Structured Placements

Which project is most suitable for you?

Teaching Conversational English

English is the official language of Kenya, but most children first learn an African tribal language like Kikuyu or Meru, so their English is considerably weaker. A fluid command of English really brightens their job prospects with the many international companies in Kenya – so MAD gap year teachers find that by injecting a bit of fun into the lessons, it not only yields results but makes you the most popular teacher in the school!

Children’s Care

In Kenya you have the chance to really make a difference working with local children’s homes. Our MAD gap years students work with children, who are in real need of attention, you will help with organising a variety of activities like drama, arts/crafts, sports games and songs.

MAD gap year volunteers work with the staff to provide the attention, interaction and play that the children really need.

Local staff are good at feeding and dressing them but don’t have the time for one-to one. This is where MAD gap year volunteers fit in – giving the children encouragement, comfort and a friend to play with MAD gap year volunteers also fund-raise and help paint and improve the Children’s Homes. All MAD gap year students tell us that this is demanding but rewarding.

Sports

MAD gap year volunteers, work in local schools, coaching and training football, volleyball, athletics and other sports teams. Many local people have considerable talent and sport can be a route to a brighter future. MAD gap year students don’t need to be a qualified coach, but obviously you need some ability and more importantly the enthusiasm to help out.

Teaching Art, Music and Drama in local schools

MAD GAP year students volunteer helping to teach Art, Music or Drama to children in local schools MAD gap year students find that with a little creativity, you can make the hard work seem like fun.

Journalism

If you would like to start or broaden, a career in journalism our MAD gap year project in Mount Kenya region is for you. It is a great way to get some hands-on journalism experience. Living in a new and fascinating country you will have no shortage of stories to research and write.

Business

MAD Gap year students work on projects with local accountancy firms, or banks that welcome students that are considering studying for business, accountancy or management studies. MAD gap year volunteers undertake auditing work with accountants, that will introduce you to several different clients.

During your project you will also be able to work alongside the business support team, helping small business’s with practical advice. MAD gap year students work and assist with co-operative banks, helping assess personal loan applications and marketing the banks services.

Law

The Kenyan legal system is based on English common and statute law, so the experience you’ll gain with us will be directly relevant if you are considering studying law in the UK. MAD gap year students work on a variety of projects with local advocates, such as criminal, domestic and land control issues.

Medicine & Healthcare

MAD gap year students work on medical projects at general hospitals, general practitioners and specialist centres around Mount Kenya region, which are suitable to students at any stage of their medical career. These gap year medical projects are particulary useful for pre-university students and offer the chance to shadow and assist local doctors and nurses in their busy clinics and to observe a variety of conditions, treatments and operations.

The local hospitals are well equipped by Kenyan standards, but you will still witness first-hand many issues such as malaria, malnutrition or contraception. MAD gap year volunteers, also help with community awareness programmes in local schools and businesses raising awareness of care and disease prevention issues.

MAD gap year volunteers will find that doing a sustained project is far more valuable than globetrotting, because globetrotting never really penetrates the tourist layer of the country. But with MAD gap year projects you really integrate into the culture and you feel like you’re part of something.

Dissertation Students

You may wish to carry out your university dissertation in Kenya. We will help you plan your research, provide contacts, set up meetings and organise transport as well as providing you with all the support you would normally receive as a MAD gap year volunteer.

Your opportunity to put something back into the community

As a MAD gap year student, we guarantee you a well-planned, structured volunteer project, which not only makes a difference in the local Kenyan community but also provides an extra edge on your CV. This is your opportunity to put something back into the community, whilst doing something useful.

You will find in all MAD gap year placements that sensitivity, respect and understanding for cultures, communities and their way of life are very important. Volunteering will change your perception of “what is important in life” and your appreciation of shared partnerships, targets and teamwork. After some time in the local Kenyan community, it’s quite likely you’ll eventually be treated as an equal, rather than a tourist.

Gain self-confidence, new skills … and much more

MAD gap year students leave Kenya more self confident and feeling like they have made a positive difference to the lives of some of the Kenyan people. Our feedback shows that MAD gap year project volunteers acquire new skills , which were not necessarily acquired during their formal education, such as communication skills, organisational skills and team working skills.

Ready to make a difference?

So can you imagine yourself becoming more independent, just by seeing a different way of life, making new friends, witnessing new cultures and enjoying some totally different surroundings?

Apply here for an exciting and unforgettable experience on a MAD gap year project.