Friday 9 November 2018
View from a Volunteer Team Leader: Kenya March 2019 It's getting closer by the day
View from a Volunteer Team Leader: Kenya March 2019 It's getting closer by the day: As you know this year (2018) has not been a good year for me due to the fractured spine issue. But I'm getting over that. And now I am f...
Kenya March 2019 It's getting closer by the day
As you know this year (2018) has not been a good year for me due to the fractured spine issue. But I'm getting over that. And now I am full on organising the Kenya trip for March.
I currently have 9 team members signed up and itching to get out there and make a difference. But I could still do with a few more if you are interested.
I thought I would take this opportunity to explain a little about the area and the local inhabitants we will be working with. Kenya is a fascinating country, more diverse than many I have worked in and I am so looking forward to exploring it's culture.
Naro Moru is located on the western side of the country at the base of Mt Kenya, 170 km north of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.
Naro Moru is a community of various ethnic groups and religions who have lived harmoniously together for many years. The Kikuyu ethnic group is the predominant tribe in this area. Although every ethnic group has its own dialect, Kiswahili and/or English are widely spoken by all.
The local people in this small and rural town are enthusiastic, very friendly and enjoy meeting other people from all different walks of life.
Naro Moru village is a small town that consists of small shops, houses, basic restaurants, bars, basic lodgings, a post office, a gas station, and a small bank.
An internet cafe can be found in Nanyuki which is a typical small country town 30 km from Naro Moru village. There is regular public transport between Naro Moru village and Nanyuki town. Both of these towns are perfect places for cultural activities and serves as bases for hiking and exploring places like Mt.Kenya National Park , Samburu Game Reserve, Sweet Water Private Game Park and Laikipia Plateau which represents one of Kenya’s most important wildlife areas.
This region in Kenya has the most animal diversity and the highest number of endangered mammals such as the Rothschild giraffe, Jackson’s hartebeest and African wild dog. And is home to over half of Kenya’s Critically Endangered black rhino.
So I guess there will be plenty to keep us busy both on and off the project. Stay tuned for further updates. And dont forget if you want to get involved with this project, just drop me a line at rayfowell@gmail.com
I currently have 9 team members signed up and itching to get out there and make a difference. But I could still do with a few more if you are interested.
I thought I would take this opportunity to explain a little about the area and the local inhabitants we will be working with. Kenya is a fascinating country, more diverse than many I have worked in and I am so looking forward to exploring it's culture.
Naro Moru is located on the western side of the country at the base of Mt Kenya, 170 km north of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.
Naro Moru is a community of various ethnic groups and religions who have lived harmoniously together for many years. The Kikuyu ethnic group is the predominant tribe in this area. Although every ethnic group has its own dialect, Kiswahili and/or English are widely spoken by all.
The local people in this small and rural town are enthusiastic, very friendly and enjoy meeting other people from all different walks of life.
Naro Moru village is a small town that consists of small shops, houses, basic restaurants, bars, basic lodgings, a post office, a gas station, and a small bank.
An internet cafe can be found in Nanyuki which is a typical small country town 30 km from Naro Moru village. There is regular public transport between Naro Moru village and Nanyuki town. Both of these towns are perfect places for cultural activities and serves as bases for hiking and exploring places like Mt.Kenya National Park , Samburu Game Reserve, Sweet Water Private Game Park and Laikipia Plateau which represents one of Kenya’s most important wildlife areas.
This region in Kenya has the most animal diversity and the highest number of endangered mammals such as the Rothschild giraffe, Jackson’s hartebeest and African wild dog. And is home to over half of Kenya’s Critically Endangered black rhino.
So I guess there will be plenty to keep us busy both on and off the project. Stay tuned for further updates. And dont forget if you want to get involved with this project, just drop me a line at rayfowell@gmail.com
Tuesday 29 May 2018
Kenya and Cambodia are now on the books for 2019
So as you requested, they are now a reality. Kenya for March and Cambodia for November and December. I am so excited to be leading these two trips on behalf of Developing World Connections.
And even better is the fact that some of my regular team members are signing up to join me on both projects. What more could I want (other than more of you to join us of course).
These are going to be great trips with some amazing R&R involved, I will do my best to secure us adventures and safaris for our time away from the project, but you can of course create your own adventure tagged onto either the beginning or end of our trip.
I will provide you with information as we progress but for now, here is the link to the projects so that you can get signed up and not miss out by leaving it too late.
Don't forget the cost is advertised in Canadian $ so US & UK or any citizen from another country will need to convert to get the fee in their own currency. And don't forget if you are a US or Canadian citizen you are entitled to 100% tax relief, you lucky people.
