Children Development Programme

1. Project Name
Likoni Children's Orphanage

2. Focus
Children care and basic education

3. The Project Background
The Likoni Children's Orphanage is located in Mombassa in coast region of Kenya. It was founded in 2000 by Likoni-based Timbwani Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Earnest Ombeva. Rev Ombeva was touched by the plight of local homeless children orphaned by Aids or abandoned by parents, and facing hard life on the streets and villages without basic needs and exposed to insecurity. So he initiated the home to shelter and sought aid to assist them access basic education to harness their full potential in life. There is no social security net in Kenya and so, kids with no family are on their own. Currently, the orphanage has 56 children and 5 staff helping with daily administration. The home which depends on well-wishers provides the children with shelter, food, clothing and a warm homely environment. It also helps the children access education and health care needs. The children attend a primary school nearby which is also operated by the Timbwani Church. The orphanage building comprises of a kitchen, living room, sleeping rooms, administration room and shower rooms. There is a poultry and cow pens within the compound.

4. Type of Work
Assisting with cooking, cleaning, making beds, playing with kids, teaching them at school, counseling, mentoring and beach excursions nearby. You will also act as big sister/brother to the kids by providing them with love.

The Likoni Orphanage, volunteers at beach with children, and baby caring.

5. Time commitment
The orphanage work begins at 8.30 a.m and end at 4.30 p.m – 8 hours a day, Monday through Friday. Work tasks are allotted specific hours, but this may at times change incase of emerging issues or certain areas requiring urgent or more attention. Weekends are free to relax or visit places of attraction.

6. What to Bring
You may wish to bring any items which promote reading, writing, artistic creativity, sports and health like papers, rulers, pens, pencils, text and story books, guitar, balls, nets, ropes, balloons, clothes, toothbrush and drugs.

7. Accommodation and Food
You will be staying in a host family near the project, either in an individual or shared room. Kenyan food and drinks will be provided 3 meals per day. Any extra food, such as chocolates, soft drinks and cookies will have to be purchased by the volunteer.

8. Information about the Area
Likoni is a division of Mombassa district and is located to the south of the island. Likoni is famous site of the southern terminus of the Likoni Ferry, a double-ended ferry serving road traffic and pedestrians from both Likoni and Mombassa Island. Three sides of Likoni border the ocean-line. Likoni has four administration councils including Ganjoni, Likoni, Mtongwe and Shika Adabu with 350,000 inhabitants out of Mombassa’s total population of 3,325,307. Likoni is the gateway to other southern inland towns of Kwale, Ukunda and Diani. Likoni community is mostly coastal people, but with a small percentage of upcountry immigrants.  Fishing and small-scale business are main economic activities. Area attractions are; Fort Jesus, beach, old town and crocodile farm.

10. Kenya Climate
Kenya's climate varies across the country; with tropical humidity coast, dry heat savannah or semi-arid areas [hinterlands], and cool highlands. It experiences long rains between April and June, and the short rains between November and December. Temperatures 27°C at the coast, 21°C to 27°C in the hinterland, while the highlands range between 19°C and 24°C.

b. Weather Information For Mombassa
Area is normally hot and humid with rainy seasons in March, April, May and June. Temperatures range from 28 to 39 degrees centigrade annually.

11. Who Qualify to Work
Anyone with a heart for orphaned children and can speak basic English.