Today many people in the professional spaces are offering their time and some of their leave days to support a cause they feel passionate about or a calling – whatever you would want to call it. Many young and old professionals are dedicating a percentage of their money and time to providing technical assistance to other individuals or organizations in the industries they feel passionate about. Volunteerism is a selfless way to provide your support to an individual or an organization with the aim to support philanthropic causes and provide assistance to their local communities.
Volunteering either through individual or group action is a way an individual or a community expresses its human values such as care and service. Most individuals would find it as the best way to serve while learning, growing, and at the same time realizing their purpose to full human potential. Volunteerism creates connections across differences, enabling humans to interact with others, and live together in healthy, sustainable communities, working together to provide innovative solutions to our shared challenges and shape our collective destinies.
One of the integral values of EF is service to God and humanity as we serve. We believe in servant leadership which is an idea based on prioritizing service to the many learners we work with within rural public primary schools in underserved communities that we serve. Elimu Fanaka has created an opportunity for individuals with a passion for community development, children, and education to find a place they can serve and perhaps live out their calling/purpose. With its various programs including Arts & Culture, Functional Libraries & Technology, and
Mentorship & Capacity Building, EF has designed an avenue for you as an individual, company, organization, or /and group to find a footing in community service.
Serving at Elimu Fanaka through volunteering will expose you to learning about the different cultures of the communities we serve, provide you with an opportunity to mentor a child, a teacher, or a team member, and provide them with the support that can edify and lift their spirits/esteem. Volunteering at EF will also provide you with a chance to explore the regions we work in for example since 2019, EF has been working in Taita Taveta county and this is also where the HQ office is located.
Here are a few things you would appreciate about the EF HQ location:
Our office is located in Taita Taveta and all the current schools we serve are in the region although spread out in different locations including Mwatate, Mbulia, Voi, and Saghalla regions. People of this region are the Taita or (Wadawida), Kasigaus, Sagallas, and Taveta. All these four tribes are collectively known as the Taita Taveta people. Taita Taveta has a variety of hills, valleys, lakes, and rivers but what makes it special is it’s the home of the big fives – you will find these in the main national park the Tsavo. Taita is also populated with gemstones and this is classified as one of the economic activities of the people in this region.
Apart from the four tribes – Taita is populated with a diverse range of other Kenyas as its attractive gemstone has allowed more people from outside to trade with the locals.
The Taita Hills – Taita is known for its many hills, an attraction for campers and hill climbers, you will find these spread out all over the region.
Taita Hills Sanctuary – Famously known as the Saltlick is also located in the region. The conservancy covers an area of 28,000 acres of mosaic habitat where the plant physiognomy is riverine forest, savanna wood and grassland. The vegetation formation is usually dense, stratified and always dominated by Acacia /Commiphora trees and may appear to be evergreen in wet areas such as in the central lowlands of the sanctuary.
The main National Park in Kenya – Tsavo -The sight of dust-red elephants wallowing, rolling and spraying each other with the midnight blue waters of the palm-shaded Galana River is one of the most evocative images in Africa. This, along with the 300 kilometers long Yatta Plateau, the longest lava flow in the world, make for an adventure unlike any other.
Taita people are known for their wonderful dance. The Taita people have always enjoyed expressing themselves through music. They had many interesting forms of traditional dance, the most common one is called Mwazindika. This dance was for exorcism and celebrating life. Explore the different sites and learn about the traditions.
Connect with our partner schools and the team in the office.
What you will gain after your short-term volunteering experience:
So, what are the benefits of volunteering with Elimu Fanaka?
Increase your social skills– by spending a lot of time working with others and using social skills, like active listening and relationship management, Elimu Fanaka provides you with the opportunity to develop your future, personal and business relationships.
Provides you with a sense of purpose – we reach out to help others and by this together we give your life new meaning and keep you mentally stimulated.
Get you out of your comfort zone – by volunteering with us, we help you overcome the personal challenges of leaving your comfort zone and doing something new with people you may not know. You may be faced with various problems to solve as a volunteer that requires you to exercise critical thinking skills that aid your own personal development.
Provides job prospects – along with acquiring valuable skills and experience, Elimu Fanaka gives you an opportunity to meet people while volunteering, who can become your mentors or at least a part of your professional social network.
Provides a sense of community – we help our volunteers to experience a great sense of belonging and make you want to get involved with other aspects of your community be it local
politics or advocating for programs you believe are important.
Helps you connect with new friends – as an Elimu Fanaka volunteer, you’ll typically interact with people from diverse backgrounds, which allows you to learn other perspectives.
Improves self-esteem – when you do something you feel is worthwhile and valuable for your community, it gives you a sense of accomplishment that may help you feel more fulfilled about your life and any future goals. Where better to get this than Elimu Fanaka?
Bringing fun into your life – many people use volunteering as a way to pursue their hobbies while making a difference. Where else to volunteer in fun-filled programs than at Elimu Fanaka? By volunteering with us we provide you with a renewed sense of creativity and motivation that carries over into your personal and professional life.
Can help you be happier – it often feels good to contribute to projects and organizations that mean something to you. Volunteering with us provides you with the tools you need to be a happy and well-rounded individual. These good feelings can help lessen the effects of stress, anger, or anxiety in your life.
#Educate #Empower #Transform