And even better is the fact that some of my regular team members are signing up to join me on both projects. What more could I want (other than more of you to join us of course).
These are going to be great trips with some amazing R&R involved, I will do my best to secure us adventures and safaris for our time away from the project, but you can of course create your own adventure tagged onto either the beginning or end of our trip.
I will provide you with information as we progress but for now, here is the link to the projects so that you can get signed up and not miss out by leaving it too late.
Don't forget the cost is advertised in Canadian $ so US & UK or any citizen from another country will need to convert to get the fee in their own currency. And don't forget if you are a US or Canadian citizen you are entitled to 100% tax relief, you lucky people.
You can meet
our Kenyan host partner organization, ACCESS (Action Crew on
Community Environment for Sustainable Services) Kenya. We’re
working with them to build a system to support a school garden that
will provide food for children who often only get one meal a day.
Those children often have difficulty focusing on their studies
because of hunger. so click here to find out more about them.
You can also meet
our Cambodian host partner organization, Equitable Cambodia. DWC volunteers have helped build more than 25 homes and assisted with
various water projects, including building latrines, dams and water
gates, digging wells and installing irrigation pipes. No special
skills are required and you could add your name to the list of volunteers who have made a difference in the lives of the local people being helped by EC. Click here to read about our partner in Cambodia.
If you have any questions, you know you can always message me by email, phone, WhatsApp or Messenger or via my team leader profile.
Monday 16 April 2018
I gave you a choice and you have spoken,
Many thanks for the response. I offered Kenya or Cambodia for 2019. You responded and it looks like I will be running both trips as you couldn't decide between them.
The details of both projects are still on the previous blog if you want to re-visit them. After checking with our in country partners regarding weather conditions at various times of the year, so as to avoid monsoons, raging sun and humidity etc. they have proposed the following dates.
Now as far as weather is concerned at these times of the year, the following may help you understand why they chose these particular dates.
Kenya is very hot in April but coming off the February lows early March can be very pleasant. And temperatures in Cambodia are dropping off by late November December so again making it more pleasant to work in.
Kenya
Cambodia
The climate of Cambodia is characterized by the presence of two very influential monsoons which alternately mark the seasons. From May until October, the monsoon from the southwest becomes dominant.
The effects of the monsoon are felt by the presence of heavy rains and strong winds. The humidity is very active during this period. In contrast, there is the northeast monsoon blowing from November to March and brings very little rainfall.
Taking into account the weather, the months of December and January are the best times to travel to Cambodia because during this period, rains are rare and humidity is somewhat cumbersome. Starting from February, the heat and humidity become unbearable.
So Late November early December seems like a good time to visit.
Obviously included in the calculation is the availability of the in-country partner to run a project. Whilst the dates have been set, the cost hasn't but as previously explained it will be in the region of $2,300 CDN $1,800 USD £1,300 UKP for each of the projects.
Shortly, Developing World Connections will have the trips posted on their website so that you can can sign up and secure your place on the team. I will let you know when they go live. You can also set up up your fund raising page if you intent to raise your fee by sponsorship. You gave a large response to these trips so I guess it will be first come first served.
If you require any further information about the trips then please drop me an email to rayfowell@gmail.com
The details of both projects are still on the previous blog if you want to re-visit them. After checking with our in country partners regarding weather conditions at various times of the year, so as to avoid monsoons, raging sun and humidity etc. they have proposed the following dates.
March 2nd to 16th,
2019 for Kenya, and Nov 23rd - Dec 7th, 2019, for Cambodia.
Now as far as weather is concerned at these times of the year, the following may help you understand why they chose these particular dates.
Kenya is very hot in April but coming off the February lows early March can be very pleasant. And temperatures in Cambodia are dropping off by late November December so again making it more pleasant to work in.
Kenya
Cambodia
The climate of Cambodia is characterized by the presence of two very influential monsoons which alternately mark the seasons. From May until October, the monsoon from the southwest becomes dominant.
The effects of the monsoon are felt by the presence of heavy rains and strong winds. The humidity is very active during this period. In contrast, there is the northeast monsoon blowing from November to March and brings very little rainfall.
Taking into account the weather, the months of December and January are the best times to travel to Cambodia because during this period, rains are rare and humidity is somewhat cumbersome. Starting from February, the heat and humidity become unbearable.
So Late November early December seems like a good time to visit.
