Cranes of Dago Agricultural Organization International and Local Volunteers Program
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About the project
Cranes of Dago Agricultural Organization International and Local Volunteers Program
📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
KVSO is a non-profit and a community based organization established in 2015 in Kenya to promote peace, global citizenship and community development and cultural exchange through international volunteering programs by empowering young people to advance community development and strengthen multicultural understanding increase cooperation between Kenyan communities and people living in developed world through a range of development programs. We have partnerships with various organizations within Kenya and abroad to enhance our work and encourage cultural exchange and corporation.
💼 What the programme involves
The Cranes of Dago Agricultural Organization is a long-term community development programme implemented in the rural outskirts of Kisumu, within the Luo community of Western Kenya. Established in 1998, the organization operates as a Community-Based Organization dedicated to environmental conservation, agricultural capacity-building, social protection, and child-rights advocacy.
This programme addresses multiple dimensions of rural development:
• Environmental management—tree planting, landscape rehabilitation, eco-toilet construction, biogas projects, waste management and clean-up campaigns.
• Agriculture—training widows and youth on sustainable farming, cattle and poultry farming, fish farming, and bee-keeping.
• Social empowerment—supporting widows, orphans, and vulnerable children through education, home-based care, and community mobilization.
• Research & eco-tourism—monitoring environmental changes, promoting eco-friendly practices, and organizing community awareness events.
Volunteers become fully integrated into the daily life of the community, working alongside local farmers, youth groups, women’s associations and school outreach teams. The programme aims to strengthen environmental resilience, promote sustainable livelihoods, and empower marginalized families through knowledge, participation, and long-term capacity building.
🏠 Accommodation on site
Volunteers stay with host families within the rural community surrounding Lake Victoria. Accommodation is simple and traditional: pit latrines are used, bathing is done with local wash areas, and water is collected manually since there is no running water. Electricity is generally available, and volunteers can access mobile internet easily with a local SIM card.
Living with a host family allows volunteers to experience Luo customs, daily routines, local farming life, and authentic community dynamics.
🍲 Food
Meals are prepared by community members with the assistance of volunteers. The food is entirely local vegetables, legumes, maize, rice, seasonal fruits, and traditional Luo dishes such as ugali and green vegetables. Protein sources vary depending on availability, including chicken, fish or beans.
Volunteers are encouraged to contribute to meal preparation and can also demonstrate their own traditional recipes, creating a cultural exchange around food.
📍 About the location
The project is located near the shores of Lake Victoria, in rural Western Kenya. The environment is entirely community-centered, surrounded by farmlands, fishing villages, and indigenous landscapes. The Luo tribe forms the majority population, offering volunteers an opportunity to learn about traditional cultural practices, language, and community structures.
The region is known for its agricultural activities, wildlife diversity, and scenic views of the lake, making it an ideal site for environmental and farming initiatives.
🎒 Leisure activities
Volunteers may visit local markets, attend church services, play soccer, and participate in cultural events within the community.
Beyond the village, volunteers can explore:
• The tropical beauty of Kakamega Forest, home to colobus monkeys and rare bird species.
• The peaceful luxury lodge Mfangano Island Camp for relaxation, nature walks, or boat excursions.
• Boat activities and wildlife viewing on Lake Victoria.
The environment offers both cultural immersion and natural exploration.
⚠️ Requirements
• Minimum age: 18+
• Ability to communicate in English
• Openness to simple living conditions
• Willingness to perform manual agricultural and environmental tasks
• Respect for Luo customs and community traditions
• Recommended personal items: mosquito net, sleeping bag, water purification tablets, warm clothes, sunscreen, hat, camera
🤝 Meeting point
Orientation begins on at KVSO offices or hostels in Nairobi. Volunteers are picked up from their accommodation and introduced to:
• Kenyan and Luo customs
• Language basics
• Safety guidelines
• Project expectations
• Travel opportunities
After orientation, the group travels by bus to the project site in Kisumu.
ℹ️ Additional information
This programme is highly immersive and ideal for volunteers seeking long-term engagement in environmental, agricultural and social empowerment work. It offers the rare opportunity to live in a rural Luo community for six months, gaining experience in eco-projects, sustainable farming, child-rights advocacy and community mobilization. Volunteers are encouraged to bring educational materials, games, music instruments or farming gloves to enrich community interactions.
Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.
Sign in to apply📅 Available sessions
Cranes of Dago Agricultural Organization – Environment, Social & Agricultural Development Programme
04/04/2026 at 08:30 → 30/09/2026 at 16:30
ℹ️ Key information
Age required
18–99 years old
Solidarity donation
380.00 EUR
French tax residents may be eligible for a tax reduction of up to 66% of their costs (membership, plane tickets, solidarity donation).
📍 Location
International Building, 00100 Mama Ngina St, Nairobi, Kenya
Kenya
🌍 Location info
Local currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES / KSh)
Exchange rate
1 KES = 0.006892 EUR
Rate as of 31/05/2026
Timezone
East Africa Time
Local time: 22:10 (12/11/2026)
🛡️ Before you leave
✅ Features
🏠 Accommodation
🗣️ Languages spoken