Individual allocation information will be sent out in the next few weeks with contact details for everyone. Numbers have still to be confirmed so once this is clearer we can give more details.
Orientation in Nairobi will be 31 July at the Gracia Guest House. Whether you are staying there or at the Upper Hills Campsite (now in Lavington, not Upper Hills), you need to arrive there by 9am on the 31st to meet with Sharon and have an informal chat about what to expect. We’ll send further info by email before you arrive. The choice of accommodation is yours, according to budget but you must BOOK your own rooms and remember this is high season so do not delay! Upper Hills have a range of secure and adequate accommodation from tents to cabins to rooms in the house. Alternatively there is the Wilderness Campsite on the Ngong Road but we recommend the Gracia Guesthouse by the YaYa Centre mall, “.. It is probably the best guest house/hotel in the area with prices that are reasonable for Kenya (Ksh5000 dble i.e $63/ 4000 single). (Most Nairobi hotels have western prices: $150-$300 per night) .. and Gracia is locally and individually owned!”
For further information please thoroughly read the Handbook and there are older posts available on the blog here.
If you want to organise group safaris, treks, diving etc. PLEASE remember that places book up quickly over August so contact them quickly and directly via FaceBook.
US dollars are acceptable in Kenya but you’ll need small local currency in rural locations. You can pay your host for food etc in either currency, they will be able to buy a lot more for their money than you, as locals get much cheaper rates than “muzungus”.
We have signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with 540 Airlines for all internal flights. 540 allow up to 45kg baggage allowance for AVIF Volunteers. We strongly recommend that volunteers travel up-country by air, a much more convenient, faster and safer method of travel, though this cost must be borne yourselves. .. internal flights take 1 hour rather than 6-9 hours by road of course it is your choice. Alternatives are the train (approx $25 to Kisumu over 14 hours). We do not recommend matatus.
Distance-learning for Solar Cookers .. see Plans.pdf here
Demonstrations may be organised with your host and you can assist with training in simple construction and use of the Solar “slow-cookers”, under the guidance of SCI (Nairobi). SCI Wiki dedicated to Kenya.
As well as travel/medical insurance we also recommend taking out Flying Doctor membership.
For all those not already informed please see the website section on Development Education, especially if you are a UK trainee teacher. Preparing for volunteering, volunteering itself and reflecting on the experience on your return are all likely to impact on your teaching.
Please send in AVIF Medical Forms if you have not already done so. Without these your place is not confirmed.
Try to contact your respective airlines and ask for a charitable baggage allowance if you are bringing over donated items, normally airlines are happy to help. I can provide confirmation if necessary, or else pass on my details to their PR people. Recommended items :
1. first aid kit
2. library books/story books
3. any stationary materials (paper, biros…)
4. any games equipment; balls (only balls available are made from plastic bags or foam that they tie with sisal rope)
5. any science equipment, games and sports wear
6. any teaching aids: cards, pictures, maps, charts, magazines, picture books
7. paints, brushes, art supplies (buy powdered paint in NBO and brushes) and collected bottle caps /lids, etc.
We have a dedicated taxi service to meet you at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Daniel Keya or one of a number of drivers will meet you with a board at the airport with AVIF written on it. In case of delays or problems they can be reached on 0729369098. Once you have confirmed your flight details let us know so we can make arrangements at the airport. The price of your journey is Ksh1000, fixed for AVIF.
Gracia Guest House address : off Ring Road, Kilimani Road, behind the Ya Ya Centre/ Mall, in Hurlingham area. Upper Hills campsite is in the embassy area of Lavington by Gertrudes Childrens Hospital. Both are very clean, pleasant, quiet places with excellent hospitality. Prices range from Ksh700 for a tent at Upper Hills to a twin room at Gracia Hotel for Ksh5000 / USD$ 63 or a single is Ksh4000. Book early or you WILL not get accommdation.
Should you require a Letter of Invitation for your TOURIST VISA please let me know, they are not essential providing you give your hosts address.
Regarding educational posters, there is an instructions poster here should you wish to take some with you.
Can you all please make sure you are subscribed to this website as updates are published here and act as an archive for information. You will be emailed each time I write something (once a week at most). Please don’t hesitate to ask about anything or contact others via the Facebook group.