Frequently Asked Questions : MACCOP

Questions

Why volunteer with MACCOP Kenya? What type of volunteer work can I do? Can Children under the age of 18 volunteer with MACCOP Kenya? Can I volunteer with a friend(s) or a partner? Can we volunteer as a family? Can I volunteer with a group of students, colleagues or friends? How can I volunteer with MACCOP Kenya? How far in advance should I apply? What happens after I apply? Do I require a Visa to travel to Kenya? What other additional costs will I have? Do I need to provide a Criminal Background Check? Is travel insurance included in the program fee? Which Vaccinations will I require? Do I need to be able to speak the local language? What happens when I arrive to the project in Kenya? Can I go travelling and sightseeing during my stay? What is the accommodation like? Do volunteers need to bring their own bedding? Do you make provision for Special diets? What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program? How safe is it to volunteer in Kenya? What clothing is appropriate for the program?

Answers

Why volunteer with MACCOP Kenya? We believe in providing opportunities for international volunteers to become fully immersed in Maasai life and embrace cross-cultural learning. Volunteers will benefit from learning exchanges with host families and community, sharing skills, ideas, values, languages and cultural differences.

What type of volunteer work can I do? We offer a range of volunteer opportunities to suit all interests and skills, from building projects to supporting in the local children’s home or school. You can also browse some of our more detailed building and renovation projects, and contact us if interested.

Can Children under the age of 18 volunteer with MACCOP Kenya? Yes, but they must be with a parent, guardian or family member who is 18 years or over.

Can I volunteer with a friend(s) or a partner? Yes, friends and couples are always welcome to volunteer together. If there is a large group of you, we can host you together or in pairs with our host families.

Can we volunteer as a family? Yes, we can accommodate families and ensure you are hosted together. Our coordinators can also help you organise trips and excursions to enjoy as a family during your stay.

Can I volunteer with a group of students, colleagues or friends? Absolutely, you may wish to sign up for one of the building projects listed and fundraise the target amount required, so that you can complete a specific project during your stay.

How can I volunteer with MACCOP Kenya? It is very simple, just click on the link to volunteer and complete the application form. You can identify what aspects of the project you would be interested in and the dates you would like to volunteer. Once you have been accepted, you will be invited to register by paying for the Program fee to confirm your place and enable us to start the registration process.

How far in advance should I apply? We recommend that you apply as soon as you have decided to volunteer with us. Make sure you give your self-time to organise flights and get the required vaccinations.

What happens after I apply? Once you have competed the application form and been accepted, Daniel Pariken (Project Founder) will email to welcome you and give you all the details for paying the Program Fee, and he will also provide details for payment of host fees and transport costs. The team will also collect information about what aspects of the project you want to work on and any trips you are interested in, so that we can ensure you get the best experience during your stay.

Do I require a Visa to travel to Kenya? What other additional costs will I have? Yes, you can apply for this at the airport on arrival (£30). For the project you will need to pay the Project Fee, Host Fee and Airport Transport prior to arrival from the UK. Other additional costs will include travel insurance, vaccinations, souvenirs, trips or tours and spending money (volunteers in Kenya generally find between £10 and £20 to be sufficient for basic weekly expenses).
You can contact the Kenyan High Commission in your country to check on visa application.

Do I need to provide a Criminal Background Check? Yes, you will need to provide this prior to your arrival. To obtain one you should check online with the local council or police to get information. You would need to send us a scanned copy and show us the original on arrival.

Is travel insurance included in the program fee? Travel insurance is not included in the programme fee, you need to organise this. The MACCOP Team will do everything to ensure you have a great experience and that your trip goes smoothly. However, it is mandatory to have adequate travel insurance in case you fall sick, your bags go missing or something is stolen.

Which Vaccinations will I require? The vaccinations you require will depend on which vaccinations you have had previously. We recommend you contact your local doctor or pharmacy to check.
Check primary courses & boosters are up to date as recommended for life in your country.
• Courses & boosters advised are Cholera, Meningitis & Rabies.
• A Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate is required for travellers coming to Kenya.
• Check with local doctors or pharmacy about course of Malaria Tablets.

Do I need to be able to speak the local language? Volunteers are generally only required to speak English; however we will teach you some basic Maasai & Swahili. You can also purchase a small phrase book to help you.

What happens when I arrive to the project in Kenya? When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a representative of the Maccop Team. They will take you to your host family. You will attend a program orientation which is hosted by the MACCOP team to give you an introduction to the project, culture, safety advice, transport options, expectations, your placement and travel opportunities. They will show you around the local area and town. The team are available 24/7 to provide support during your stay and make sure you are well looked after.

Can I go travelling and sightseeing during my stay? You will have free time to explore, please have a look at information on the website about trips and excursions. The MACCOP Team will be able to help you organise trips.

What is the accommodation like? You are staying in a rural part of Maasai land and living standards are basic. You will stay in a corrugated house, and be provided with a bedroom, bed & mattress. There are rooms to wash, but you will be using a bucket. The toilet is a small shack with a hole.
Many of the houses have solar power, so there may be some light in the evenings.
Cooking is done on open fires; you will be able to get involved with preparation and cooking.

Do volunteers need to bring their own bedding? You will be provided with a bed & mattress, but you should come with a sleeping bag, pillow and mosquito net.

Do you make provision for Special diets? Yes, it is possible to make special arrangements for vegetarians, wheat free etc. Please let us know prior to your arrival.

What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program? An applicant is considered by the information they provide on the application. If further information is required, an applicants will be emailed for request on this. We also look further at your application as to skills and experience specifically related to the program you have applied to. We are really interested to know about your skills, knowledge & hobbies, so that we can help plan a great program for you.

How safe is it to volunteer in Kenya? Kenya is a safe and peaceful country. However, political rallies can occur in areas such as Nairobi, Eldoret and Kisumu which can become violent and see an increase in crime. Travel advisories recommend that visitors exercise a high degree of caution. While in Kenya, visitors should avoid rallies or demonstrations and stay aware of the current situation as the details and dates of rallies may change. MACCOP volunteers will be accommodated in Maasailand which is the safest ever place in Kenya.

What clothing is appropriate for the program? Considering the temperature, we recommend light coloured, cotton clothing that modestly covers your body (knee-length or longer). As well as comfortable sturdy footwear as well as a pair of sandals/sandals for light walking is recommended. Have sunglasses and a hat as well as sun cream.

If you have any other questions please just send an email.