About us
TROPICS INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERING PROGRAM (T.I.V.S.)
Tropics International Voluntary Services (T.I.V.S) is a non-profit and membership organization founded in October 2000 by former volunteers and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) members. T.I.V.S is registered within the ministry of social services as a community based organization. The founder members had a common desire to join forces and take steps to touch the souls of the needy, troubled and suffering people in community through humanitarian services. Initially, the members participated in some events which included visiting orphans homes to spend time with children who needed love, cleaning the polluted rivers and jointly organized a beauty show for slum poor girls’ education bursary in Kenya and others had an opportunity to volunteer with Volunteering service oversees (V.S.O). Which is a British volunteer sending organization
In 2004, T.I.V.S developed an International voluntary sector program and a policy framework to help execute its mandate. Today, T.I.V.S has established international partnership and collaborates with more than 100 local community development projects and institutions in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania - the world’s most popular destinations for volunteer and holiday vacations. The projects are located in the rural villages and semi-urban areas where the level of awareness is still low, resources limited and abject poverty and diseases widespread.
The T.I.V.S International programs are based on concepts of gap year and career breaks – which means taking time off from your normal study or work life to discover the world and yourself. The programs allows one to travel, work with disadvantaged communities and discover new places - alife-changing opportunity to share life, exchange skills and experience an enriching cultural diversity for the benefit of greater friendship. Hundreds of people are coming to Africa every month to volunteer, donate to orphans or enjoy holiday adventures.
Mission
T.I.V.S works to alleviate human suffering socially, psychologically and economically through provision of life-support mechanism by promoting volunteering as a powerful force for change, both for those who volunteer and for the wider community.
Goal
to promote development by providing additional human and resources to help communities utilize locally available resources and opportunities - as they identify, design and implement them.
Aim
To develop programs, recruit participants, mobilize materials to stimulate local people in their struggle to overcome challenges to attain un-met needs.
TROPICS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
To develop international volunteers to actively work in less-developed locations.
To promote the community’s ideas and efforts to utilize locally available resources.
To offer a life-time opportunity for young people to become agents for positive change.
To create sustainable community projects through voluntary service in specific areas.
To mobilize resources for any project that is of great beneficial to the community.
To offer pre, post, degree, and high school students with gap year opportunities.
To provide people with career breaks or holidays vacations opportunities abroad.
To work with voluntary, travel and orphans sponsorship organizations worldwide.
To promote cultural integration, building of friendship and international understanding.
To develop and participate in programs that strengthens global volunteer's movement.
To do all such things that are incidental to/or conducive to the attainment of any of the above objectives.
Personal Growth
The participant is exposed to new and authentic experiences, gains skills and knowledge in development work, challenging situations, leadership and cross-cultural communication - thus gaining a broaden perspective of themselves and the world in which we all live.
TROPICS INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERING PROGRAMS
T.I.V.S runs four main international programs that are today uniting the world communities.
1. International Work camps
This is a special and unique form of voluntary service, which brings together people from different countries to live and work on short-term projects that will be of benefit to a local community. An international work camp bring together people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds to live and work on short-term projects that will be of benefit to a local community or voluntary group. The work camp is an open-ended experience and depends mainly on the input of its participants. We offer one, two or three weeks never-ending international work camps exchange placement in different projects and field of interest every month of the year.T.I.V.S work camps aim to help young people from many countries to actively work together towards a common target. In organizing international work camps, we see a possibility for the adventure-seeking people to share and exchange ideas, experiences, to learn about other social, political and cultural living conditions and create friendship. The camps consist of young people from the age of 16 to 35 years (though sometime adults apply to participate) all with diverse backgrounds and interests. The nature of work camps includes children care, construction, environment, emergency disasters, wildlife conservation, medical and health care, teaching, human rights and social justice, dental service, public health, HIV/AIDS, disaster operations, disability support, youth empowerment, water harvesting, archeology, engineering, farming and income-generating schemes.
2.Voluntary Projects
T.I.V.S also organizes International Voluntary Projects - Mid-Term Volunteer (MTV) 1 - 6 Monthsand Long Term Volunteer (L.T.V) 6 to 12 months opportunity for professionals or dedicated Volunteers wishing to have a longer experience abroad. This allows for continues and/or specialized work which gives one a long opportunity for valuable learning, integration and truly enjoy local life. Our programs give participant a chance to easily integrate with host community; exchange traditional practices while enjoying an enriching cultural diversity while working on a common goal and simultaneously providing a real service. You will make close contact with foreign people, live and experience new traditions and customs. The nature of T.I.V.S Mid and Long term voluntary projects includes orphans care, construction, environment, disasters relief, wildlife conservation, medical and health care, teaching, human rights and social justice, dental service, public health, disability support, youth empowerment, water harvest, farming and income-generating schemes.
