So Tumblr, after some digging, I’ve found a reputable volunteer organization (IVHQ) that offers a program in which I could go to Kenya, Africa to teach women sex education and human rights. I’ve never volunteered overseas before and it’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. The first thing I need to do is check with my doctor to see if it would be O.K.—I have an immune deficiency so there’s a pretty big chance that she might say no. Fingers crossed! The next step would be to apply, then fundraise!
Here’s the write up on the Women’s Program from the IVHQ website:
The women’s education program is a developing initiative designed to bring sanitary supplies and HIV/Aids and sex education to young women in need throughout Kenya. This program began in response to IVHQ volunteers at schools taking notice of young women missing up to a week of class each month due to a lack of sanitary supplies. Further inquiries revealed a general lack of knowledge and misunderstanding of the natural process within their bodies: young women, many without proper sex education being giving at home, choose to take council from their peers, often resulting in unplanned pregnancies and/or the contraction of STD’s. The women’s education volunteer program has been established by past IVHQ volunteers and local staff to provide a safe environment in which young women may be able to receive correct sex education and counselling. The program will focus on HIV/Aids education, sex education and general health classes and providing supplies to women in schools and institutions within the greater Nairobi region who otherwise would not be able to access this. NB: This program operates only on Saturdays. During the week the volunteer teaches standard curriculum at schools or works at an orphanage. As this program grows and if the volunteer has a strong background in this area there may be thepossibility of arranging the women program to also run during the week.
If anyone is a seasoned overseas volunteer, I would love some advice! Comment, submit, or shoot me a message :)
(Source: volunteerhq.org)
