GVI's Marine and Wildlife Research and Community Development Expedition in Kenya

Facts and figures

Establishment of eco-trail providing sustainable alternative income for over 10 people
First publication on Angola Colobus behavior
Estimate of population of bottlenose dolphins in Kisite Mpunguti Marine Protected Area (first data on dolphin populations in Kenya)
Constructed water supply line to Kasaani village, providing access to clean water for the first time
Funded Olives Rehabilitation Centre in to new premises and provided teachers for each class enabling them to double the number of children from Bombolulu slum that they provide education to
Trained more then 30 local community members through the GVI National Scholarship Programme

Quotes from the field

"I have had the most amazing time living in Mkwiro, and would definitely recommend it to anyone with an interest in conservation, environmental research or simply making a difference in other people’s lives – you won’t be disappointed." Catherine Collop, Kenya, October-December 2010

"I couldn’t have asked for a better day, being out here and seeing these animals first hand, far from the well-beaten tourist tracks. Observing them with the knowledge that the research I’m doing will help this forest and the animals that live here survive is the greatest feeling ever. Difficult to explain the sense of accomplishment I feel, but it’s incredible." Andrew Hayes, Kenya, October-December 2011

"The forest night walk was possibly the highlight for me. The stars in the sky shining through the canopy were amazing and listening to the sounds of the forest in complete darkness was magical." Keziah Hobson, Kenya, Jauary-March 2011

"Were it possible, I would stay out here longer. I’ve been two weeks without television, internet access, cars, running water, microwave, and have only sent and received 10 texts... and I’ve loved every minute of it." Tom O'Dell, Kenya, January 2011

"As with every day in Shimoni's coastal forest, these small daily rewards keep us coming back" Graham Corti, Kenya, February 2012

"The women are not the least bit surprised to see elephants wandering down the main road of their village of Kidong, they are simply excited to point them out to me" Sara Proebsting, Kenya, February 2012

"I can not begin to express my thanks to the GVI team; they gave me teaching skills and kindness - the understanding and support I got was amazing. They are the true inspiration for the volunteers" Deniz Talay Ongan, Kenya volunteer, February 2012

"This is certainly not a holiday. But all this effort is to enable GVI to work with and serve its partner organisations here in Kenya. Conservation and living in more sustainable ways is not just a concern for local populations but for us all" Neil Stubbens, Kenya volunteer, February 2012

"Working with GVI provides you with a unique opportunity to push yourself physically, mentally and emotionally" Megan Morrison, Kenya volunteer, May 2012

"Thank you for everything, you really looked after us and our memories together will never be fogotten. I can honestly say I've had the best time of my life. All that hard work and the outcome really touched my heart... almost had a tear in my eye... definitely a feel-good factor!" Shuetling Tsang, Tsavo West Sustainable Development volunteer, August 2011

"I found GVI through The Africa Guide website after filtering through many options and I'm supremely glad I did. GVI was an experience like no other. It gave me the opportunity to experience a wonderful little village as only a local would and take part in volunteer work with a legitimate and extremely important long term goal. Our interactions with the locals were so educational and inspiring and getting that chance to work out in the elements spotting wildlife and completing forest surveys was challenging and completely wonderful. If you're the kind of person that can weather trivial things like cold showers, long walks and a bit of dirt in order to have an authentic African experience then this is perfect. I'm already looking into the next trip. 10/10; Absolutely the best time!" Liz Toscano Kenya Volunteer, 2012

"The rainy season is the peak birth time for colobus, so it should be expected to see young ones, but it never takes the excitement out of actually seeing them in the field" Matt Nuttall, GVI Kenya Terrestrial Research Officer, July 2011

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

The water boys

Gutters, gutter clips, couplings, outlets, elbows… only a couple of many terms that did not hold much meaning to me not so long ago. For the past three weeks, I have been part of the GVI water project in Mkwiro, Kenya. I have lived on the beautiful Wasini island with amazing people coming from all over the world. Most days were about working, swimming, watching the sunset on afternoons, and playing card games at night. I left the group full of incredible memories.

Our project was simple. Mkwiro is a village located in the southeastern area of Kenya on the Wasini Island. The village is going through a fast growth at the moment and the need for clean water has become a primary concern. Any well dug on the island would only provide salty water, which means the only way of getting clean drinkable water is through rainwater harvesting.

Our team was made up of an experienced plumber, Peter, a young architect, Hugo and me, an engineering student. For two weeks we worked hard, installing gutters on the largest roofs of the village. Hugo mapped out the village’s school and orphanage. And with Peter’s experience we all learned really quickly how to do the job. I followed their lead and tried to learn as much from them as I could. Everyday was a new challenge, and new challenges came with more fun. As the days went by, we became really close to the villagers. They shouted our names as we went by, and had nicknames for each of us. The project went better than we all expected. I met one of the most generous and kindhearted people of my life. The energy that Peter brought to the group every step of the way was what made us go this far. [Suzie you must be mad! Btw!]

Every second of the journey despite the hard work was enjoyable. We did our best to help a village that needed it. Tom joined me this week and is still currently working on the project. Thank you Peter, Hugo, Tom, Shafii and Val for these amazing weeks. I am forever grateful!!

Lolo (Laurit Dide) - Rain Water Harvesting Volunteer - Kenya