Volunteering with Moving Mountains
This is a chance to get involved with a well established and successful NGO working in Kenya on the social welfare of needy families and children. Moving Mountains is our charity and it was registered in 2001 and has been very successful in rehabilitating children who have suffered the effects of abuse, neglect and living rough on the streets. It has also built schools and clinics and has a lot of qualified and experienced staff working in the field on the programmes and projects. Volunteering with Moving Mountains means working with our staff on all our programmes and projects.
Adventure Alternative was created at the same time as Moving Mountains in 2001 and for all that time the company has supported the charity financially and structurally. Many of the staff in Adventure Alternative Kenya also volunteer with Moving Mountains and the staff in the UK office are also trustees of the charity.
The charity was formed on the premise that some children face challenges every day which make every day seem like moving a mountain. Life is exceptionally hard and even the challenge of basic requirements like water, food and shelter are insurmountable. Our programmes provide the support network to protect those children and families, to give them a sense of worth and identity, and to equip them with the tools to get on in life. These are the life skills and values that help us survive and thrive in the modern era, and the volunteer programme we offer gives you the chance to help them in that journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do volunteer trips last?
We recommend spending a minimum of two weeks volunteering with us, but many people stay for an average of 4 to 6 weeks.
What type of person volunteers?
Most of the programmes we run with Moving Mountains would be suitable for anyone with enthusiasm and energy and some life experience. Some programmes require specific skills, especially anything to do with counseling. Some are sports coaches, some have teaching experience, some can engage with music or drama or art, some teach, some can run a camping trip. All volunteers have a natural empathy and desire to share and learn.
Do you need a visa to volunteer in Kenya?
A single entry visa is normally required for a trip to Kenya to go on a volunteer experience. You are not being employed so to all intents and purposes it is a normal holiday visa that is required.
How much money to do you need to volunteer in Africa?
We charge a fee which covers all of your accommodation, meals, transport and all the local support from our charity staff while you are there. We also ask that you fundraise for the charity itself to help run the programmes that you are taking part in.
Is it safe to volunteer in Africa?
The trips we run for volunteers require you to be working alongside our Kenyan staff all the time, and we are very well established, so we have never had any issues around safety. If you choose to travel independently then please follow the guidelines for safe travel and take advice.
What are the living conditions for volunteers in Kenya?
You will be staying in a comfortable guesthouse with your own space, bedroom and bathroom with flush toilet and shower, electricity and wifi. It's safe and secure and you will have your own privacy but it's not luxurious and there are sometimes power cuts.
What Are the Most Important Life Skills for Kids to Learn?
- Communication skills and interpersonal relationship skills
- Emotional strength and self awareness and empathy
- Embracing challenge and coping with stress skills
- Engaged learning and creative thinking
- Problem solving and decision making
- Self-control and being able to focus
Medical Camps
If you are a medical student, nurse, or dentist looking for practical experience, check out our medical camps in Nepal and Kenya. Both of these camps operate in rural areas, impacting the communities we work with directly. We not only focus on bringing clinics to hard-to-reach areas but also educating local communities on safe health practices.