Kenya is one of Africa’s best wildlife destinations with some incredible natural wonders and a fascinating diverse human population such as the Maasai tribe. It also has one of the highest HIV infection rates in the world and struggles to cope with the resulting social problems.
Despite being one of Africa’s most developed nations, the gap between the rich and poor in Kenya is growing. Around 23% of the population lives below the poverty line, and life expectancy rates are falling. Rapid population growth and the disproportionate distribution of income have worsened social problems. For most people living in rural locations, subsistence farming is the main source of income. Increasing migration to the cities has led to the creation of large slum areas. Diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Cholera are prevalent. Furthermore, widespread drought, which reached a level of national crisis in 2004, has only added to the hardships of daily life for most Kenyans.
PMGY assist in a number of community development initiatives throughout Kenya that provide support to disadvantaged socio-economic groups – primarily the youth and HIV/AIDS victims. As a volunteer in Kenya you have the opportunity to see a side of Kenya that your average safari tourist will never experience. Volunteering alongside local Kenyans you will learn about the nation’s rich and diverse culture as you work towards supporting some of Kenya’s most vulnerable people.
