Register your interest in volunteering
How long can I stay?
We encourage volunteers to spend at least three months at IPI, although longer placements can be arranged.
Volunteer Rita with women at a skills training
A three-month placement benefits both IPI and volunteers. It allows you enough time to settle into daily life, get to know the children and the adults, and gain a deep understanding of the project. The longer you are there, the more you can support the staff in their busy lives, taking care of the children and running programmes that are empowering families and the community to change their lives for the better. It also helps to build a sense of security for the children living at KACH, who need time to get to know you. A high turnover of short-term volunteers entering and leaving their home can be disorienting and unsettling for them.
When can I volunteer?
Placements are available throughout the year and are limited to small numbers of volunteers at one time, to enable us to ensure your experience is meaningful and tailored to your needs. Please contact us to discuss the dates you have in mind. We do our best to coordinate arrivals and departures to reduce the number of trips to Nairobi.
How can I apply?
- Read about the IPI programmes that urgently need volunteers, and what to expect when volunteering in Kenya.
- Fill out our online Introductory Questionnaire to register your interest in volunteering and introduce yourself.
- We will forward your introduction to IPI for them to assess your suitability.
- Once accepted, we will then invite you to call our office for a Skype or phone interview. This is to allow us to get to know you better, and give you the chance to ask any questions you may have. We will also send you a Volunteers Information pack with more detailed information to help you get the most out of your experience.
How can I fund my placement?
IPI welcomes volunteers from all cultures and backgrounds because of the many benefits they bring. Likewise, volunteers consistently tell us the experience has been invaluable, even life-changing, because of the rich opportunities it affords to gain new perspectives and develop interpersonal and work-related skills.
The IPI community
These opportunities begin from the moment you are accepted onto our programme. To help IPI be sustainable, we ask each volunteer to fundraise for a minimum amount of money before departure. You will receive our Fundraising Pack, full of tips and advice, and comprehensive support from our Volunteers Coordinator in Scotland to inspire your friends and family to give generously and help you reach – or even smash – your target!
The more you raise, the more you can support the children at KACH to receive things we often take for granted: a loving home, a good education, food, clothing, even simple toys. In return, fundraising will boost your confidence and allow you to hone organisation and presentation skills that will be useful in your professional careers and personal life long after you return home.
| Length of Placement | Fundraising Target |
|---|---|
| 3 months | £1,450 |
| 6 months | £1,970 |
| 1 year | £2,700 |
(The longer you stay, the more you can contribute: hence the sliding scale.)
As well as helping IPI to fund its vital work, your fundraising covers the cost of your food and accommodation, a return airport transfer from Nairobi, pre-departure and on-return support from Ecologia, and on-site support from IPI’s staff. It does not include the cost of your airfare, travel insurance, inoculations, visa, or personal spending money should you wish to do some sight-seeing or take a safari.
If you are interested in volunteering at IPI, please register your interest by sending us your Introductory Questionnaire. If you would first like to have a chat about the programme or have any questions, please do contact our Volunteers Coordinator.
