The Medical Internship
OPEN NOW!
Kenya has reopened to international arrivals and programs in Mombasa have resumed. See the 'Additional Info.' section for procedures in place during the pandemic.
This fantastic program offers many options for volunteers – each one playing an important part in supplying quality medical care to people in great need. In Mombasa, volunteers can be involved in medical placements at either the Shanzu Village Prison Hospital or at the Mombasa Central City Hospital. The Shanzu Village Prison Hospital provides medical services for both the prison and the local community. The Central City Hospital is the largest hospital in the coastal area and has all departments as any western hospital would, including social work, surgery, inpatient, outpatient, oncology, maternity, paediatrics, x-ray, HIV/AIDS, Cardiovascular, Ear Nose and Throat and emergency services. Alongside the Central Hospital is the blood collection centre. Here volunteers can assist in the laboratory - with medical experience or in the community raising awareness for the need to donate blood. In Diani Beach, volunteers provide essential care in two small clinics/dispensaries, and can have nursing experience or be non-medical volunteers. Due to the size of the clinics they do not have capacity to have doctors.
Goals of this Project:
- Improve the future prospects of the people of Mombasa and Diani Beach
- Provide quality medical care to the impoverished people of Mombasa and Diani Beach
- Raise awareness and understanding of health issues in the community
- To create a better cultural understanding between all participants
How You Can Help
This wonderful program helps people in true need. Volunteers will gain a greater understanding of healthcare needs in Africa, put their skills to great use and learn and grow from the experience. At the Shanzu Village Prison Hospital volunteers could be involved in family planning, child welfare, ante natal, maternity, pharmacy, laboratory, outpatient services, TB and HIV care. Medically trained volunteers can work in any of these departments as long as their medical qualifications have been sent through at least three weeks prior to volunteering commencing. Non-medically trained volunteers are welcome at this hospital and will be involved in child welfare, pharmacy and social /community work areas. At the Central City Hospital only medically trained volunteers will be accepted to work. Applications will be made to the local Ministry of Health by the volunteer coordinator on behalf of volunteers. At Diani Beach volunteers will work alongside local staff members in areas of Maternity, Child Welfare, Immunisations, HIV testing and counselling, Pharmacy, Outpatients and Laboratory.
Volunteers contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Provide day-to-day medical care, as appropriate for experience and training
- Provide education and training to others as required
- Network with program staff and medical staff
Requirements
This program offers an amazing opportunity for suitable applicants who are 18 years and over to work alongside qualified medical professionals and gain first-hand insight into the Kenyan healthcare system. It is open to those with experience and/or education in the field of medicine, as well as med-school and pre-med students. Ideally, volunteers on this project will have at least a basic knowledge of the local language in order to communicate effectively with patients and staff, though this is not a pre-requisite. Naturally, all applicants must also have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Medical Qualification
- Passport
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
With some of the best beaches in the world, Mombasa is Kenya’s main tourist destination. It is located on the Eastern coastline of Kenya bordering the Indian Ocean. There is a tropical climate all year and the city is filled with many things to do during the day and at night.
Inscribed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2011, Fort Jesus is one of the oldest European buildings on the eastern coast of Africa. The ultimate in indestructible fortresses, it stands 15 meters (50ft) high on the seaward side, where it overlooks the entrance to the Old Harbor, and its stone walls are up to 2.5 meters (8ft) thick.
The Old Town, located around Fort Jesus is a great place to visit. This historic district has mostly been converted into souvenir shops and restaurants. A maze of alleys, many too narrow to allow motor traffic, the Old Town sprawls out either side of the Ndia Kuu Road. A nice place to explore on a Sunday when much of the city is closed down. Mombasa is a truly epic place to visit and be a volunteer!
Diani Beach is a fantastic long white beach with loads of water sports and primates to see. A night at ‘40 Thieves’ beach bar is a great place to hang out for a few tuskers (beers). From Mombasa you can catch the ferry from Mombasa town center across to Diani and then Matatu to the beach - approx. 1 hour travel time.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon arrival into Mombasa volunteers will be collected by a representative of the local project team and transported to the volunteer house accommodation where they will join a full orientation session where a representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience in Kenya. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Moi International Airport, Mombasa, Kenya (CODE: MBA)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this program are accommodated in a volunteer house, located in a safe and convenient suburb of Mombasa within a short commute to all the main attractions of this fascinating city. Rooms are shared and split by gender. Sheets and basic mosquito nets are provided so volunteers need only bring personal toiletry items.
Wifi is available onsite (limited use) but we recommend volunteers purchase a sim card with a data bundle on arrival. There are no hot showers as these are not common in Mombasa due to the climate. As with most parts of Africa, laundry facilities are basic and most volunteers simply use the services of a local laundromat.
While the accommodation is basic this is part of the challenge and experience of volunteering in a developing country. With a little patience and a flexible attitude you will quickly get used to your new surroundings. The volunteer house is well managed by the local team and there is an onsite ‘house mama’ to look after volunteers. A great home away from home and a wonderful base for your stay in Kenya!
Breakfast and dinner is provided at the volunteer house during the working week and 3 meals are provided if you are at your accommodation during weekends. Lunch on weekdays can be taken at small cafes or restaurants where you can try cheap and tasty local food. You are also free to buy bread and other snacks. The meals provided are mostly vegetarian, local cuisine. Conveniently, there is also a fridge and basic cooking facilities if volunteers would occasionally like to prepare their own meals. Easy!
There is a variety of public transport available in Mombasa, Bus (Matatu), Tuk Tuk and Motorcycle. It is not recommended to take motorcycles on highway routes or long distances.
If you opt to attend this program in Diani Beach, you will be billeted with one of our wonderful local host families who are experienced in hosting international volunteers. This will involve shared bedrooms and bathrooms. Please keep in mind that some will consist of squat toilets and bucket showers. Although most families have running water, hot water is still uncommon among local families in Kenya. Staying with a local Kenyan family is a great way to be truly immersed in the local culture.
Host families provide 2 meals per day (breakfast and dinner). Lunch is not included but is often taken at small cafes or restaurants where you can try cheap and tasty local food.
Fees
That’s just USD 44 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
All international arriving flight passengers will need to adhere to the following:
- The passenger does not have a body temperature above 37.5°C (99.5°F);
- The passenger does not have a persistent cough, difficulty breathing or other flu-like symptoms;
- The passenger has a negative PCR-based COVID-19 test conducted within 96 hours of arrival.
Please see the below website for more information:
https://ke.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/