Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests

Do not bring anything you cannot carry yourself. Restrict yourself to one bag and one small day-pack that can hold your camera, Swahili phrasebook, water bottle, lunch, sunglasses, sunscreen, a small first-aid kit, and any extra articles of clothing you might need to handle changes in weather. Clothing: (Modest cotton clothing (not tight, flashy, ripped or displaying potentially offensive inscriptions or illustrations) is the most appropriate. Military wear are strictly illegal and thus will not be accepted.)  Cool summer clothes  Few nice clothes for parties, ceremonies and special occasions  Long pants and long sleeved shirts  Shorts (not short shorts) and T-shirts that cover shoulders.  Rain wear and folding umbrella  Sandals and walking shoes  Work shoes and gloves (See type of work)  Pajamas  Bandana, sun hat or scarf  Bed sheet and sleeping bag  Sports wear Toiletries: (Non-scented items are preferable, since they do not attract insects)  Zip-lock bags  Soap, soap dish and shampoo  Sunscreen  Toothbrush and toothpaste  Comb and /or brush  Nail clippers  For women, sanitary napkins or tampons  For men, razor, shaving cream and blades  Talcum powder and deodorant Personal first-aid kit: (Best to be stored in a strong plastic bag, to keep it dry and clean)  Small supply of: disinfectant, Band-Aids, gauze and adhesive tape, calamine lotion, insect repellent, throat lozenges, pain killer, anti-acid, and any on-going medication  You may wish to check with your doctor about what kind of vaccinations you may need Miscellaneous (Add any of these items to your list according to your own personal preference)  Small day-pack  Camera  Water bottle  Pocket English-Swahili dictionary/phrasebook  Flash light (torch) and batteries  Notebook and pens for personal diary  Sewing kit with needle and thread  Sunglasses  Extra pair of prescription glasses, if applicable  Music instruments, CD player, playing cards, various games that you would like to share  Souvenirs, recipes and other items you may need for cultural exchange/ cultural evening  Two passport size photographs (please hand these photos on during the registration of volunteers on arrival) Donation? (Sometimes we are asked by volunteers, if they can bring some stuff to donate and what is useful for them to bring) Yes, some people will be in need of materials you want to bring; e.g. those living in poverty, widows, seniors, orphans, vulnerable children’s etc. Some donations can go to the project. You may want to bring the following items, but to do not feel obliged to do so;  English language books for children and for secondary schools  Pencils, colors, Exercise books and other educational aid  Sports stuff (Balls, wears, equipment’s etc.)  Children and adult cloths  Posters, materials and any other resources related to the project theme  Do not bring: Medicines or food stuff including sweets for donation!! DOs and DONTs • Do and try learning some basic Kiswahili/local language. Even greeting will be high appreciated. • Do show an active interest in learning about the life in the community, and be open-minded especially with the cultural difference in the community. • Do and try to be yourself despite the difference you may have with the community members e.g. going to church etc. • Do keep promises e.g. visiting someone’s home or family they will be waiting for you and may get disappointed if you fail them. • Do not make it difficult for future volunteers by giving out a lot of gifts or money. This is not the role of volunteers and we don’t want the community to rely or depend on you and neither should they perceive volunteers in this negative way. • Always be cautious and nurture true friendship in your endeavour to support the needy. • Do uphold the principles of volunteerism. • Do live in accordance with the Laws of Kenya and KVDA regulations • Do work alongside the local community members/project staffs /institution in the spirit of complementary support and co-operation. • Do not get disappointed if things do not work out, remember change is a gradual process and every bit of impact will go a long way in make a difference for the community. • Remember it’s all about learning from each other and not basically helping the local people