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

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Benja's farewell

It was an unfamiliar situation at the start but the days passed by, and I felt like I belonged to GVI Kenya Shimoni. I liked all of the projects but most of all I was interested in being a forester. All faces were ones of strangers, everyone meeting for the first time, but amazingly everyone was friendly.

When I first came to GVI I didn't know much about primates, dolphins, birds, community development, capacity building or sustainable livelihood in Tsavo west community. I joined GVI Kenya on the National scholarship programme and I extended my time and became forest field staff, where I learned a range of skills, responsibilities, leadership and was contributing to globally important scientific research. People change, I am sure I am better than I was before GVI.

I went through all this programmes but I was so excited by the forest, every time I go out into the field I see new things: Green mambas, Snouted night adders, Zanj elephant shrews and many species of birds, these things make me feel alive. I love nature and I will always be a part of GVI.

Days fly, it feels like a month but actually it’s been over a year, the whole time I spent in GVI Kenya has been the best time of my life. It has been an incredible time. Mission accomplished. With that, I have to bid farewell. I am the happiest person in the world right now. It’s better than I ever thought it could be.

Benja- From Kenya