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Participate as a volunteer in our projects supporting IDPs in Kenya

DVA offers volunteers the opportunity to participate in our community based projects within international work camps. The work camps last for 3 weeks during the months of July, August and December . During this time volunteers live and work within the community targeted in direct contact with the beneficiaries and our local partners. For more detailed information about our work camps go to (get involved/volunteering with DVA).

In 2008 our activities focus on the support of people affected by the post-election conflicts, in particular internally displaced persons (IDPs) who now live in IDP camps and lack the basics and strive to return to their homes and lives.

Violence in many parts of Kenya erupted following the general election on 27th December 2007. Although the riots were triggered by political disagreements, it soon took ethnic dimensions which spiralled into revenge-based ethnic clashes, displacements and many deaths.

The post-election violence caused a serious humanitarian crisis in Kenya. Aid agencies estimate that up to 300,000 IDPs are in camps while a similar number could be displaced but not in camps. An estimated 1,500 people died in the post-election violence, according to government figures.

Their houses were burned and family members killed, raped and injured. Women and children form 75% of the IDP population.

According to official data there are 50 IDP camps spread in the country. But the Rift Valley has been particularly hit by the violence that led to an escalation in the numbers of displaced people arriving in towns like Nakuru and Eldoret . Alone the camp in the central Rift Valley town of Nakuru hosts 5,900 IDPs.

Many international and local aid organizations are offering support to the IDPs. The most urgent needs addressed have been primary health care, psycho social support, supply of essential materials, spreading of information, response to gender based violence, provision of emergency education services etc.

DVA works closely with the national and provincial authorities, international partners and local NGOs to help communities and displaced persons respond, cope and recover from the crisis.

The projects aim at:

• reconciliation and peace-building
• stabilization and reviving livelihoods
• restoring and enhancing the capacity of basic services

Our Projects in favor of IDPs

DVA selected partners and projects in some of the most affected areas (Nakuru, Naivasha, Eldoret and Kisumu)

Project code	Location	Date	Activities	Places
DVA/IDP/1/O8	Nakuru	July	Distribution of materials / activities with children / teaching / counseling and awareness raising / reporting Rehabilitation of buildings and environment / Peace promotion / assistance to community and health workers / water tank construction / poultry housing etc.	Free
DVA/IDP/2/O8	Naivasha	August		Free
DVA/IDP/3/O8	Eldoret	September		Free
DVA/IDP/4/O8	Kisumu	December		Free

Volunteering requirements

General requirements:

• At least 18 years of age.

• Cooperative and understanding

• Motivated and hardworking

• Patient and with good people skills

• Open minded, flexible and willing to adapt to simple living conditions.

• Independent and proactive

• Good team player

• General all rounder