Obviously included in the calculation is the availability of the in-country partner to run a project. Whilst the dates have been set, the cost hasn't but as previously explained it will be in the region of $2,300 CDN $1,800 USD £1,300 UKP for each of the projects.
Shortly, Developing World Connections will have the trips posted on their website so that you can can sign up and secure your place on the team. I will let you know when they go live. You can also set up up your fund raising page if you intent to raise your fee by sponsorship. You gave a large response to these trips so I guess it will be first come first served.
If you require any further information about the trips then please drop me an email to rayfowell@gmail.com
Friday 23 March 2018
View from a Volunteer Team Leader: Project for 2019 - Where to go and when. The choic...
View from a Volunteer Team Leader: Project for 2019 - Where to go and when. The choic...: As you know, 2018 has been written off due to my spinal surgery. It's a drag, but it wont stop me from preparing for 2019 . But this ...
Project for 2019 - Where to go and when. The choice is yours
As you know, 2018 has been written off due to my spinal surgery. It's a drag, but it wont stop me from preparing for 2019.
But this time I am approaching it from a different angle. You are going to choose between two destinations and tell me where you would like to go and when.
There is no commitment at this stage. Of course I am hoping that if you show an interest then maybe I can count on your support. I do understand that we all have other commitments and work and family situations can change. So, no commitment at this stage.
The length of these trips will be 14 or 15 days but of course you can tag extra days for extended travel. There will also be R&R arranged for the mid project weekend.
But it does allow you over a year to save up for another, or maybe your first, adventure of a lifetime.
The program cost is approximately $2,300 CDN $1,800 USD £1,300 UKP and will be finalized closer to the departure date. This includes accommodations, meals, in-country transport, program costs and a donation to the in-country partner. It does not include airfare.
The next decision is time of year. I am suggesting Spring or Autumn. And again if the interest is there and the dates work, then I could run both projects, one in the spring and the other in the autumn.
So that is the challenge. All you need do is email, WhatsApp, Messenger, Facebook or blog comment with destination and time of year. I will do the rest.
Now you need to know what the projects are and who I will be working with. Well the who is easy. Developing World Connections from Canada. And yes those of you from the US can still get 100% tax relief on the cost of the trip.
Each destination has an in-country partner with whom we will be working. I will put as much information as I can into this post so as to give you best chance of making a decision that you are happy with. I will try to give links to their websites so you can see what they are currently doing. But don't forget these projects are not listed on the DWC website as yet. We still have a way to go before they become cast in stone.
First Choice Kenya
Inadequate educational infrastructure has led
to local children not being able to access the teaching and attention
they need. In some cases, children do not come to school at all
because they have to go fetch water, farm and have minimal finances
to pay the required school fees. This limits the students’ ability
to achieve a basic education and also diminishes their chances of
continuing on to secondary education.
primary school in Naro Moru, called Manyatta Primary
School. There is a lack of adequate access to clean drinking water at
the school. Access to clean water is a huge challenge in Kenya, as
well as other locations in East Africa. Not having access to clean
water affects students’ health, hygiene and nutritional
requirements.
2.3 billion people
worldwide still do not have basic sanitation facilities such as
toilets or latrines.
Hygienic sanitation facilities are crucial for
public health. Poor sanitation is linked to transmission of diseases
such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid and
polio. Inadequate sanitation is estimated to cause 280 000 diarrhoeal
deaths annually and is a major factor in several neglected tropical
diseases, including intestinal worms, schistosomiasis, and trachoma.
Poor sanitation also contributes to malnutrition.
So there it is. Two great choices, Two countries in need. Two wonderful projects that will help improve the lives of so many children and adults alike. How can we not want to make a difference.
The choice is yours, I would love to run both projects, I find it difficult to put one above the other in order of importance. So its up to you. I look forward to hearing from you.
The following are the details of the in-country partners for both projects.
But this time I am approaching it from a different angle. You are going to choose between two destinations and tell me where you would like to go and when.
There is no commitment at this stage. Of course I am hoping that if you show an interest then maybe I can count on your support. I do understand that we all have other commitments and work and family situations can change. So, no commitment at this stage.
The length of these trips will be 14 or 15 days but of course you can tag extra days for extended travel. There will also be R&R arranged for the mid project weekend.
But it does allow you over a year to save up for another, or maybe your first, adventure of a lifetime.
The program cost is approximately $2,300 CDN $1,800 USD £1,300 UKP and will be finalized closer to the departure date. This includes accommodations, meals, in-country transport, program costs and a donation to the in-country partner. It does not include airfare.
