Health care volunteering in Kenya

Health care volunteering in Kenya

How Health care volunteering in Kenya makes a difference

Environment

We are constantly developing new and innovative solutions to tackle the challenges posed by climate change through exploration of sustainable ‘green’ options. Our environmental projects protect the environment and help people use the resources they need without compromising them for future generations.

...By reducing pollution:
Our UK operation (including transport) is carbon neutral
Our clients have the opportunity to off-set their carbon emissions created on their expedition
Since 2007 we have planted over half a million trees
Wastewater, including grey water is treated effectively (e.g. through sand filters) and reused wherever possible
We have in place a solid waste management strategy and are continuing to explore greener alternatives for waste management e.g. building prototype composting toilets in our camps
We are actively looking at ways of reducing our use of disposable and consumable goods
Wherever possible we minimise the use of harmful substances such as pesticides, cleaning products and paints, and substitute with innocuous and environmentally friendly products. The use and disposal of chemicals is properly managed
Our camps are designed to minimise pollution from noise, light, run-off, erosion, ozone-damaging compounds and air and soil contaminants

...By conserving natural resources:
We build and install fuel-efficient stoves in almost all our areas of operation for the benefit of the local community. These stoves remove the need for charcoal use and reduce firewood consumption by up to 70%
We produce biomass fuel briquettes as a favourable and commercially viable alternative to charcoal production
We have built two biogas collectors that provide natural gas for lighting and cooking. This eliminates any element of sewage management in our camps and reduces firewood consumption
Where possible, we have implemented extensive recycling programmes in our camps (e.g. waste paper) and as part of our volunteer programmes (e.g. marine refuse recycling) and strive to improve on this year on year
We choose only environmentally friendly products for building materials, capital goods, food and consumables
We encourage the principles of permaculture in many of our projects
We have developed community tree nurseries in almost all of our areas of operation to provide fast-growing, sustainable wood
We are implementing measures to further reduce our energy and water consumption and all clients are encouraged to conserve water and energy during their stay
Our architecture expeditions enable young architects to design and build innovative eco-friendly and carbon neutral community facilities, showcasing their skills and experience in a challenging environment

CONSERVING BIODIVERSITY, ECOSYSTEMS AND LANDSCAPES...

Our conservation projects are targeted to include 4 of the world’s 34 biodiversity hotspots that hold especially high numbers of endemic species in a very small area, yet are facing extreme threats: the coastal forests of Eastern Africa (Kenya and Tanzania). Our projects aim to increase the value of wildlife and habitats by working with communities to develop economic alternatives to over-exploitation of natural resources. This results in a reduction in conflict between people and wildlife, as well as encouraging environmental stewardship from the host communities.

...By protecting wildlife and their habitats:
We are currently working to protect over 115,000 acres of wilderness in Eastern Africa through habitat restoration, improving water catchment for wildlife and local community participation
We are addressing illegal poaching of wildlife by providing vehicles, resources and accommodation for rangers, repairing and maintaining wildlife fences and organising de-snaring activities with volunteers
Our extensive reforestation project has been implemented in every one of our camps to replenish indigenous tree species in depleted regions
Our ongoing programme of invasive plant removal maintains the delicate ecological balance of natural areas
We use native species for landscaping and restoration in our camps and take measures to avoid the introduction of invasive alien speciesInteractions with wildlife are managed closely to avoid adverse effects on individual animals, or on the viability of populations in the wild
Wildlife viewing guidelines are given to all our volunteers to ensure their behaviour does not negatively impact on animals or their surroundings
In one of our camps, we share our water supply with wildlife to support them through the dry season and to minimise incidence of human-wildlife conflict

...By improving animal welfare:
We improve domestic animal welfare by running regular veterinarian clinics
We support charities and local community groups to improve welfare standards for captive wildlife through physical and financial contributions

...By providing a better alternative for local people:
Our projects promote co-existence among local communities and wildlife through the utilisation of innovative approaches to conservation using social business initiatives, thereby creating an economic environment favourable to wildlife conservation and economic development. These include professional training for wildlife guides and the production of elephant dung paper
Many of our community projects support people living on the edge of wildlife areas to help reduce their reliance on damaging environmental practices by improving their standard of living and provide them with direct financial incentives for conservation

...Through education and raising awareness:
Our projects enhance worldwide environmental awareness by providing international volunteers with the opportunity to participate in applied wildlife conservation projects
We run several environmental education outreach programmes for local communities about the importance of sustainable natural resource management
All our volunteers are thoroughly briefed on pertinent environmental issues and warned against the purchase of curios and furniture made of indigenous hardwoods or unsustainable animal products (e.g. skin, feathers, ivory, bone, shells and coral). This is also reiterated in our volunteer code of conduct and promoted through our ‘Goodwoods’ campaign

PRESERVING CULTURAL HERITAGE...

