This coming summer (May through August 2010), I will be living and working at Watoto Wa Baraka Orphanage in Kenya! I am thrilled to be presented with the opportunity to volunteer at WWB. In order for me to do this, I need the help of donors like you! Before you decide if you would like to donate, let me tell you a little bit more about the program and what I will be doing.

 What is Watoto Wa Baraka (WWB)?

Watoto Wa Baraka is orphanage north of Nairobi, near a town called Makuyu. Needy orphans are given meals, care, and spiritual guidance. These children are not just poor, but they also need emotional care in their lives as their parents are not in the picture.

Visit www.watotowabaraka.org/map to view where the orphanage is in relation to Nairobi and the rest of Kenya.

What will you be doing at WWB?

As a volunteer, there are many different positions open for me to participate in. Aside from helping out with daily chores and tasks at the orphanage, and working with the children to help with their homework, leading song sessions, and generally acting as a caretaker, I will also be working alongside local community leaders to help promote sustainable development in the area. I would be meeting with and working with established community groups, identifying an attainable, relevant and cost effective project, and implement this project. This opportunity would allow me to use the skills I have learned in the classroom to implement a project that will have a lasting impact on the lives in individuals in this region. 

Tell me more about WWB.

Any information that is not on this website can be found at the WWB website, www.watotowabaraka.org/home. There are also links and photographs available on this page for you to peruse.

Who are you?

I am a 22 year old graduate student at the Graduate School of Public & International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh. My degree program is focused on International Development, specifically Development Planning & Environmental Sustainability. I want to help make a difference in the lives of some of the most poor regions on earth. Upon graduation, I hope to work in the field, with communities and individuals, on a micro level. Later, I would like to work for a research organization or think tank, writing and researching how U.S. policy affects development in Africa.

How can I help?

Even though I am volunteering, I need to purchase a plane ticket, visa and vaccinations before I depart. In order to not put a burden on the orphanage, I will be paying for my lodging and meals, as well as personal items and toiletries, while I am in Kenya. Therefore, the most appreciated way to support me would be through a financial donation. Your donation will help me in my endeavor to help the children at WWB.

If monetary contributions are not an option, I have a wishlist on the side of the page with items the orphanage has requested. *All items on the wishlist are for use by the orphanage.*

If you are interested in volunteering at WWB, contact info@africanorphanage.org and they wll provide you with more information, as well as a volunteer application!

How will my donation be spent?

Give Forward charges a 3% fee for all donations made, plus credit card companies will charge betwen 2-3%.

However, your donation will not be wasted! Below, see an outline of my budget for this trip:

Plane ticket to Nairobi  - $1500

12 weeks x $90 (lodging and meals at WWB) - $1080

Visa - $25

Vaccinations - $100

Personal items and needs - $400

Emergency funds - $200

Transportation to and from orphanage from airport - $120

As  you can see, the fund you give will go directly towards helping me afford my travel and accodomations while in Kenya. More information about what is entailed in each of these categories is available by contacting me at emilyrtanner@gmail.com.

I have more questions!

Please feel free to e-mail me at emilyrtanner@gmail.com and I will be glad to give you any further information about WWB and my trip!

Thank you for your consideration! I am looking forward to working at WWB and any contribution made would be a great help as I begin this journey!

Photos used on this fundraising page were all taken at the WWB orphanage. Credit especially to Chase Ballinger.