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Join an Eat So They Can Distribution Trip
Our funds distribution trips to Kenya and Peru offer participants the once in a lifetime opportunity to directly help with distributing funds raised through our Eat So They Can campaign. By joining this program you will be assisting on the ground and delivering supplies to the schools, orphanages and camps we support. You will also have the opportunity to participate in workshops and see some of Kenya's most famous wildlife or several historical sites in Peru.
The Projects
Kenya (May 2012)
By joining this program you will have a direct hand in distributing funds raised from our Eat So They Can campaign. You will also have the opportunity to participate in workshops and see some of the fantastic wildlife in Kenya.
The funds raised from Eat So They Can will be distributed to schools, orphanages and IDP (Internationally Displaced Persons) camps. Our work is focused in the areas of Nairobi and Nakuru.
Peru (June 2012)
By joining this program you will have a direct hand in distributing funds raised from our Eat So They Can campaign. You will also have the opportunity to participate in workshops and visit some historical sites near Cusco.
The funds raised from Eat So They Can will be distributed to schools, orphanages and community centers. Our work is focused in the areas of Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Gallery
Video
About the Locations
About Kenya
Kenya’s incredible natural environment and cultural heritage is almost unmatched in Africa. If you’re adventurous - and sensible - it promises the globe's most magnificent wildlife parks, unsullied beaches, thriving coral reefs, memorable mountain scapes, and ancient Swahili cities. Kenya's beauty is compromised by a cluster of familiar problems; HIV remains a major problem, along with cholera and malaria epidemics. Kenya has also experienced major floods and droughts; one drought led to food shortages in mid-2004 that were deemed a national crisis. While Kenya's diverse population has produced a vibrant culture, it is also a source of conflict that has led to ethnic fighting. Other pressing challenges include high unemployment, crime, and poverty; most Kenyans live below the poverty level of $1 a day.
Geographically Kenya lies across the equator on the East Coast of Africa. It borders Somalia, Ethiopia and Sudan to the north, Uganda to the west, Tanzania to the south and the Indian Ocean to the east. Kenya covers an area of 225, 000 sq miles (582, 646 sq km); slightly more than twice the size of Nevada, U.S.A.
About Peru
Peru is a land of contrasts, where from one end to the other you will have quite different experiences, not only with regards to the environment and climate, but also with culture and food.
With an area of 1,285,215 square km, Peru is the third-largest country in South America after Brazil and Argentina. Located in western South America, It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. The Andes mountain range runs parallel to the coast, dividing the country into three distinct geographic regions. The coastal region, to the west, is a narrow plain; the sierra is the mountainous region of the Andes; the selva (jungle) is the third region, a wide expanse of flat terrain covered by the Amazon rainforest that extends east, encompassing almost 60% of the country.
Costs
Application Fee – US $97
Your application fee is fully transferable and will secure your place on the Distribution Trip program, (or any other GVN program of your choice), at a placement date that is suitable to you.*
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*Your application fee provides you with access to any of GVN's volunteer programs over the next 5 years, as many times as you like without having to pay another application fee! |
Children under 18 are not required to pay the application fee when volunteering together with a parent/guardian. (Except for participants in our Youth Tour program who are required to pay a US$97 application fee.)
Program Fee – 1 week US $1,797
What’s included:
| Accommodation: | All participants will stay in hotel/guest houses for the duration of the trip. |
| Meals: | 3 meals daily. |
| Airport pickup: | On arrival date. |
| Transportation: |
To/from field projects. |
| Training: | In-country orientation. |
| Supervision: | In-country staff supervision. |
| Support: | Pre-departure personal support from your distribution trip coordinator, 24/7 in-country support from partner, and 24hr emergency line.. |
Additional Benefits:
- A Quality Volunteer Placement
Dedicated staff with the sole focus of facilitating the placement of volunteers, reviewing and improving programs and supporting the work of our partners. -
Program Guide
Your online resource guide that covers topics such as country information, details on your placement, travel links, visa application process, and much more! - Fundraising guide
Your Fundraising Guide and Software which provides you with proven fundraising strategies, letter generating software and other resources to help you raise up to 100% of the cost of your trip. - Personal online journal
Which help you to communicate effectively and easily with your family and friends back home. - Access to a non-profit:
Contribute to the ongoing support of the charitable + educational work of community organisations.
What’s not included:
Flights, insurance, visas, vaccinations, accommodation before or after the distribution trip.
We recommend you allow a minimum weekly budget of US $50 for your other expenses such as bottled water, personal items, beverages, and entertainment.
Please note: If you have not hosted an Eat So They Can event yet, we strongly encourage you to either:
- Host an event before going on the trip. Your event can be anything from a small meal with friends to a picnic on the beach. The goal of your event should be to spread the word about our work and the trip you’ll be going on. To sign-up as a host go to: http://eatsotheycan.org/user/register
- Make a donation to Eat So They Can. To make a donation go to: http://www.eatsotheycan.org/donate
Schedule
Peru Program Schedule
- Sunday 10th June – Arrive in Cusco, Peru
- Monday 11th June – Orientation and project visit
- Tuesday 12th June - Project visit and activity
- Wednesday 13th June – Historical/cultural tour
- Thursday 14th June - Project visit and activity
- Friday 15th June - Presentation/Workshop and project visit
- Saturday 16th June – Morning debrief, free time, and farewell dinner
- Sunday 17th June - Depart
Please note that the exact scheduling of activities, visits and workshops may change. All participants will be provided with a more detailed schedule closer to the date of their trip.
