This project is a joint effort involving Kenya Voluntary Development Association, Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS), UNESCO Paris, Shimba Hills Forest Guide and Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests. KVDA is among the projects approved by CCIVS under the umbrella of UNESCO World Heritage program Mijikenda Origin and History Mijikenda oral history traces the origin of the tribe to the southern regions of Somalia. It is believed that the Mijikenda people escaped constant attacks from the Oromo and other Cushitic tribes, and settled in the coastal ridges that were easier to defend. Historically, the Mijikenda have had close interactions with the Persian, Arab, and Portuguese traders who frequented their home territory along the Kenyan coast. This interaction and subsequent intermarriage with the Arabs gave birth to the Swahili culture and language. As a result, the Swahili language - Kiswahili - bears a close lexical similarity with all dialects of the Mijikenda people.
Volunteer tasks •To actively participate in conservation of the Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forest and sensitize the local community on its significance. •Promote volunteering and work ethnic among the local peace as a strategy to combat the high unemployment levels in the area. •Environmental conservation in the wake of depletion of forest cover courtesy of population pressure, commerce and industry. •Preservation of national heritage, cultural diversity, bio-diversity and sensitivity to nature. •Tree planting •Submit Project Report to KVDA
EXPECTED RESULTS ON THE CONSERVATION OF THE SACRED MIJIKENDA KAYA FOREST •Environmental best practices. •Environmental clubs strengthened in at least 5 primary schools in the area with the potential to become role models in the region. •Raise the profile of the Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forest and initiate regular exchange of volunteers motivated to render support to ecological projects. •Encourage local communities to inculcate volunteering in their day-to –day activities; as an avenue for socio-economic emancipation of the majority youths who are out of school and cannot be accommodated in the mainstream of conventional economy and this will stifle the culture of dependence and put the people on the pedestal of knowledge on the exploitation of local resources to spur socio-economic development.
Volunteers will have the opportunity for excursions:
•The Nature Trail: A walk through the Nature Trail will leave you from sable “bandas” and the clear dropping waters of the Shed-Rick Falls leaves everyone with a satisfied and tranquil feeling of being at peace with nature. •National Heritage: Kenya is a home of the 8 wonders of the world synonymous with the unique phenomenon that happens once a year with the migration of the wild beast from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania through the Mara River in to Maasai Mara from July to September. Likewise, Shimba Hills National Reserve offers variety of wild animals that include Giraffes, Impala, Warthog, Baboons, Sykes monkeys, Sable Antelope, Elephants e.t.c. •Drive to the Mombasa South Coast for Beach relaxation. Visit Digo community origins of the Mijikenda: campfire with the kaya elders, Traditional dances with women, Traditional food mostly made of coconut milk. •Visit Mombasa Old town, with Historical buildings dating from the 14th century, beautifully carved doors. Also, visit Fort Jesus, built and used by the Portuguese as a fortress in 1593. •A visit to the Indian Ocean:
Project:
Financial contribution •The project participation fees is Euro 200 per month paid upfront on arrival to the cover costs stipulated the entire duration of the project. 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 and excursion •Visa and Insurance •Local travel •personal effects ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS •Home stay and the volunteer is entitled to private room but will share other amenities and meals with the host family.
« I would recommend participating in a workcamp, especially with VAP, who ensured that I found a project to suit me and provided essential training for me in preparation for my trip. Being part of a workcamp really is a life-changing experience, oh, and it looks great on your CV! »
