Habari ~ Welcome!

AVIF is an innovative online charity, assisting with sustainable development via online & onsite volunteering in rural Kenya, East Africa. Being virtual means negligible administration costs for worldwide impact. We believe in efficiency, honesty and transparency. We don't charge fees.

[Panorama shot above by Simon Gardner, a volunteer, taken minutes before the storm hit him while cycling through Kenya on the Tour d'Afrique. His full journal and pictures are here].

Safe flights for all and peaceful times

Written by Alison | 30 July 2010

I just want to wish everyone safe and comfortable flights into Nairobi today. All is quiet with no occurrences visible on the Uchaguzi site. Tomorrow orientation will take place at Upper Hills campsite and volunteers will move to their hosts the same day.

August 4 has now been declared a National holiday to allow everyone to vote in the Referendum. PM Raila Odinga will be in Kisumu for a "Yes" rally Saturday and President Kibaki at Uhuru Park's "Yes" rally on Monday 2 August.

Wishing everyone Peaceful times, and especially for our volunteers; a quiet comfortable stay at Upper Hills and good journey onward to your hosts.

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Security Advisory on Referendum

Written by Alison | 27 July 2010

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Security Advisory- Referendum Campaigns 2010.pdf (119 KB)

In addition to the above Advice from Safaricom, AVIF wishes you to be fully informed about the situation and to take extra precaution during these times. Please follow this additional advice:

Do not attend any rallies.
Please refrain from political debates with fellow Kenyans unless you know them well.
Nakuru volunteers should minimize movements on August 4 (Vote Day) & 5 (Results announcement).
Please advise everyone you know and meet, in Kenya, of the U C H A G U Z I (Kenya decides) site enabling instant reporting of incidents and receipt of current and updated information over the referendum period. A demo video is here on the main Ushahidi's platform. You can report via SMS, sending a message to 3018, by sending an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , sending a tweet with the hashtag/s #uchaguzi or by filling out this form.

Please enjoy your time in Kenya and realise the majority of Kenyans wish for peaceful times.

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Summer Programme has begun

Written by Alison | 25 July 2010

The first of our volunteers have arrived in Kenya, stopping at Upper Hills Campsite prior to a short visit with Stilts Backpackers. The rest of the group will be having orientation next Saturday in Nairobi then will split into their smaller groups going to Amboseli and Nakuru. We wish everyone an amazing experience.

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From boys to men

Written by Alison | 15 July 2010

We've finally received news on the results of donations for Pius and Norbert. Sponsor, Simon, who last year completed the gruelling 7000km Tour d'Afrique to raise funds, donated more, along with friends, Ian and Adrian, after the unfortunate fire at Pius' school, Ukwala Secondary School, which claimed all his belongings. Pius now has 2 new sets of uniform, new shoes, bedding, another mattress, bag and some extra pocket money.

Pius will be sitting his fourth form KCSE exams next year. Norbert Oile (on right), also sponsored by Simon is now studying at Jordan College in Thika, to train in Tours and Travel operations, a career with a definite future in Kenya!

I'd like to thank Simon and friends and also Edward Wata, guardian and AVIF liaison.

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Branching out into the Amazon

Written by Alison | 09 July 2010

AVIF are taking a bold new step into environmental and arts volunteering, joining forces with a deprived riberinho (river people) community in the Brazilian Amazon. Working with world-renowned composer and cellist, Diego Carneiro, founder of AmazonArt, we need volunteer teachers with a love for the arts; musical or simply creative, to help teach in an incredible, small but inspiring school in Combu, reachable only by boat, a relatively short journey from the city of Belém.

Ben with the Brazilian Ensemble in Nidderdale July 2010 (Diego 2nd right)

Established in 1998 the school sought to provide social and cultural development for the residents and children unable to access facilities in Belém. The school soon became the heart of the community and provides education centred around valuing and protecting the local traditions and environment. Diego Carneiro founded his charity AmazonArt to employ music and art to inspire understanding and promote the protection of the rainforest and river.

Volunteers can spend time both educating and learning with a view to assisting further development of the school. As can be expected the area is plagued by mosquitos and malaria and the current building needs windows and netting amongst other things.

More photos of the area are available on Panoramia [courtesy of Rodrigo Macedo Lopes]