Kenya Program Schedule
- Sunday 13th May – Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya
- Monday 14th May – Orientation and project visit
- Tuesday 15th May - Project visit
- Wednesday 16th May – Safari
- Thursday 17th May - Workshop and project visit
- Friday 18th May - Project visit
- Saturday 19th May – Morning debrief, free time, and farewell dinner
- Sunday 20th May - Depart
Please note that the exact scheduling of activities, visits and workshops may change. All participants will be provided with a more detailed schedule closer to the date of their trip.
FAQ
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions which we receive at the GVN inbox. This is a great place to start if you have questions about Global Volunteer Network and our placement process. This information should answer the majority of questions you may have.
Tell me more about flying into Kenya and Peru?
Volunteers will fly into Nairobi (Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) or Cusco (Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport) and will be met on arrival by a member of staff.
Tell me more about the accommodation?
You will be staying in a hotel in Nairobi, Kenya or Cusco, Peru. You should expect to share a room with at least one other participant. The hotels are comfortable and clean but not luxurious.
What immunisations/vaccinations will I need?
This is a suggestion of what may be needed - please consult with your medical professional or travel specialist for more details.
Kenya
- Hepatitis A & B
- Polio
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever
- Diphtheria and tetanus
- Rabies
- Meningococcal (meningitis)
- Cholera
- Malaria (needs to be closely discussed with doctor)
- Tuberculosis
Peru
- Hepatitis A & B
- Polio
- Typhoid
- Diphtheria and tetanus
- Rabies
- Measles
- Tuberculosis
Some of these can be taken in oral form so please discuss with your doctor to see what is best for you. Some people can be affected quite differently to others by medication.
Are we able to do any sightseeing?
You will be able to do some sightseeing on Saturday. However, if you wish to do a lot of sightseeing we recommend arriving before or staying after the program.
What clothing is appropriate for the program?
Considering the temperature, we recommend light coloured, cotton clothing that modestly covers your body (knee-length or longer). Along with comfortable sturdy footwear, a pair of sandals/jandals for light walking is also recommended. Don't forget sunglasses and a hat.
Who organises my visa for my volunteer placement?
You will organise your visa through your travel agent or independently. For citizens of most countries, you can do this at the airport when you arrive or before you get to Kenya or Peru. Also, our detailed program guide includes links to Kenyan an Peruvian Embassies throughout the world.
Do I need travel insurance?
All volunteers must have insurance. You are free to take out insurance cover through any provider of your choice. However, as some policies do not cover volunteering, we recommend you check you are covered during your volunteer placement.
For your convenience we have arranged a comprehensive package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident coverage as well as “loss of deposits” cover which covers fees paid to GVN, airlines etc. Learn more on the insurance
How do I pay my fees?
Your application fee secures your place on the program (remember this is fully transferable to a later date or different program if you decide not to take part in the program, subject to the terms of service). Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 12 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer.
Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer’s expense, e.g. if a bank transfer incurs a bank fee at the point of origin, that is at the expense of the volunteer. Eighty percent (80%) of your program fee is refundable until one calendar month before the 1st of the month you are due to begin your program.
Refer to GVN's legal terms of service for full details.
What is the climate like in Kenya and Peru?
Kenya has a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland, and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the country. There is plenty of sunshine all the year round and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. However, it is usually cool at night and early in the morning. The hottest period is from February to March and coldest in July to August. The average annual temperatures range between 10 degree celsius and 35 degrees celsius. The long rain season occurs from April to June and short rain season from October to December. The rainfall is sometimes heavy and often falls in the afternoons and evenings.
Peru is divided up into three distinct geographical regions: the coast, the mountain highlands, and the jungle. The Distribution Trip will be taking place in the Mountain Highlands region during dry season. There will be hot, dry days and cold, dry nights - often hovering just above freezing, particularly in June and July.
Volunteer Diaries
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Please visit journals.globalvolunteernetwork.org for more journals and feedback from past volunteers
How to Apply
Program Requirements
To join the distribution trip you must:
- Be over 18 years of age or be accompanied by a parent/guardian
- Have no major health problems
- Have hosted an Eat So They Can event, be planning to host an event or have donated $200 or more towards our campaign
The Application Process
Your application process is free and seamless, and if you are successful we will provide you with a choice of application fee payment options that include a secure online service. We also are one of the few organisations that allow you to transfer your application fee to another program at no extra cost.
Communication & Support:
Throughout the process, we are committed to working with you to answer any of your questions or concerns. During your placement we are also available as a form of support to you as a volunteer and will email you while in country to discuss how the program is going.
