welcome individuals, couples, family, small and large groups, students and experts, as well as senior and young professionals to make a great contribution and bring changes by getting involved in our volunteer programs.
What can I do when I am not volunteering?
There will be plenty of time to relax in the evenings and on weekends. In general, volunteers tend to visit the local countryside, play sports and visit local attractions. Most weekends volunteers arrange a get together to celebrate the end of the working week.
If volunteer desire, our local team can often organize weekend excursions to visit various historical sites around the place. These may incur additional costs but can be arranged locally.
Are there more expenses once I arrive?
You’ll need money for traveling and shopping on days off. Other costs include your flights, visa, shots, travel insurance, departure tax. Once you’ve arrived you may need to pay for local buses to and from your project, which can cost about USD 1-2 per day depending on your destination and program type. You may also need to pay for bottled water, but this is usually very cheap.
What about Malaria?
For travel to India and most African counties make sure your doctor knows exactly where you are traveling so they can prescribe the right anti-malarial medication. Malaria prevention medication should be taken according to your doctor’s instructions before, during, and after a visit to affected areas. Malaria is a serious tropical disease, which is spread by night-biting mosquitoes that transmit a parasite. Avoiding getting bitten is important and usually, the most effective means to prevent the disease.
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers should be worn in the evenings and insect repellent can be used in areas with mosquitoes. If the area where you are volunteering has mosquitoes, use a mosquito net at night. The most effective nets are those infused with insect repellent.
With a little common sense and some precautions, the chance of getting Malaria is very small. If you suspect you have malaria, see a doctor as soon as possible. Symptoms include chills, fevers, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
If I have friends or family to visit can I get time off?
We make every effort to be flexible. Advance notice helps a lot in ensuring time off. Some programs may have guidelines for extra time off, which is usually mentioned on the program page.
Can feedback/comments by previous volunteers be seen?
Increasingly, as our volunteers complete feedback requests from us, their personal experiences are coming online for prospective volunteers to read. You can view these by clicking the tab at the top of each destination page or viewing the quotes in the right-hand column.
Will obtaining cash.e.g from an ATM, be difficult?
As with internet access, the proximity of a good-sized town or city means that generally speaking, banks are accessible if visits are timed to coincide with opening hours. ATMs exist in all the major towns associated with our placements. We’ll ensure that you know of any local quirks regarding these types of services well before you leave, but if you have any specific questions, just ask.
Is access to the Internet going to be available on a regular basis?
In a vast number of cases, the locations where our volunteers are placed are close to a sizeable city where internet cafes abound. The opportunity will arise at least once weekly to visit one of these. The volunteering centers themselves are in some cases equipped to enable a limited amount of access.
Will mobile phones work, and will there be a single?
Mobile phones are now widely used almost everywhere. To give one example: That volunteering in Peru will discover at Lima Airport located at Callo that a mobile phone can be easily rented for the length of their stay for around the US $30 per month. Mobile phones can be bought, or a SIM card purchased for use in an unlocked phone brought from home. The reliability of phone signals will vary, of course, but the team at the placement will be only too willing to give advice regarding which networks function best and where on-site to get the best signal. Equally, advice on phone cards to use in payphones is provided for volunteers. Lastly, depending on local conditions, the family with whom the volunteer is staying may well have a landline to which incoming calls will normally be welcome.
What are meals and accommodation like?
Volunteers are hosted by local families whom we have trained to work with volunteers, this setting was established to help volunteers understand the local community and their culture..you will likely have Ugali, vegetables, chapattis, rice, potato, meat, and other variety of Kenyan food depending on where your placement is located.
Will I be working with other volunteers?
Generally, yes, but this depends on the location and time of year.
Which countries do volunteers come from?
We have volunteers from all over the world, but most of them come from North America, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, France, Korea Japan, and Dubai.
I`m under 18 can I volunteer?
Generally, we have to say no to our younger volunteers. However, if you are with a group of over 18s and have someone who’ll keep an eye on you, we can often work something out. Your best bet is to get in touch with us with your details.
What skills or qualifications do I need?
Ultimately, you just have to be a nice human! A decent grasp of English is generally required, although the local language can be enough. Most medical and health placements require medical training. Some local organizations require a high school diploma and this is mentioned on each program page.
How do I volunteer with Green Africa?
please send your information to info@greenafrica.ngo. We’ll be back in touch shortly letting you know if your application has been successful and giving instructions on paying the registration fee, which allows us to get the ball rolling.
Why Should I pay to volunteer?
Good question. A lot of people are surprised when they realize they have to pay to volunteer. However, the cost of volunteering includes accommodation, food, transport, and local guides and support staff. When you consider the costs you might incur at a hotel or eating out at restaurants, the costs are minimal. Plus, you know that every penny of your program fee is going to the local organizations and people. Our local partners are funded by volunteer fees and for the concept to work, fees are essential. Ultimately, it is a decision of where your money goes… to a hotel, or to a local family. We know which one we’d choose.
Why volunteer aboard?
Being a volunteer requires you to give up your time and money to help those less fortunate than yourself. Despite these sacrifices, most volunteers leave their experience having gained considerably more. It sounds like a cliche, but we constantly hear phrases like “life-changing experience” – and that it is. In our opinion (and those of most of our volunteers), to get involved at a grassroots level is infinitely more helpful and rewarding than a simple donation.
