Upendo children center is a lifesaving facility that is found in Kakamega County bordering the beautiful Kakamega tropical rain forest in Shinyalu sub county, Isecheno village. It was established in 2007 in Kawangware slums by Mama Evelyn ingosi who by then had just reformed from the street life in the slums of Nairobi, and was officially opened in 2018. Mama Evelyn Ingosi has a fascinating story on what she went through, her life on the street and what motivated her to start this orphanage home. She usually gladly shares her story with volunteers of Upendo.
Upendo now houses up to 54 children aged 1 to 17 years, most of whom have lost their parents to Aids, others have been abandoned by their parents, were less fortunate and were recovered from the streets.

The facility has a staff of 20 which enables the smooth running of the establishment and of the care given to the kids.

Possible tasks of the volunteers :

Health talks through continuous medical education ;

Social work services ;

Sexual and gender based violence services ;

Guiding and counselling ;

Sponsorship opportunities ;

Communication skills training ;

Meeting the needs of children who are vulnerable, total orphans and HIV positive ;

Provide children with adequate nutritious food ;

Provide food and medication to the elderly who live under low living standards ;

Provide guiding and counselling to children, youth and elderly ;

Communication skills training ;

Children rights advocacy.

Volunteers will stay in host families or in the orphanage dormitories but in different rooms. Accommodations are very simple, there is running water, electricity and meals will be prepared by the family by the help of volunteers. Beds and Mattresses will be provided.

Volunteers should carry : mosquito nets, a pillow and water purifying tablets. Chess, playing cards, and tents (optional).

During your stay on this project food will be provided by your host family, volunteer will be provided with three meals a day (break fast, lunch and dinner). Food will be prepared by the host with the help of volunteers. Most foods are locally made and fresh produced.

This project is located in western kenya kakamega county just close to kakamega tropical rain forest.

You can visit different interresting places like Lake Victoria, Kakamega forest Maasai Mara and others during your free time. Volunteers are free to plan for their own trip during the weekend.

You'll need to meet certain requirements, including age, health, and attitude. You'll also need a passport and visa to enter the country.

1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old (if you are below 18 years you need written consent from a guardian), or the age required by your program ;

2. Language: You should be able to speak at least basic English, or the language required by your program ;

3. Passport: You'll need a valid passport to enter Kenya ;

4. Visa: You'll need a Single Entry Visa or tourist visa to volunteer in Kenya ;

5. Travel insurance: You'll need to have travel and health insurance ;

6. Background check: You may need to provide a criminal background check report ;

7. Vaccinations: You may need to get certain vaccinations before entering Kenya ;

8. Training: You may need to participate in training provided by your organization ;

9. You should also be open-minded, flexible, and patient, and willing to step outside your comfort zone ;

10. A positive attitude towards independent progress of others ;

11. A willingness to adapt to local conditions.

Arrival terminal Jomo kenyatta International Airport

Orientation will begin in the morning at ACoH offices and you will be picked up from accommodation and taken to the orientation will be conducted by ACoH staff in Nairobi and cover everything you need to know about your project placement (introduction to Kenya and Luhya land, Luhya customs, language training, routes and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Kenya, introduction to your project and placement).

The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing, once orientation is complete.

Additional requirements :

1. Some programs may have additional requirements, such as a registration fee or program fee ;
2. Medical volunteers may need to provide college enrollment documents ;
3. Volunteers working with children may need to provide a criminal background check report.

Participation fee :

400 Euros per person (3 weeks). The project fee or extra fee includes airport pick up, airport transfer, food, accommodation and host, transport from Nairobi to the project and back to Nairobi after the project, city tour, orientation, 2 days host in Nairobi on the arrival and end of the project and 24 hours Agape Centre Of Hope Office Support and project monitoring.

This project runs all throughout the year and is open to applications at all times.