Volunteer Feedback
Jeanne Sweetman – ESTC Grand Prize Winner and Distribution Trip Participant 2008
"My week here has been amazing. I've learned so much about the importance of nonprofit organizations and what they do. I really had no idea how important they are in the lives of so many people. If you've ever considered volunteering, do it! These kids are great. They get their basic needs met, but there are so many of them, and so few adults. Believe me, when you walk into a room and are greeted by a chorus of How are you?, to be followed by a swarm of hugs and kisses, your heart will melt. For me, the biggest thing I will take away from here is a lifelong commitment to stay involved. I've met many people this week who have chosen to step up and help those less fortunate. They are selfless people and they inspire me. I've no words to express my gratitude to GVN for this opportunity. Courtney and Irene have been fantastic hosts. They are nyawira, hard working women. Asante Sana, thank you very much, to you both."
Julie DeFranco and Laura Nardon – ESTC Grand Prize Winners and Distribution Trip Participants 2009
"This week has been a whirlwind. Our lives will be changed forever.It has been such an eye opening opportunity and invaluable experience to be able to view the world from another perspective. One thing we have learned from this trip above all, is the value of ESTC donations. When we donated to ESTC and held a dinner party for a our friends we were unaware of how much the food it was purchasing was needed, or who would be receiving it. Thousands of children have benfitted..."
Hilary Sullivan - ESTC Grand Prize Winner and Distribution Trip Participant 2010
"I have had the privilege of seeing first hand precisely how the donations from the ESTC hosts are allocated and distributed, directly into the hands of those who need it most. As they say in Swahili, asante sana, thank you very much to GVN, to Colin Salisbury, GVN founder, and especially to Lauren McMahon, and Tracy Pillay for going to such lengths to make this a life changing experience for all the participants. Let's hope that the ESTC 2010 campaign will reach a new record in donations."
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Why Volunteer
At GVN we align with the idea of 'local solutions to local problems', so we work with local community organisations in each country. What this means for our volunteers is that they receive a unique and genuine cultural experience whilst being immersed in a local community.
If you're
- Graduating from school and not sure which direction to take, or you're not ready to jump into full-time employment just yet;
- Ready for a Career Break;
- An 'empty nester';
- Retired;
- Or ready for a change or new adventure
Volunteering abroad could be the very thing for YOU!
If you're looking for something worthwhile to do volunteering will give you the opportunity to travel whilst making a difference in the community you are based in.
Did you know taking a Gap Year can improve your college admission chances and success rate during your studies?
"Harvard College encourages admitted students to defer enrolment for one year to travel, pursue a special project or activity, work, or spend time in another meaningful way" – Harvard College Office of Admissions, 2010.
International volunteering is a great way to gain experience living in a developing country, learning about another culture and experiencing a different way of life. It is a fantastic way to grow as a person, to develop life skills, self-confidence and self-esteem, and is a tool for self discovery and identity formation.
Other personal benefits include, developing international friendships and networks, social awareness, and building independence.
Volunteering can increase your employability, help you to gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV/resume.
"Going to a foreign country for a volunteer experience is a huge boost on a resume. Employers love to see a person that can think outside the box and work past their comfort zone. The added benefits of teamwork, foreign language knowledge, and plain old hard work also add polish to the volunteer candidate. Since business now happens on a global scale, the volunteer is armed with useful, and potentially actionable, information." – USA Today, 2010.
Reputable Charity
The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a New Zealand Charitable Trust (non-profit NGO) based in Wellington, New Zealand. Our Charitable incorporation number is: CC46460. GVN has been verified and approved by Idealist (the largest volunteer portal on the internet. GVN is also a member of the World Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (WANGO), and our ‘sister’ organization the GVN Foundation has been granted special consultative status on the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Prestigious web sites such as Lonely Planet and Goabroad.com have placed web links to us. Additionally, when you apply, we can provide you with contact information for previous volunteers if you wish. GVN is also an approved member of the Site Trust Network and you can view our verification page.
Recommended by Bill Gates
Bill Gates personally recommended GVN by stating "I'd love to see more young people taking action to help the poor and disadvantaged. Two places to get started are Network for Good and Global Volunteer Network." Newsweek Web
Proven Track Record
To give you peace of mind, GVN has over eight years experience and has placed 13,500+ volunteers since 2002. Read volunteer's journals and testimonials or speak to a returned volunteer directly about their experience abroad through GVN.
Volunteer Support
GVN’s specialist staff provide personal support to volunteers, assisting not only with preparation for your placement, but whilst in-country, and follow-up on return home. GVN provides comprehensive Program Guides, project resources (eg teaching resources).
Community Focussed
GVN aligns with the idea of 'local solutions to local problems', therefore we work with local community organisations in each country. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.
Recommended by CNN
CNN listed the Global Volunteer Network as one of 10 organizations that can help you to make a positive impact on the world around you. CNN encourages you to visit our website to get more details on how you too can Be The Change.
Personal Security
GVN offer an insurance package tailored specifically for volunteers. Partner’s staff are always available (24hr/7days), along with this GVN also has a 24hr/7day emergency hotline.
Kenya. 
Vietnam. 
Peru. 
Nepal. 