Why volunteer with Green Africa?
Green Africa was set up to offer volunteers an affordable, safe, and exciting way to volunteer. We offer not-for-profit program fees and work directly with the local community. By doing this we can offer the lowest possible fees, but also ensure that you are immersed in the local culture and are actually making a difference!
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VISA-
Visas for Kenya can be obtained on arrival at the airport, for a fee of $50US. Visas can be paid in Euros and Pounds however we recommend using US Dollars. The visa is valid for 90 days, however if volunteers wish to stay longer visas can be extended. When applying for your visa it is best to say that you are on a holiday rather than volunteering, as immigration may charge you an extra fee for a working visa, which is not necessary for volunteer work.
MONEY-
The currency used is the Kenyan Shilling (KSH). There are Visa and MasterCard compatible ATMS available where volunteers can withdraw cash, as well as banks to have currency exchanged. Volunteers are reminded to advise their banks that they will be traveling abroad. Volunteers can expect to spend around $30US a week for necessities such as bottled water and leisurely transport.
TRAVEL INSURANCE-
Green Africa highly recommends that all volunteers apply for travel insurance before arrival in Kenya. Volunteers are responsible for finding the appropriate cover.
TRANSPORT-
There are many ways to get around Kenya. Buses and matatus (mini vans) are the most common means of transport and are extremely cheap. Marafiki can also organize reliable taxis for volunteers. Vans owned by Green Africa are also available
CLOTHING
It is important to be dressed appropriately while in Kenya. Women should avoid shorts above the knees as well as revealing tops. Men usually wear shorts and T-shirts, which are acceptable. If you are planning on attending church whilst in Kenya it is important to bring a nice outfit. Kenya is generally a warm country however the nights and early mornings are quite cool so we do recommend bringing warm clothing also.
CULTURE
-Public displays of affection are considered unacceptable
-If taking photos of Kenyans it is important to respect their privacy and ask if
it is ok. It is illegal to take photographs of military, police, official buildings
and embassies
-Smoking in public places is illegal, other than in designated smoking areas
COMMUNICATION
Cell phones and SIM cards can be purchased in Kenya from as low as $15. It is a lot cheaper to use a Kenyan SIM card than to use your cell from home. Unlocked cell phones can be brought from home and be used with a Kenyan SIM. Text messages and calls can be made locally and internationally at cheap rates. They are also a great way to keep in touch with other volunteers. Depending on where you are staying in Kenya internet cafes are usually available. Volunteers can bring their own laptops and purchase internet if they wish.
SAFETY
Safety is very important when traveling to a new country. Here are a few tips on how to keep safe:
-Keep jewelry to a minimum, especially gold and silver
-Try to use a handbag that has a zip and can be held in front of you
-Be aware of your surroundings and try to know where you are going when heading off for a journey. Looking lost can make you more of a target for theft or pickpocketing
-When traveling on a matatu keep your belongings to a minimum and keep your eye on your bag at ALL times
-Keep in groups, especially during the night. We advise you don’t take public transport at night but instead call for a taxi.
SECURITY
Several countries offer useful travel advisories. They highlight current security issues, entry and medical requirements, and other important information. These advisories are generally up to date and current.
Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/
Canada: www.voyage.gc.ca
United Kingdom: http://www.fco.gov.uk
United States: www.travel.state.gov
FEW VOLUNTEERING PREPARATION POINTS…
Absolute Necessities.
– Necessary vaccinations especially notorious typhoid.
– Malaria pills (can be purchased locally) but you need to research side effects.
– Sunscreen, bring a higher percentage since they may not be readily available here.
– Inform your bank you are coming to Africa so that they do not block your card once you make a withdrawal… and yes you can bring your ATM, it will work here.
– It is not absolutely necessary to change your money into UDS to bring here, you can bring your own currency and exchange it here that way you lose no money in exchange rates and fees.
Other Necessities.
– Mosquito net (can be bought here).
– Sleeping bag (may come in handy).
– Bugs spray (when on safari or in the bush you will need some)
– Cell phones are easy to get here, they cheap too, around $20.
Free Time Necessities.
– Laptop, it is safe to bring one if you find it necessary, most people do.
– Ipods and other music gadgets may come in handy when you need that alone time and when you are ushering locals to the western taste.
– Camera, a click will keep a vivid memory for all of us.
– Journal, most volunteers note a day to day activities.
– Candy or your favorite kind of sweet that you can only find back at home, the ones here do not taste the same so bring your favorites.
Dress code.
Placements may require especially the ladies to dress ‘well covered’ … nothing too above the knees. Bring dirt friendly clothes. You can bring shorts for when it’s too hot and when at home with other volunteers. A few decent clothes for gatherings like church and dinner can come in handy, and please pack some dancing shoes, we move to the beat here J
Donations.
No one will twist your arm to bring donations but do feel free to bring some if you wish. Donations go a long way for your placement or for people in need here.
– You can bring clothes, toys, school supplies, and other donations that you may see fit to bring. Family and friends will for sure be happy to help you with that.
– You can also get money donations by doing fundraisers or sales. Feel free to use our organization’s name and if so, kindly let us know so that we can approve it in case someone contacts us about it.
WE ARE ON 24HRS SERVICE!!! So hakuna matata…..
