Good Samaritan Children's Home

Program Description

Soweto Slums Good Samaritan Orphans and Destitute Children's Centre is a community based organization. The Centre was started and registered 2004 in response to the needs of the orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in Soweto Slum. The Centre started with two children who were abandoned by their parents. It is now comprised of 61 children, both boys and girls. These are either orphans or abandoned children.
The children have been orphaned for a multitude of reasons – although a majority are due to the HIV epidemic, poverty and unwanted pregnancies. The children’s circumstances and histories are as different as their personalities - but now they have optimism and the opportunity of having a more positive future. The dedicated caregivers at Good Samaritan are working hard to provide the basics of life – shelter, security and food; however they are acutely aware that it is education which can break the cycle of poverty.
Good Samaritan was founded six years ago and hasn't been able to receive stable funding up to date. From time to time they receive donations of food items and clothing from people in the local community.
The caregivers at the orphanage are dedicated and loving, doing the best they can with the little resources they have. At the very least they are providing these children with a stable family environment. The children are between 6 months to 17 years and are all attending a formal education.

Highlights

This is very rewarding experience for both - volunteer and the children. Volunteers will be able to learn the local languages as well as teach English to the children. They will have the opportunity to learn about Kenyan culture, way of life and can travel and undertake safaris, if they wish to do so.

Volunteer activities:
- Assisting in feeding the children
- Educate children
- Provide guidance and counseling services
- Playing with the children
- Helping the children with their homework

Qualifications

There are no qualifications required, however the volunteer has to be over 18 years old and has to be highly motivated to work towards the project's objectives.

Volunteer Types

What`s Included

Included services:
- Airport transfers from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi
- 3-day orientation seminar
- Introduction to the city
- Accommodation and food (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during orientation and placement duration
- Coordination, mentoring and supervision
- possibility: 3-day Safari to Masai Mara National Reserve, 330 Euro

The following costs are NOT included:
- Cost of drinks like soda, beer, mineral water etc
- Cost of sightseeing
- Visa costs (www.ecitizen.go.ke)
- Direct donations to the project
- Local traveling

What to bring: Sleeping bag, sleeping mat and mosquito net are necessary. You can also bring photos of your country, clothes, books, pen