Project Description

This internship is available to women/girls working towards their Master’s Degree in Psychology

On this program you will be helping women in prison to overcome some of the harshest criticisms a women should ever have to face. Women in prison are among the most vulnerable, they leave their children’s care to secondary care givers and fear their mistreatment and stigmatism by virtue of them being the criminals in the society. The fear of being rejected by their loved ones due to their offences and them being behind bars. An imprisoned woman is a society misfit in Africa culture, hence their being behind bars is a condemnation that they grapple with as they serve their terms or wait for their case determination. Stigmatism after their release is the fear that crashes their hope of a bright future and rebirth. Hence the counselling should target the feelings of loss and grief, denial, betrayal, rejection, vengeance and anger.

SAFETY

Yes you will be in the prison alongside some women who are living their lives in prison due to petty crimes.  You will never be alone with any prisoner at any time, you will always be with the guards while you are at the prison.  You will not be living in the prison you will only be going there to volunteer for 4 hours a day Monday – Friday.

Qualifications:

  • Women/girls working towards their Master’s Degree in Psychology
  • Be prepared to commit to volunteering for a minimum of 3 months
  • Must submit a CV and part-take in an interview (online)

Impact

Most crimes committed by women are done out of necessity for survival. Volunteers educate, support, and empower women to prepare for a successful life outside of Kenyan’s prison walls.

Our Goal

Our goal for this program to be able to have these women be self sustainable when they leave the prison and start a new life on the outside.  We want them to be able to have the life skills to be able to work and support their families so that they do NOT return to prison. We want them to leave prison knowing that they are valuable as mothers, and as human beings, by giving them counselling they require we can achieve this.

Highlights

  • Safari in Kenya, visit the beautiful beaches of Mombasa and feed some Giraffes
  • Learn to speak Swahili from the women you are helping
  • Live life like a local Kenyan
  • Gain valuable experience an learn from the women you are helping
  • Make memories to last your lifetime

I believe we all should help those in need especially children

~ Terri Kemper

  • AN IDEA OF WHAT TO EXPECT
  • A volunteers work day on this project will generally last between 4 and 6 hours and while we ask all volunteers to be flexible in this regard, a typical daily schedule is likely to go something like this:
  • 7:00 – 7:30am Breakfast at the volunteer house
  • 7:30 – 8:00am Walk or bus to your project site
  • 9:00am VOLUNTEERING DUTIES START
  • A tea break and lunch break will be fitted in during the day, but often the timing of breaks will change based on the needs of the local staff and number of volunteers on hand.
  • 3:00pm VOLUNTEERING DUTIES END
  • 3:30pm Walk or bus back to the accommodation
  • Evenings Volunteers are free to explore the local area, check out the markets and shopping or just hangout.