Volunteer Placement: Special Needs Education & Community Support

Location: Mtwapa (near Mombasa), Kenya

Host Organizations: Mama Christa Foundation (MCF) & Sahajanand Special School

Duration: Ideally 3 months (shorter placements possible upon discussion; up to 6 months possible)

Start Date: Flexible (rolling basis)

1. Programme Overview

This placement is designed for individuals who want to actively contribute to the field of inclusive education and community support while gaining practical, hands-on experience in a Global South context.

Volunteers are placed at Sahajanand Special School, one of the largest schools in East Africa for children and young adults with disabilities (serving over 1,700 students).

Accommodation and local coordination are provided by the Mama Christa Foundation (MCF), located in Mtwapa, a coastal town near Mombasa.

The programme offers:

• • Practical engagement in education and care
  • Exposure to diverse disability contexts
  • Intercultural experience
  • Opportunities to take initiative and shape your contribution

This placement is open to:

• • Students (Bachelor or Master level)
  • Graduates
  • Non-students with relevant motivation

1. Your Role

Your tasks will be adapted to your background, strengths, and the needs on site.

Educational Support

• • Assist teachers in classrooms
  • Support learning activities for students with different disabilities
  • Contribute to inclusive learning environments

Interaction & Daily Support

• • Engage with students through play and communication
  • Support social interaction and daily routines where appropriate

Activities & Projects

Depending on your interests:

• • Facilitate creative or recreational activities (art, music, sports)
  • Support life skills or basic vocational activities
  • Initiate small, practical projects

Rotational Learning

• • Exposure to different departments
  • Opportunity to focus on specific areas over time

1. Mentorship & Orientation

To ensure a structured start and ongoing support:

• • You will receive an initial orientation at both MCF and Sahajanand Special School
  • You will be assigned a mentor at the school who will guide your work and integration
  • Ongoing support is available throughout your placement

1. Who This Is For

This placement is suitable for individuals who:

• • Want hands-on experience in education, social work, or community engagement
  • Are motivated to contribute in a meaningful and respectful way
  • Are adaptable and able to work in a different cultural context

Enrollment in a university programme is optional.

Both students and non-students are welcome.

1. Living Arrangement (MCF)

You will stay at Mama Christa Foundation (MCF) in Mtwapa.

Provided:

• • Shared accommodation
  • Meals (local cuisine)
  • Basic but safe living conditions
  • On-site coordination and support

1. Costs & Financial Information

This is a self-funded placement.

You are responsible for:

• • International flights
  • Visa (if required)
  • Personal insurance (mandatory: health)
  • Personal expenses and leisure activities

Programme Contribution (400 € per month, paid to MCF):

• • Covers accommodation, meals, support on site, and coordination

1. Working Conditions
   • Approx. 5–6 hours per day, 5 days per week
   • Flexible structure depending on school needs or holidays
   • Requires initiative, reliability, and adaptability

You will work in an environment where:

• • Resources may be limited
  • Flexibility is essential
  • Impact is often relational and long-term

1. What You Should Bring
   • Openness and intercultural sensitivity
   • Respect for working with vulnerable groups
   • Willingness to take initiative
   • Emotional awareness and resilience

Helpful but not required:

• • Experience in education, social work, or volunteering
  • Creativity and ability to lead activities

1. Application Process

To apply, please submit:

• • CV
  • Short motivation statement (your interest, relevant experience, expectations)
  • Preferred dates and duration
  • Optional: relevant certificates or references

Next Steps:

• • Introductory call with MCF and the school
  • Clarification of expectations and logistics
  • Confirmation and onboarding

1. Contact

Norah – Programme Coordinator, Mama Christa Foundation (MCF)

📧 norahnekesa85@gmail.com (or via Whatsapp +254728748076)

1. Why This Placement

This programme is suited for individuals seeking:

• • Direct, practical experience
  • Meaningful engagement in inclusive education
  • A setting where initiative and presence matter

The value of this placement lies in active participation, adaptability, and sustained engagement, rather than predefined outputs.