Self-Funded Volunteer Residency: Creative Education & Healing (3 Months) – Coastal Kenya

Self-Funded Volunteer Residency: Creative Education & Healing (3 Months) – Coastal Kenya

Organization: Obu Lamu

Location: Coastal Kenya (in-person)

Position Type: Volunteer (Residency-based, self-funded)

Time Commitment: Part-time (approximately 15–20 flexible hours per week)

Duration: 3 months

Start Date: 20th January 2025

About the Volunteer Residency

Obu Lamu is offering a 3-month self-funded Volunteer Residency in Creative Education & Healing for an international volunteer seeking an immersive, ethical, and community-rooted experience.

This residency is designed as an educational and experiential exchange rather than a traditional volunteer placement. The volunteer resident lives and collaborates within a coastal community setting, contributing to creative education and healing activities while also having time for reflection, learning, and rest.

The residency emphasizes presence, relationship, and mutual learning, rather than output-driven or extractive work.

Volunteer Focus & Activities

The volunteer resident may support and collaborate in areas such as:

• Creative education activities (arts-based learning, storytelling, experiential education)
• Healing-oriented and reflective spaces (creative expression, psychosocial or community-care practices)
• Co-creation or documentation of processes, aligned with interest and skills
• Participation in community rhythms and shared learning spaces

Estimated commitment: 15–20 flexible hours per week.

What We Offer

• Accommodation in a coastal community setting
• Meals provided, with access to a shared kitchen for self-cooking if preferred
• Immersion in a living creative education and healing initiative
• Mentorship, reflection space, and integration support
• Access to nature, slowness, and community life

Financial Contribution (Required)

This is a self-funded volunteer residency.

Volunteer residents contribute USD 1,800 total for the full 3-month residency, paid in advance prior to arrival.

This contribution covers:

• Accommodation
• Meals
• Utilities and shared living costs
• Support for the sustainability of the program

In cases of unforeseen circumstances, matters are handled with care and fairness on a case-by-case basis.

Who This Residency Is For

This opportunity is best suited for individuals who:

• Have experience or interest in education, arts, healing, community work, or social practice
• Are comfortable living simply and communally
• Are emotionally mature, self-directed, and reflective
• Are open to cross-cultural learning and collaboration
• Can commit to the full 3-month residency period

This residency may not be suitable for those seeking short-term volunteering or highly structured roles.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• A short letter of interest (who you are and why this residency resonates with you)
• Relevant experience or background
• Confirmation of availability to begin.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a conversation to explore alignment and expectations.