More than 1.6 million Kenyans live with HIV/AIDS, and women make up a disproportionately high percentage of that number. As a volunteer on the Women’s Education project in Kenya, you will work closely with centers that support women affected by HIV/AIDS in providing companionship, guidance and sometimes childcare. The primary aim of this project is to empower women through income-generating projects, education and skills training.
Volunteers assist in a range of areas, including counseling, skill training and providing education. This project is particularly good for those with skills and interests in arts and craft-making, as well as an interest in supporting women to become self-sufficient.
At many of the centers, women are able to learn sewing, tailoring, candle-making and jewelry-making through subsidized courses. The women also have access to finance and small business management courses, enabling them to start their own craft-making or tailoring businesses to generate an income and provide for their families.
Not all of the women this project works with suffer from HIV/AIDS; some have joined the centers to help improve their overall living situation and learn vital skills to help become self sufficient. You may also help on outreach work in wider local communities and slum areas.
As you will be volunteering alongside local staff, you don’t need to have experience in HIV/AIDS support or women’s education, however it’s strongly recommended that you gain some understanding of these areas prior to your arrival in Kenya.
Apply now