Volunteer

There are several ways to volunteer to help African Leaf.

In Australia

You may like to help with some of the fundraising events or you may like to help with the administration of the organisation, please contact admin@africanleaf.org.au

In Kenya

African Leaf volunteers are needed to help build the Children’s Village. People with building skills and knowledge of environmental building practices are needed to assist with the construction of the Village as well as teaching Kenya people basic trade skills. If you are interested in helping to build the Village please fill in the Volunteers/Visitors application form.

Once the Village is built there will be a need for people to assist looking after the children who live in the Village, helping to teach them English, holding workshops for local people in business skills, environmental practices and health issues, as well as artistic and creative workshops.
To register interest in working in the Village when it is completed please email: admin@africanleaf.org.au and you will be contacted when the Village is ready for this kind of activity.

download letters from other volunteers:
volunteer letter1
volunteer letter 2

Volunteer Information:

Visiting Kenya and volunteering to work with African LEAF, allows volunteers to see how the organization works and see the children, and their world, first hand.

It is essential that potential visitors and volunteers give as much notice as possible of their intention to travel to Nairobi, as arrangements can take a long time to make in Kenya. Please complete an Application to Volunteer / Visit form as soon as you have a rough idea of when you are hoping to travel.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

There are three main ways of arriving in Nairobi. The most popular and quickest way for Australians who wish to fly direct is with Emirates, via Dubai. The flight will take approximately 22 hours, the advantage being there are no overnight stopovers. For a more leisurely journey, Air Mauritius offer a flight which requires a two day stopover in Mauritius. Similarly, if approaching Nairobi from South Africa, Qantas/South African Airways/ Kenyan Airlines offer a service, although a one-night stopover in South Africa is required.

Please ensure when you are making airline bookings that you arrange to arrive in Nairobi in daylight, as it dangerous and difficult to drive at night.

To get the most out of your visits, we recommend you plan to stay for at least 10 days in Kenya. This allows time to settle in and savor the delights of this beautiful destination.

Many visitors include a trip to Lamu, the oldest town on the African coast, when visiting African LEAF It is a 45-minute flight ($140) then sail across to Lamu. Lamu is a Muslim town and visitors need to dress appropriately.

Similarly, The Rift Valley, The Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park as well as many other beautiful destinations are relatively easily reached by plane or 4WD from Nairobi.

LUGGAGE

Some airlines will allow excess luggage for those traveling to Kenya if passengers apply once they have bought their tickets. African Leaf can provide a letter of endorsement, if you are taking goods for the children. Often your travel agent will also write and forward a letter of request re baggage allowance to airlines.

WHAT TO PACK

Try not to bring too much clothing.
As Nairobi is at high altitude it can get cold at night. The hottest day ever recorded in Nairobi is 32C,so the climate is quiet beautiful. Include walking boots, wet weather jacket and a jumper. Apart from your usual personal effects, sunscreen and insect repellent are both essential.
Buy a British power adapter at your Australian airport before you leave.
You also need to get your mobile phone unlocked for global roaming before you travel.
It is also a good idea to take some handwash towelettes to remove dust.

ARRIVAL IN NAIROBI

You need to have US$50 to get a visitors visa at Nairobi airport (you need to have this note with you and ready to pay when you arrive.) Do not say you are working - only that you are a tourist on holiday. Alternatively, visas can be arranged prior to leaving Australia. Please contact the Kenyan High Commission in Canberra for details.

MONEY MATTERS

Like so many places, US dollars are the currency of choice. A good tip is to bring large denomination notes. (50's and 100's are good) Local currency exchanges tend to offer better rates on USD. Talk to African LEAF staff to find out the best places to change your USD into Kenyan Shillings. Do not exchange too much in one go, as Kenyan Shillings being converted back to USD on exit offer a very poor rate. Indeed in some countries, Kenyan Shillings are worthless and will not be exchanged willingly. Avoid traveler’s cheques, as the exchange rate is not the best. Credit Cards work well in Kenya, however it is a good idea to get a PIN attached to the card, as there are limited numbers of swiping machines.

DAY TRIPS

Day trips can be organized to Father Denny’s, the Health Clinic, the slum and home visits. (The Health Clinic is very busy and needs plenty of notice to be able to spend time with visitors.) It is recommended that visitors see how they cope with some of these visits before committing themselves too much, as some find conditions in the slum confronting and unpleasant.
Popular day trips which are very close to the Farm School are Kitengela Glass, The Elephant Orphanage and Nairobi National Park.

PROTOCOLS

It is important to learn how to say hello and thank you in Swahili (you can get these words and phrases from the internet). Most Kenyans know basic English.
When you are in a group you need to greet each person, touching each person on the hand and making eye contact.
Kenyan people, both men and women, are very affectionate and may hold hands for extended periods.
Women should not hug Kenyan men and should not stare into the eyes of a Kenyan man. Men should not stare at women.

FOOD

The power supply fluctuates and often the power can go off. This means that fridges also go off.
Local produce is very good and it is recommended to shop in the village rather than a supermarket.
All fresh food purchased must be thoroughly washed prior to eating. Hygiene at all times is of the utmost importance.
An African LEAF person will write out a list of prices to pay when shopping at the local market.