For both Canadian and US citizens the entire program and flight costs are 100% tax deductible when paid through DWC. You can also fund-raise and we will issue charitable receipts for donations $20 CDN or greater. Unfortunately us Brits and Europeans are not afforded such tax breaks by our governments.
So the destinations are Kenya and Cambodia. Who knows, if I get enough interest in both, then I will do both. But lets just wait and see.So that is the challenge. All you need do is email, WhatsApp, Messenger, Facebook or blog comment with destination and time of year. I will do the rest.
Now you need to know what the projects are and who I will be working with. Well the who is easy. Developing World Connections from Canada. And yes those of you from the US can still get 100% tax relief on the cost of the trip.
Each destination has an in-country partner with whom we will be working. I will put as much information as I can into this post so as to give you best chance of making a decision that you are happy with. I will try to give links to their websites so you can see what they are currently doing. But don't forget these projects are not listed on the DWC website as yet. We still have a way to go before they become cast in stone.
First Choice Kenya
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
Naro Moru is located in
the Nyeri District of Kenya, and people living there are among the
poorest in the country with most residents living below the poverty
line and beyond the reach of government services. With a weak village
infrastructure, many families in Naro Moru have limited access to
basic needs. Children attending Manyatta school also tend to come
from families that lack access to clean drinking water. Many children
attending the school have been orphaned by the AIDS epidemic or other
fatal illnesses and simply live in abject poverty with minimal or no
access to healthcare.
The project consists of
constructing a water collection system to capture rooftop rain water
at a local
Currently there is a drought in Kenya that makes the
demands for clean water urgent. Children in the local Manyatta
Primary School are challenged with hunger and personal hygiene needs
on a daily basis. Having access to clean water is a basic necessity
that the school struggles to provide to the students. This project
will provide clean drinking water for 315 students. This water will
also be used for sanitary purposes, and to help with the agricultural
program at the school.
Second Choice Cambodia
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
DWC teams will work
alongside local Cambodians to build latrines for families in need in
the rural area of Kep to help improve the health conditions of not
only the families, but the communities as well.
So there it is. Two great choices, Two countries in need. Two wonderful projects that will help improve the lives of so many children and adults alike. How can we not want to make a difference.
The choice is yours, I would love to run both projects, I find it difficult to put one above the other in order of importance. So its up to you. I look forward to hearing from you.
The following are the details of the in-country partners for both projects.
Access Kenya
Located in central Kenya north of Nairobi, this non-profit has a focus on agriculture and water to help farmers and wildlife.
Access stands for Action Crew on Community Environment for Sustainable Services It is a non-profit, non-government, community organization. The projects are based in Naro Moru, Kenya, East Africa. The organization was started in 2004 by a local group in Naro Moru as a volunteer program to deal with issues of deforestation, trouble with prolonged droughts and low productivity of agriculture, infrastructure rebuilding as well as a lack of adequate learning facilities around the Mount Kenya area.
Education and volunteer tree planting serve to protect the wildlife and safe guard the essential water needed for the people and wildlife in the area.
The national government is supporting the creation of citizen based committees to plant new trees. These committees are comprised of all village stakeholders and are the umbrella bodies for many volunteer projects throughout the villages. The community/district of Naro Moru is made up of the town center and six other villages within a 25 km area and each of these villages have similar water shortage and reforestation issues. https://acceskenya.org
Equitable Cambodia
Chamcar Bei and Phnom Penh, CAMBODIA: Equitable Cambodia is an international, non-government organization formed to build bridges between the world’s people and Cambodians.
Equitable Cambodia works to raise awareness, facilitate exchanges of many kinds, and to support creative endeavours that affirm our common humanity. EC believes that responsible development and human rights are interdependent and interrelated and its work encompasses each of these beliefs.
The mission of Equitable Cambodia is to bring people together to overcome poverty, injustice and inequity in Cambodia. Their programs are primarily in Phnom Penh, but they started a rural community development program outside of Phnom Penh near Poipet in Northwest Cambodia. After five years and successful implementation of their program, they moved rural community development to Chamcar Bei, near Kep on the south coast of Cambodia, in 2007. Equitable Cambodia’s goal is to increase the standard of living in the community by improving health, education and livelihoods of Chamcar Bei residents.
Your choice, let me know where you would like to go and make a difference
Wednesday 7 March 2018
View from a Volunteer Team Leader: Nepal Nov/Dec 2017 Dang Region
View from a Volunteer Team Leader: Nepal Nov/Dec 2017 Dang Region: After a long flight with a ridiculous stop-over I arrived in Kathmandu tired and worn out in a time zone that added an extra 45 minutes to t...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)