3. Adventure Travel
This career breaks opportunity which allows one to escape from normal work and explore a new experience through wonderful expeditions abroad. It’s open to everyone who wants to enjoy the jewel of vast wildlife, pristine beaches, souring mountain, scuba diving, bungee jumping, peaks and diverse culture. It offers perfect destinations for dream holiday adventure, relaxation, culture, sport and wild discovery partnered safaris. The magic spirit of the Africa expedition is to find yourself relaxing by campfire, watching the sunset turn the sky to gold as distant roar of a lion brings the day to a perfect end in Maasai mara, Samburu game reserve, lake Nakuru national park which is the home for flamingos. You will also aid in a mercy mission for a child in need. Volunteers are advised that, since we are non- profit making organization, we receive minimum charges to all game reserve and national parks in Kenya. Volunteers can pay as little as 50USD per day in the park, which include, accommodation, food, transport and game drive.
4. Orphans Sponsorship
The idea is to alleviate suffering and give hope to needy orphaned children by mobilizing materials and money donations for them through our supportive global networks. Failure to help these beautiful kids in orphanages will force them escape back to the urban streets where they scavenge for food, sleep in cold, catch diseases, harassed by security agents, suffer loneliness, abuse drugs and stare into the future with no hope in life.
B. Project Situation/Life
I). International volunteer may stay within the camp or with a host family nearby.
ii). the work (mostly 7-10 hours) daily from Monday to Friday (weekends are free to relax and tour sites of great attraction) encourages people to mingle, get to know each other while working on a common goal.
iii).participant can request to switch camp or project on request from T.I.V.S management.
iv).while at the project, a participant live in simple accommodation, eats the local foods.
v).The number of work-campers is unlimited – mostly 1 to 25 people
vi).You will take part in cultural ceremonies and be given a ‘local name’ as new member of the community!
C. Options for volunteers
participant are placed in work camps, voluntary project or safari destination based on; how they will most successfully contribute to their host community, the nature of their interests, skills and expertise. By joining any of our programs you become an agent of positive change in the lives of others and yourself - while using your efforts and resources to make a real difference. The location and time of the projects and safari destinations may changes depending on the community needs around the year. Duration of volunteering or holiday depends on Volunteer's or Traveler’s availability and interest and one is free to participate to more than one work camp, project or destination. The program ideas are flexible, cheap and our participants find the arrangement quite convenient and fulfilling. Join the world's most exciting volunteering, expedition, travel and gap organization and experience the world through new eyes!
Tropics International Volunteering Program 2008/2009 International Work camps and Projects
KENYA
T.I.V.S 2008/9 International Placements Opportunities in Kenya
A. Period: Work camps available for 1, 2 or 3 weeks. Voluntary projects in 1 to 12 months in Kenya, East Africa
B. Cost: 1 week: 80 euro, 2 weeks - 170 euro, 3 weeks - 200 euro and 230 euro for every month except for one health.
C.Placement Dates: Select the dates when you are available or the ones provided at our Work camps and Projects full-lists.
1. Volunteer Work with Children
The Volunteer in this rewarding placement provides important assistance to orphaned needy children who are homeless, parentless, abandoned and lonely. Share in their dreams, emotions and inspiration in life.
a. Project Work
The volunteer spends time teaching, artistic activities, music, providing health care, preparing meals, bedding, counseling, games and picnics and assisting with administration.
1. / Likoni Children’s Orphanage / Coast Province / Children/Teaching
2.. / Njaaga Children’s Home / Rift Valley Province / Children/Teaching
3. / Dream Children Project / Rift Valley Province / Children/Teaching
4. / Mahiga Children’s Home / Central Province / Children/Teaching
5. / Ogada Children’s Home / Nyanza Province / Children/Teaching
6. / Kangundo Children’s Home / Eastern Province / Children/Teaching
7. / Rev. Muhoro School For Deaf / Central Province / Children/Teaching
8. / St. Paul Children’s Center / Rift valley Province / Children/Teaching
9. / Bala Mercy Children’s Center / Nyanza Province / Children/Teaching
11. / Omega Child Shelter / Eastern Province / Children, Health Care
12. / Horeb Children Orphanage / Rift Valley Province / Children/Teaching
13. / Nyumbani Village / Eastern Province / Children and Elderly Care
2. Environment Conservation
Help in saving the Kenya's biodiversity and environment which is facing major threats. Your contribution will help community’s tame desertification, protect ancient rain-forest, save water resources and help local communities to access clean water and air for sustainable development. Join in efforts to save it now.
a. Nature of Work
Environmental Education, Scientific study, Research, Nature-based Income-generation Schemes and a forestation.