It is of paramount importance that our presence does not negatively impact on the cultural identity of our host countries. We strive to build a strong cultural awareness and respect amongst our volunteers.

...By providing a culturally pure experience:
We strive to provide our volunteers with the unique opportunity to live and work alongside rural communities, away from the traditional tourist circuit so that they can experience the true essence of the country they are visiting, creating a wholly positive experience for both visitors and hosts
We use elements of local art, design and architecture in our operations whilst respecting the intellectual property rights of individual communities

...By protecting sites of cultural importance:
We contribute to the protection of local historical, archaeological, culturally and spiritually important property and sites, improving awareness and access to them for local residents
Our volunteer code of conduct includes established guidelines for visits to culturally or historically sensitive sites
Historical/archaeological artefacts are not sold, traded or displayed except as permitted by law

...By encouraging sustainable enterprise based on cultural heritage:
We develop community areas and facilities to strengthen bonds and create opportunities for people
We provide physical and financial support for small entrepreneurs to develop and sell sustainable products that are based on the area’s nature, history and culture, such as food, drink, arts and crafts)
We help to create cooperatives amongst neighbouring communities so that local arts, crafts and traditions can be preserved and flourish
We encourage our volunteers to purchase of locally made arts and crafts
We ensure that visits to local culturally/historically significant places are incorporated into our volunteer programmes wherever possible

DEMONSTRATING EFFECTIVE SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT:

We comply with all relevant international and local legislation and regulations including health, safety, employment and environmental considerations
All personnel receive periodic training regarding their role in the management of environmental, socio-cultural, health and safety practices
Client satisfaction is measured and corrective action taken where appropriate
Promotional materials are accurate and complete and do not promise more than can be delivered by the business
We are our biggest supplier through our own ground operations (estimated 80%), enabling us to extend our ethical practices uncompromised through to the detail of delivery
Wherever possible, remaining suppliers chosen that conform to responsible best practices

Community

We are committed to:
1. Maximising social and economic benefits to the local community
Through direct employment
By creating business enterprise and Eco-tourism ventures
By improving educational facilities and teaching assistance
By improving sanitation and healthcare
By increasing food security
2. Reducing the negative social and cultural impacts of tourism
By empowering local communities
Through sensitive product development
By providing expert guidance and supervision to volunteers
3. Maximising benefits to the environment and minimising negative impacts
Reducing pollution
Conserving natural resources
4. Conserving biodiversity, ecosystems and landscapes
By protecting wildlife and their habitats
By improving animal welfare
By providing a better alternative for local people
Through education and raising awareness
5. Preserving cultural heritage
By providing a culturally pure experience
By protecting sites of cultural importance
By encouraging sustainable enterprise based on cultural heritage
6. Demonstrating effective sustainable management

WE ARE COMMITTED TO:

MAXIMISING SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY:

We have established camps alongside rural villages and wildlife conservation areas where poverty levels are high and there is virtually no form of income beyond small-scale farming, to create critical cash economies in areas that would otherwise never benefit from tourism. Our projects have benefited over 30,000 people, providing communities with employment and better access to education and health care. Additionally, by establishing a charity to work alongside the business, we have provided increased support to numerous projects that are independent of our volunteer programmes.

