Hello Friends,
My name is Jamar Brown and I'm on a mission to go to Africa this May. I'm very excited for the opportunity to travel to Kenya and make an impact on not only the community, but myself. I see this trip as a life-changing experience however I do need your help to make this dream come true.
We are traveling through a volunteer program called KayaVolunteer. They are an international volunteer organization who has laid out an extensive and exciting two-week experience for myself and the other College of Charleston students I'm traveling with. The role of a volunteer, as stated on their website is as follows...
Role of the volunteer
As the hospital has so many patients, volunteers are needed to help organise patients and create a system that will free the doctors to attend to the patients' needs instead of trying to maintain order. You will also be able to help nurses carry out vitals measurements before the patients see the doctor. This hospital is particularly well known for its specialized eye unit. Volunteers will have the opportunity to observe eye specialists performing eye surgeries, and learn from experienced medical doctors. Furthermore, volunteers would be able to observe health professionals in the maternity and orthopaedic wards and assist them when needed. For example, you may be asked to help with the weighing of babies or with recording results of eye tests.
The orphanages need you to help with teaching the children, and general care such as cooking for the children's meals or organising sports and play activities to promote their well-being. There is also building and refurbishment work needed to make it feel more like home for the children: by painting pictures on the walls, repairing furniture, etc. Some of the orphanages we partner with are building to expand and improve their facilities. Your pair of hands will be greatly appreciated in this practical work.
In the Mukuru slums, volunteers are needed to help with the administration in clinic and community programme support, and to work hand-in-hand with the nurses or visiting doctors. You will also have the opportunity to be involved in home-based care for those patients who are unable to visit the clinic. You will also be able to help teachers in surrounding schools, assisting at orphanages and getting involved in the feeding program. For those who are brave at heart, there is the massive task of helping to clear drains, which are the main source of water-borne diseases and malaria. This is not for the faint-hearted. But it is an irreplaceable opportunity to make a large impact on the quality of life and well-being of the community, and perhaps even open doors to involve community members in preserving and looking after their own environment.
The cost of the program is $1400, which includes a place to stay with three meals a day. There is also 24 hour emergency assistance, a small language class, cultural excursions, and funding for individual projects.
Round trip flights, visas, and immunizations are not included, but are estimated to be approx. $1500.
I have been able to raise a substantial amount thus far, but I still have a long way to go. I NEED YOUR HELP! I am afraid the fundraisers we are doing now won't be enough to cover the cost of the trip, so I'm asking that you donate however much possible to this cause! No amount is too small.
If you wish to donate, please email jrbrown1@edisto.cofc.edu with your name and amount you'd like to contribute.
Thank you so much, and I'll constantly be updating this blog with new information and updates.
-Jamar Brown