3. Human Rights, Social Justice and Good Governance
International volunteers are working actively with local grassroots human rights organizations to promote human rights, social justice, good governance, democracy and the rule of law.
a. Project Work: Education and advocacy campaigns in issues like civil and political rights, socio-economic and cultural rights, extra-judicial executions, public accountability, terrorism, administration of justice, crimes against humanity, children’s rights, capital punishment and assisting victims of rights violations among others.
d. Participants are students and practitioners of law, social, history, culture, international, economics and related studies, human rights activists, advocates, lawyers, public educators, media among others disciplines/ interests.Volunteers don’t need to be skilled but have an interest
4. Wildlife Volunteering
Volunteer work with wild animals projects to share our passion for wildlife and its conservation. Many animals face threatened by expanding human population and settlement, poaching and game-sports.
a. Project work: Ecological care, game census, maintenanceof infrastructure, game darting procedures, capturing and relocating animals, predator research, game monitoring, assist a wildlife vet with treatment caring of the injured and orphaned animals, natural resource management, patrols and public education.
5. Teaching Projects
teaching is among our most popular volunteer project and helps impart elementary knowledge to our pupil.
a. Project Work
Teach English, mathematics, history, sciences, geography, social, artistic or religious studies on your gap year. It’s a great opportunity to interact with students and teachers while tasting the Kenya culture.
2 / Caro Liviero School / Eastern Province / Teaching
6. Museum Volunteer Work
Volunteers are an integral part in preservation of our world’s rich historical art-facts and monuments and make essential contribution by transforming the mission of the museums into reality.
a. Project Work:
Research, collections and prepare exhibitions, museum displays, make presentations, administration support, conduct docents, public educational circuits and assist the curatorial staff at this beach-front Museum.
7. Emergences, Disaster Relief and SocialWork Volunteering
Join an international organizations working to alleviate human suffering socially, psychologically and emotionally through provision of life-support mechanism in disaster hit areas.
a. Nature of Work: Providing relief to people affected by natural calamities like floods, clashes, blasts, accidents and disease outbreaks. Coordinating blood donations, and emergency preparedness awareness, public health education and water and sanitation.
8. Construction T.I.V.S Group Placements: 2-20 Volunteers)
Our group construction and renovation projects will help provide decent housing to children, medical access facilities, create learning space and secure a place for public meetings in orphanage, hospitals, community hospitals, schools and social halls respectively at in selected regions.
a. Project Work: The construction and/or renovation include fixing windows, doorframes, roof, the floor, molding bricks, and painting, mixing ballast and planning
1. / Primary School Building / Rift Valley Province / Construction Work/teaching / Any time of the year
2. / Hospital Building / Eastern Province / Construction Work/teaching / Anytime of the year
3. / Social Hall Building / Eastern Province / Construction Work/teaching / Anytime of the year
9. Medical and Health Care
Some of local hospitals have good facilities and equipments but faces enormous deficit in terms of staff and resources to cope with the high number of patients. Come and join to help nurses and doctors to cope with daily work.
a. Project Work:
Pediatrics wards, out and in-patients services, laboratory services, obstetrical and gynecological, wards for male and female, maternity, dental, Eye-Ear-Nose clinics, post-mortem and funeral home, special medicalclinics for diabetes, hypertension, asthma, cardiac,HIV/Aids testing and counseling.
Cost: 200 Euro for 3 weeks and 230 per month
Preferably from 2ndyear and above medical students, a graduate, doctors, nurses andall related courses and or professional field.
Accommodation: Hospital Guest House
2. / Likoni Health Center / Coast Province / Medical and Health Care
Accommodation: Host Family.
Cost: 3 weeks 200 Euro one month or 2 weeks 200 Euro
Any Students of medical and health, practitioners of medicine and related field
ii. General Requirement:Health and Medical Work camps/Projectin Kenya
Anyone interested to serve in a Kenyan Medical or Health Work camp /ProjectMUST bring along a recommendation letter from his/her University, institution or employer.Or a letter indicating your intrests
10.Dental Service Volunteering (Special Work-Camps)
Kenya dental units are few and the hospitals are abuzz with patients and doctors can’t cope with the care needs.
a. Project Work: Oral hygiene instruction, extractions of adults and children, fillings, amalgam, dentures and public outreach and education. A great opportunity for dentists and any student of dental study.
b.Accommodation: At a Executive Guest House
1. Full-board single13 euro /per day
2. Full-board double23 euro /per day
3. Half-board single 10 Euros /per day
4. Half-board double18 Euro/per day
Volunteer separately pays for the Accommodation costs which are exclusive of Program fee.
c. Cost: 90 Euros for placement administration
11. Farm Work Volunteering
Help local communities boost food production to curb hunger, malnutrition and boost financial income. Farm-work is for everybody! It’ fun and educational, both to first-time farm visitors and seasoned hands.
a. Project Work
Digging, planting, harvesting produce, milking, tractor work, feeding cattle, milk delivery and marketing produces.
12. Children, Girls, Youths and Women Empowerment
No. / Project Name / Location / Nature of Work / Placement Dates