About the project

About Your involvement

As one of the oldest settlements in the region, Lamu is a living example of pre-colonial Swahili culture.

The island itself is a beautiful place of dunes and beaches, where tiny villages nestle among coconut and mango plantations.

The town of Lamu began life as a 14th century Swahili settlement, but the island has seen many visitors and influences, including Portuguese explorers, Turkish traders and the Omani Arabs.

Lamu is a place like no other, surrounded by the fascinating and mysterious streets of it’s medieval stone town. The centre of Lamu Town - a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets - stands much as it did almost six centuries ago. Electricity only arrived in the archipelago two decades ago, and there are only three or four cars in Lamu Town (they all belong to the government).

The people of Lamu are great believers in tradition and custom, and this is a strong society built on a respect for the past, great tolerance and welcoming attitudes. The visitor finds himself becoming a part of this world. Life slows down, and long days are spent strolling along the waterfront, exploring the town or relaxing on the beaches.

Communities

Of the entire Lamu archipelago, Lamu Town is the only proper city. All the other local settlements are no more than small villages with very little of what we could consider modern life.
However it is in these villages that people can really appreciate African life, totally untouched by modernisation.

Faza and Matandoni

Faza Village is a perfect example of remote island settlement about three to four hours away from Lamu Town on a slow public boat. Far smaller than Lamu Town, Faza is the divisional headquarters of Pate Island, surrounded by beautiful villages and clear waters where fish are especially plentiful. People can enjoy a tour through the rustic, unpaved streets, and will have an opportunity to chat with local residents and to witness traditional daily activities.
Matadoni village is even smaller and more rural than Faza. It is not far from Lamu Town and can be easily reached on boat in about 45 minutes. Walking around the tiny village is like going back in time of 500 years.

Your involvement

The volunteers will be introduced to the school, nursery or field (according to their assignment) where they will work together with the local staff. The volunteers will be involved in the daily activities, for example in the school they will be teaching a geography or history class, playing with the children, preparing dinner, etc. The activities in which the volunteers will be involved will be determined based on skills, interests, aptitude and needs of the moment. In addition, in the afternoon and evening the volunteers will be involved in the normal social life of the village. Lunch and dinner and night accommodation will be in the village with local family. Possible assignments include:

• Teaching and childcare
• Construction and repairs
• Building
• Woodcraft
• Boat maintenance and repair
• Healthcare and education

Accomodation & food costs:

All meals are provided. Volunteers may be expected to share a room with one or two other volunteers.