Info

Teach underprivileged kids to swim by the beautiful island of Mombasa and potentially save lives, whilst having an experience of a lifetime. No qualifications needed, just plenty of enthusiasm and a sense of fun!

COACH SWIMMING IN AFRICA? WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!

This project is a truly rewarding one because very few children in Africa get the chance to learn how to swim! Here you can make a difference by providing quality coaching for children who really need it.

LOCATION

With Mombasa being situated on the coast, it is essential for children to learn how to swim because many children suffer fatal drowning accidents each year in the sea. If you volunteer on this project, it will hopefully do something to reduce these terrible accidents.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

► An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa.
► New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
► An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
► The enormous satisfaction of helping underprivileged children and knowing that you made a difference to them
► And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

PROJECT OVERVIEW

This project is a truly rewarding one as these children have never had anyone before who can teach them the correct techniques involved with swimming. Also, you'll not only be coaching the children a sport, but also an important life skill as well.
You'll work at one school and also have the opportunity to coach at a second school if you'd like to add some extra hours of work. The school doesn't have its own pool on the grounds, so coaching takes place just outside Mombasa in a hotel swimming pool. They kindly allow the school children to use their facilities for swimming lessons.
The children's existing level of swimming is fairly basic and you'll need to teach them about water safety as well. Lessons will take place during the school's PE periods, on Mondays to Fridays, in the mornings and afternoons. The school also takes part in 3 swimming galas each year against other local schools. The dates of these galas are normally around early April, early August and mid November and you can assist in these galas if they fall during your placement.

ACCOMMODATION

Your accommodation will vary, depending on which school you're placed in. We have different types of accommodation, but you will most likely live with a local family. Volunteers and family members frequently become very good friends and even stay in touch once the volunteers have left the country. Living with a family also gives you the opportunity to experience the true African experience from the inside and not just as a "tourist" on the surface of the country.

"My family were fantastic and went beyond their duties to make me welcome. Njeri [Travellers' Mombasa Organiser] was always helpful should I need anything." Caroline Chadwick

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:

► 1-WEEK SWAHILI LANGUAGE COURSE: Kick-start your time in Kenya with An optional 1-week language course that will intensify your Kenyan adventure!
► EXPLORING THE COUNTRY: There are many beautiful beaches in the region that you can go to during the weekends. You're within fairly easy reach of some of the world's most famous Game Reserves, like the Masai Mara with its huge populations of Big Five animals. There are also loads of tourist sights to see as well as cultural activities. African towns and villages are fascinating and so different to what we're used to in the Western world.

This project can also be combined with any of our other projects in Kenya, or you can venture further afield into Zambia and Zimbabwe to take part in one of our fascinating projects there.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

Talk to us - We're there to help you. Call +44 (0) 1903 502595
Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

It’s as easy as that.

Duration

Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Start Dates

Flexible start and finish dates you choose. Our placements are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences. For availability please contact the office.

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £675 for two weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.
Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).
You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.
Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Requirements

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.