• Tich Kouma Community Based organization was registered on 5th July 2011 as a self-help group under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development.
• The project is situated in the heart of Kisumu city that is the third largest city in Kenya after Nairobi and Mombasa respectively.
• The site is situated behind Tom Mboya Labour College off Ring Road. The group members are residents of Nanga, Dunga, Kapuothe, Katuoro, Got Owak, Sigalagala, Kogello, Milimani that are villages within Winam Division of Kisumu East district, Nyanza province.
OBJECTIVES OF THE GROUP
• To build a social and economic force taking advantage of the environment and best use of natural resources for sustainability
• Provide funds for conservation to preserve the biomas flora and fauna, culture and history, to set sustainable use of limits of the wetland and to protect natural attractions alongside the preservation of existing endemic species
• To empower members through income generating activities as adaptive to natural resources available at the project site
• To engage appropriate technology innovatively by wise use practices like conservation farming
• To build human capital through empowerment of the community by utilization of intellectual property rights-like making of conservation furniture through weaving of papyrus reed in the making process
• To engage in activities aimed at alleviating poverty, creating employment and engagement with equity
• Advocate for environmental restoration, conservation by showcasing the way forward through activities like tree planting, nursery, husbandry, farm management and related activities that can create micro climate for Kisumu city

Volunteers' activities :

- Tree planting
- Tree nursery planting
- Farm management
- Climate change issues with focus on greening Kisumu city
- Submit Project Report to KVDA.

• Home stay and the volunteer is entitled to private room but will share other amenities and meals with the host family.
• It is convenient for the volunteer to carry sleeping bag, mat and personal effects.
• KVDA has a memorandum of understanding with the host project regarding the project costs with appropriate procedures, checks and balances.

Water is available at the hosting house from springs and it is important to preserve water at all times due to its scarcity and cooperation with the hosts will be highly appreciated.
There are no washing machines in the institution and the volunteer will be guided on how to wash clothes.

Kenya is replete with a lot of interesting and natural spectacular sites of interest that would capture the imagination of volunteers. From the tour to the renowned Maasai Mara Game Reserve to visits to local community beholding sights, the volunteers have the previledge to make choices that would fundamentally make the difference. The project also offers a perfect opportunity for people who enjoy being close to nature and are interested in the spectacular setting that traditional way of living in the heartland of the African culture would enrich your cultural heritage.

What to carry is outlined in the detailed info sheet and includes, sleeping bag and mat, toiletries, torch, flashlight, sandals, mosquito net, national flag from your country, among others.

Terminal
• Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi is the port of arrival and KVDA will designate a driver for the airport pick up.
• We strongly advice volunteers against getting taxis on their own without reference to KVDA due to the obvious risks and in case of any challenges on arrival kindly contact KVDA via mobile telephone 0721650357
KVDA RESIDENCE
• Volunteers will be driven to the Nairobi South YMCA Hostel located 15 Kilometers away from the airport where they will be accommodated ahead of their placement to the project.
• The residence is situated in the serene environment with amble space for recreation and spectacular setting as the inauguration of volunteering to make a difference in the world.

PROJECT START DATES
• Volunteers can join the project at any time of the year.
• The duration of placement is flexible depending on the availability of the volunteer
• 1-day orientation seminar will be done in Nairobi
Financial contribution
• For a one-month project, the participation fee is €300. For a two-month project, the participation fee decreases to €200 per month, or €400 in total. Similarly, for a three-month project, the participation fee is €200 per month, or €600 in total, and so on.
• Monthly payment of participation fees is not allowed for conventional purposes.
What is included in the participation fee?
• Return transfers from the airport
• Full board at the project (Accommodation and meals provided at the project)
• Orientation, evaluation and monitoring
• Volunteer mentorship
What is not included in the participation fee?
• Travel to and from the project. The volunteer will be required to pay for the bus tickets
• Refreshments outside the project
• Air ticket
• Excursion
• Visa, vaccinations and Insurance
• Local travel
• Personal effects