GVN is a non-governmental organization based in New Zealand that connects international volunteers with communities in need in 19 countries .

Although both Kenya and Tanzania are beautiful countries and travel destinations for many, the scenic façade hides a myriad of problems. HIV/AIDS has devastated the adult generation, leaving thousands of orphaned children to face a risk cholera and malaria epidemics. Other pressing challenges include high unemployment, crime and poverty; most Kenyans and Tanzanians live below the poverty level of $1 a day.

Volunteers are vital for communities and help to fill gaps as teachers and caretakers. Schools in Kenya and Tanzania are overcrowded and the ratio of children to teachers is often between 100-200 children per teacher. As a result, children's standard of education suffers, and children are more inclined to drop out of school at an early age, raising a generation of unskilled youth with no parental guidance and no education.

Beginning in October, volunteers have an opportunity to work with local Kenyan communities to help ease these sufferings. The volunteer opportunities for the Kenya program are in the following areas: Teaching Program; Children Orphanage Program; Medical/Health Program; HIV/AIDS Program; and, Maasailand Program. To find out more about this program, please visit www.volunteer.org.nz/kenya

The GVN program in Tanzania, which begins in November, offers volunteers the opportunity to work with children through an Orphanage Program and a Teaching Program. To find out more information about the Tanzania program, please visit www.volunteer.org.nz/tanzania

If you would like to set up an interview with GVN or one of our volunteers, please contact Megan Tady.