Voluntariado: Kenya!

I am writing on behalf of Global Vision International who are seeking expedition members for our conservation projects in Kenya.

Expedition members are required to join the GVI research team throughout the year to participate in terrestrial and marine wildlife research, and community development projects on the Kenyan coast of the western Indian Ocean, East Africa. There is also a free Careers Abroad fieldwork placement and job vacancy service for all expedition members once they have participated in an expedition.

Research projects are dynamic and community development projects vary according to the changing priorities of the communities we support. The main projects include research on and conservation of; cetacean populations, including bottlenose and humpback dolphins and seasonal research on spinner dolphins and humpback whales, turtle snorkel surveys, primates including the Angolan black and white colobus and coastal forest biodiversity.

Community development projects include teaching English in primary schools, environmental education, adult education classes, human-wildlife conflict and alternative livelihood projects.

We also have internships, which offer participants the chance to work alongside wildlife conservationprofessionals and play a part in the long-term conservation of two of Kenya’s most important protected areas: Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Protected Area and Tsavo West National Park.

Expedition focus:
Volunteers will rotate on a weekly basis around our marine research, coastal forest research, coastal teaching & community development and Tsavo West community development programmes. Volunteers receive thorough training at the beginning of each programme including research survey techniques, data collection, species identification including cetaceans, marine turtles, primates and birds as well GVI’s introduction to TEFL course. An optional BTEC qualification in Supervision of Biological Surveys is also available and volunteers will build upon their training, gaining knowledge and developing practical field skills throughout their time on the programmes. First Aid & CPR training is provided along with all health and safety protocols relevant to the expedition and university/college credits may also be available. We also provide basic Kiswahili lessons and ample opportunity to practice as well as opportunities to arrange side trips to other habitats and locations.

Highlights of the programme:
- Gain experience in both marine and terrestrial research including marine mammal surveys and primate behaviour.
- Receive comprehensive training at our Mkwiro base on Wasini Island adjacent to the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Protected Area, Kenya’s most famous dolphin-watching location and premier coral reef dive site.
- Learn marine mammal and turtle survey techniques including photo-identification.
- Spend time at our mainland base in Shimoni, a national historical conservation area and home to Kenya’s second largest population of Angolan black and white colobus in coastal forests that are recognised as a Global Biodiversity Hotspot.
- Receive training in primate research, including behavioural studies, and learn a diverse range of biodiversity surveys.
- Take the opportunity to gain a BTEC qualification in Supervising Biological Surveys supported by a unique broad range of field experience.
- Undertake GVI’s Introduction to TEFL course and teach English in local schools as well as environmental education.
- Work with former wildlife poachers on the edge of Tsavo West national park, camping in the shadow of Mt Kilimanjaro, to develop alternative livelihoods that will promote both community development and conservation.
- Learn about human-wildlife conflict in modern rural Africa and practical ways that communities can co-exist with wildlife.
- Immerse yourself in traditional Swahili culture and experience the cultural, geographic and biological diversity of Kenya in some of its most beautiful and off-the-beaten track locations.

Further details including a detailed briefing are outlined on the relevant webpage at
http://www.gvi.co.uk/expeditions/Africa/Kenya/conservation-community-development-expedition/home

Global Vision International Critical conservation and humanitarian projects in over 40 countries rely on GVI for volunteers, promotion and direct funding. GVI works locally with its partners to promote sustainable development through environment research, conservation and education.

GVI volunteers benefit from exceptional support, training, internship and traineeship schemes.

For more information about GVI visit www.gvi.co.uk.

Career Opportunities in the field:
GVI offers a large range of jobs, internships and other exciting field work placements in the fields of education, research, environmental management and wildlife research alongside its partner organizations in countries across the world. Candidates undertaking internships or placements will be in a stronger position to apply for paid field positions. Many current GVI staff have obtained their positions in this way. More details can be seen on
http://www.careersabroad.co.uk.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards,

Richard Walton

Global Vision International
3 High Street
St Albans
HERTS
AL3 4ED
01727 250 250
www.gvi.co.uk