...through Direct Employment:
Our workforce originates from the host country, including management positions. Training is offered as necessary
We are one of the largest employers of staff from the local regions in which we operate, employing over 150 permanent members of staff, with an additional 100-150 staff employed during the summer. Almost all our camp workforce originates from within that same community (within 30 km of camp)
We employ staff transparently, creating a diverse workforce in terms of gender, ethnicity, age and disability
We pay all our employees fairly and treat ethically, respecting International and/or national legal protection of employees
By working in areas where tourism is less established, we contribute to the even distribution of income and economic growth
Most of our fresh produce and project materials are source from sustainable, local supplies

...By Creating Business Enterprise and Eco-Tourism Ventures:
Most camps are established on community land where we pay rent and entrance fees
We have set up and are supporting many initiatives designed to generate an income within local communities such as elephant dung paper making, marine refuse recycling, biomass fuel production, home stay initiatives and several eco-tourism attractions
We encourage all our volunteers to buy locally made sustainable goods and we facilitate craft sales areas near our camps that showcase local products
We encourage volunteers to adopt a ‘fair price policy’ when purchasing local goods and souvenirs

...By Improving Educational Facilities and Teaching Assistance:
Many of our projects address poverty through the development and improvement of educational facilities for young people and adults. Since 2005 we have improved 30 schools across Africa and Asia and provide long-term assistance to the communities that we work with
We are providing schools with solar power, electricity as well as fully equipped libraries and ICT centres
We are sponsoring children to allow them to attend secondary school and also sponsoring the training and employment of teachers
We are building kindergartens to give children a head start in education
We continue to develop our Sport for Development programme in Africa as we recognise this as an important tool for social change

...By Improving Sanitation and Healthcare:
We reduce the incidences of water-borne diseases by developing several clean water initiatives to provide communities with safe drinking water. This includes the construction and installation of boreholes, wells, gravity-fed water collection, and water storage
We reduce the risk disease by installing proper sanitation facilities in schools and communities, such as flushing toilets and washbasins
Our healthcare programmes are designed to provide education and practical support for communities, tackling a range of issues including nutrition, childcare, parasitic prevention and treatment, sexual health and women’s health

...By Increasing Food Security:
Our ongoing veterinarian initiatives improve livestock welfare standards and ensure a good meat yield and better profits for local farmers
We support various aqua-culture projects thereby improving sustainable fish production
We are introducing permaculture farming into communities as a sustainable long-term solution to food production and self-sufficiency
We support feeding programmes for young children in the poorest areas of Kenya and Tanzania

REDUCING THE NEGATIVE SOCIAL AND CULTURAL IMPACTS OF TOURISM:

We aim to promote sustainable development through responsible travel by providing camps and projects that help travellers of all ages and destinations protect the environment, preserve cultural heritage and contribute to economic development without having a negative impact on the communities they are working with.

...By empowering local communities:
Our camps are co-located with communities and staffed and managed by local people, enabling strong and durable relations built on trust and respect. This allows us to monitor any negative interactions between volunteers and villagers through regular dialogue and react swiftly.
Our camps and projects are developed and reviewed in partnership with each community to encourage local ownership and pride
The strategic location of our camps allow greater employment opportunities for rural communities, which prevents people who are looking for work migrating away from home communities and families
Through our volunteer programmes we provide skills training for the local community using the skills and expertise of our international volunteers e.g. computer workshops, sports coaching and conversational English
We are working against gender discrimination through various projects empowering women who suffer from gender based poverty, violence, illiteracy and health issues
We are members of the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC) to ensure the proper, fair and ethical employment and treatment of mountain porters. This includes fair wages and tips, maximum carry loads, the provision of proper clothing and equipment, suitable shelter and sleeping equipment, adequate food and water rations and the provision of good medical care and assistance equal to that available to trekking clients
We have a policy in place against commercial exploitation of children and young people

...Through sensitive product development:
We involve local communities and stakeholders in the planning and decision making process for new and existing projects
We carefully assess the economic impact of each new initiative before implementing new ideas
Implementation and development of projects is dictated by the specific needs of the local communities and wildlife areas
None of our activities jeopardise the provision of basic services such as water, energy or sanitation to neighbouring communities
The design and construction of our permanent infrastructure respects the natural and cultural heritage surroundings in siting, design, impact assessment and land rights and acquisition. Our camps are built using traditional materials and methods so that they are in keeping with the local environment

...By providing expert guidance and supervision to volunteers:
All travellers are given local language lessons and briefed about religion, local customs, traditions and appropriate behaviour by community members to facilitate integration into the community as guests, not tourists
Volunteers are supervised and trained by skilled members of the community, creating unique bonds
Volunteer group sizes for each project activity are kept small
A comprehensive volunteer code of conduct has been developed for all our programme activities in collaboration with the local indigenous communities

Health care volunteering in Kenya

Health care volunteering in Kenya