Volunteers play an essential role in supporting this program, delivering essential services relating to the huge challenges faced by drug users and the community in Diani Beach.Â
On this project, volunteers will work alongside a team of local volunteers to run a drug awareness community center. The main role of the center is to carry out daily outreach walks into the areas where drug users are known to spend time.
This project is not for the faint of heart, and will require a great deal of maturity and strength on the part of the volunteer, yet volunteers are desperately needed to aid in keeping users and non-users safe, raising drug awareness and assisting with many other initiatives of this vital program. Volunteers need to be aware that they will be working hands on with users of hard drugs and WILL witness people injecting drugs during the daily outreach walks.
As a result of this, there is a strict minimum age limit of 21 to join this program. Volunteers do not need a background in the Medical field, though Nurses, Doctors, and pre-med students are welcome to join.
Goals of this Project:
-
Provide essential care to vulnerable drug users in Diani Beach
-
Reduce the transmission rate of disease and improve the future prospects of the population through education and tactical initiatives
-
Give drug users quality care, proactive help, compassion and a sense of hope
-
Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both locals and international volunteers alike.
Start Dates
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions. Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 21 years and over who wish to assist in the support and rehabilitation of some of Kenya's most at-risk people. While this highly challenging project does not require participants to have a background in the field of medical/drug dependency care, as there are many ways you can assist, volunteers with suitable education, qualifications or experience are highly sought after. Regardless, a volunteer’s individual role can often be tailored to suit their particular skills and interests. Ideally, volunteers on this project will have at least a basic knowledge of the local language in order to communicate effectively with staff and students, though this is not a pre-requisite. All applicants must of course display a genuine willingness to help, show drive, initiative and compassion, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
