They have done it! > 2011 > Kenya
Emukhaya, Kenya
July 2008
My first workcamp was truly unforgettable. Although I had travelled quite a bit previously, I decided I wanted to experience Africa from less of a ‘tourist’ perspective, so I chose to volunteer in Kenya.
I worked with the Emukhaya Youth Group in Emukhaya, Western province; a remote, undeveloped area of the country. The village did not benefit from electricity and had only recently installed a water tank with pipes and 8 taps to serve the local community with fresh drinking water.
Our principal jobs were to continue the water project by reinforcing the water flow, which ran from a natural spring in the hills down to the village, and to make bricks for the construction of a second water tank. The work was physically demanding which was my main reason for choosing this particular project from a host of others.
We worked for 4 hours each day in small groups then spent the afternoons taking part in cultural activities, including: visiting local people; trips to other parts of the province; preparing the evening’s entertainment or simply spending time socialising with the other volunteers who, in all, came from 7 countries. We even had the opportunity to teach some lessons at the local primary school which was an amazing opportunity!
I would recommend participating in a workcamp, especially with VAP, who ensured that I found a project to suit me and provided essential training for me in preparation for my trip. Being part of a workcamp really is a life-changing experience, oh, and it looks great on your CV!
Helen B. from Wigan
yap-uk
+44 0208 123 5927
