IcFEM Gap Volunteers | Become a Volunteer Today

Frequently Asked Questions

· What type of projects could I be involved in?

IcFEM is an organisation, which is growing all the time, the reason for this is because we are involved in many areas. Spiritual Enhancement is achieved through church leadership development, organising outreaches to the less reached groups and children’s workers development. In addition there are projects including tailoring, book and stationary sales, transport support services, farming, health service, wheelchair distribution, corrective surgery, caring for the elderly, widows and orphans, community offenders rehabilitation, library services, loan scheme for funding small businesses, water protection and storage, circumcision, HIV/ aids awareness, ISP and newspaper publishing.

· How much will it cost?

The vaccinations, flight, transfer and orientation costs will be the same regardless of how long you stay. The only cost that will vary will be the accommodation and administrative charges throughout your stay. This could be as little as 300GBP for a two weeks stay extending to about 3000GBP for six months. You will not need much spending money but you will need to have access to extra funds if you intend to arrange trips while you are here because they can be expensive.

· Who can apply?

If you are over 18 seeking a growing relationship with God we encourage you to apply to the IcFEM Mission.

· How do I know what to take?

If you decide to choose IcFEM for your Gap Year, then we’ll send out an information pack, which includes all of the necessary aspects that you need to consider e.g. a packing list, visa requirements, flight arrangements, and cash. This will be sent out to you once you have been accepted on the programme. (IcFEM don’t organise your flights.)

· Will there be other Gap Year Students there with me?

IcFEM will try to arrange a group of students working within the community at the same time even if you are part of a group, you may be attached to different projects. When selecting students we are hoping to attract students with as wide a range of skills as possible.

· Will I be able to travel around while I’m there?

You’ll have the opportunity to arrange trips whilst based at the Mission. Your Gap Year Administrator will help you make the necessary arrangements, it is likely that you will need to pay for the trip two weeks in advance.

· What happens if I get sick?

IcFEM has a hospital called Dreamland Medical Care Centre which is about a 5 minute drive from the office and the guest house. So if the illness is serous you’ll be taken there. Also our staff here will be available to advise and make whatever arrangements are necessary. There are good dentists in Kimilili and Kisumu. There are pharmacies near the guest house as well as at the Dreamland Medical Centre.

· Who manages the handling of money?

You will have to look after your own money however you don’t need to bring all of your money in cash. There are ATM’s in the towns surrounding Kimilili, so you’ll be able to access your money at these points. However there are no FOREX facilities in Kimilili and the nearest ATM is about half an hour’s drive away.

· How easy is it to buy things?

At the IcFEM Headquarters we have a book shop which also sells gifts and we have fantastic tailoring facilities where you can have wonderful clothes made at a very reasonable cost. Within a five minute walk there is a well stocked supermarket for your every day needs.

· When should I apply?

You really need to apply at least 4 months before the date you would like to start your attachment with IcFEM. This allows you to be interviewed and make necessary arrangements. You should consider applying earlier especially if you are likely to need more time to raiser finance. You can apply by using the application form on our website which is www.gap-volunteers.icfem-mission.org. This will allow your application to go through the system a lot faster than it would to send it by post to Headquarters here in Kimilili.

· Do you have to be qualified to go on a gap placement?

You do not need any formal qualifications to take a year out with the Gap Programme. We are looking for enthusiastic and determined volunteers who want to make a difference to those less fortunate. than you are. We do not expect you to have had any specific training. However we are looking for people who have skills they can offer the IcFEM Mission and who have a heart for the people of Western Province of Kenya.

· Where will I live and who will I live with?

The whole time you are living in Kimilili, Kenya, you will be lodging in the guest house, which is called Ukuhani Guest House. This is where you’ll be having your breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus fellowship. There are more details about the guest house later in the brochure.

· Can I extend my stay while overseas?

You can extend your stay whilst here. The only aspect which you’ll need to make sure of, is that your Kenyan Visa is valid up to the departure date. Extensions to visas are carried out in Eldoret, about an hour’s drive away. You will need to make sure that the guest house is available. For a stay of over 3 months, you need to register as an alien.

· Do I need to speak the local language?

Children are taught English in school and the majority in this area speak fluent English. It is hoped that you try to learn some Kiswahili and if you are successful in your application a basic guide to language is provided for you.

· Will I be able to work closely with a local community?

Yes, depending on which departments you want to work with, you’ll spend your working day at the IcFEM Headquarters and with the local communities. You’ll be exposed to the local culture as well as sharing skills with the community and learning the local language. It is in this work that you’ll acquire a greater cultural understanding.

· Will I be met at the airport?

The nearest and most convenient airport is Kisumu where you will be met either by taxi or IcFEM staff member who will bring you to Kimilili.