The East African Center for the Empowerment of Women and Children (EAC) is an NGO located in the rural coastal village of Takaungu. The EAC helps communities achieve empowerment by increasing literacy for women and children, improving health status, and eradicating poverty.

 The EAC operates several development programs, all of       which are community-driven, low-tech and sustainable. Programs include comprehensive education initiatives, skill-building income-generating activities, community heath initiatives, and a Junior School for local children. More specifically, volunteers have the opportunity to work in any of the EAC’s eight distinct programs:

• Vutakaka Junior School
• Vutakaka Maternal and reproductive, immunization,        nutrion and general health Clinic
• Community Health Worker Program
• Vutakaka Sewing Club and entrepreneurship (instructional class and manufacturing group)
• Adult Education                     
• Health Education
• Business Education
Those interested in working with the EAC may come as a volunteer, or as an intern or independent study student for university credit. The program suits teachers, medical ( nurses and doctors) professional or students, business professional or students and general volunteers with no specific skills but a desire to reach out to those in need.

For more information, visit www.eastafricancenter.org

PROJECT LOCATION

The project is located in Takaungu village. The village of Takaungu is a warm and welcoming traditional community located on the coast. Its red dirt roads lined with palm trees, white sandy beaches, and idyllic society make it the ideal place to get a taste of the African experience.

The village is a short journey from Mombasa, a bustling port city alive with Swahili, Kenyan and Indian culture. Takaungu has all of the charm of a rural village, while still being within reach of many of the exciting aspects of Kenya’s incredible environmental and cultural tourist destinations. Takaungu is one hour drive from Mombasa city.

ATRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

The local beach is called "Kitangani." It's a postcard and located less than 1 mile from Takaungu village. Kivukoni is the local name for what might otherwise be called the "Takaungu Creek." In actuality it's a salt-water inlet with no connection to any fresh water source. When the water "is full" (high tide), it's the best place to swim, next to mangroves and sometimes you can see monkeys in the trees.

For internet use or banking facilities, Kilifi town is just 25 minutes drive or 1 hour walk  from Takaungu. Here there are restaurants  serving  pizza, coffee and local foods.

In addition to weekends, volunteers are welcome to take 5 (more for six months stay) travel/vacation days off during their stay.

Other destinations you may be interested in include Mombasa - many sites to see in this old and historic coastal city including old town, fort Jesus, Hindu temple and local fabric shops. There are also plenty of banks, cyber cafes, restaurants and pubs. Lamu - magical island at the northern end of the Kenyan coast; Lamu seems to be the richest Kenyan preserve of Swahili culture. Malindi, Watamu and South Coast Mombasa are great locations for snorkeling and relaxing on pristine beaches. Tsavo (The theatre of the wild) and Amboseli National Parks - both great places to go on safari to see lions, zebras, elephants and other animals that make East Africa famous for it's wildlife.

 PROGRAM LENGTH: The program length is minimum 2 weeks and maximum 6 months.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

 -Be 18 years or older

- Have no major health problems

- Have no criminal record

- Self motivation, patience, open minded and respect of local culture, traditions and dress code.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE: 8-12.30 pm and 2.00pm -5 pm. Weekends are free. Volunteers can pursue their own interests on weekends.

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD: Home stay with host families. You will be provided with your own room and 3 meals a day. The meals will be nutritious and local. Vegetarians are catered for. This arrangement ensures that you get fully immersed in to the culture and at the same time have your own privacy.

PICK UP: You will be picked up at the airport by a representative of Come Kuona upon your arrival.

ARRIVAL: Any day of the week apart from weekends

PROGRAM COST:

The prices are in US Dollars

Cost for  2 weeks - $ 550

Cost for 1 month - $800

Cost for 2 months -$ 1400

Cost for 3 months -$ 2100

Cost for 4 months- $ 2800

Cost for 6 months - $ 4200

To see the cost in your local currency click here.

APPLICATION: To apply to the  program please click here for our application form

CONFIRMATION: Once we have received you application we will contact you to confirm your acceptance. After that we will ask you to pay a deposit fee of $ 100 which counts towards your fees. 2 months before your arrival we will ask you to pay the program fees after which we will send you a full travel packet which will include information on Visas , Vaccination , detailed information about the country, city and much more.