Peace for Development Refugees Initiative

Volunteer with PDRI in Kakuma – A Unique and Meaningful Experience

Kakuma is located in a semi-arid region of northwestern Kenya, where the climate is hot and dry for most of the year. Occasional heavy rains can cause temporary flooding and bring out seasonal rivers like the "Laga," offering a striking contrast to the typically dusty landscape.

Living conditions can be challenging, and volunteers may encounter desert pests such as spiders and scorpions. However, with proper preparation and guidance, these challenges can be managed safely.

The host community of Kakuma maintains a rich cultural heritage and unique traditional practices, reflecting centuries of resilience and adaptation to the environment. Volunteers will have the opportunity to respectfully learn and engage with these local customs while promoting mutual understanding.

Kakuma Refugee Camp is one of the most diverse camps in the world, home to people from over 20 nationalities. This makes it a vibrant hub of cultures, languages, beliefs, and experiences. Volunteering with PDRI allows you to be part of a peacebuilding mission that fosters unity, empowerment, and hope through sport, education, and community development.

Join us in making a difference where it truly matters. Discover the strength of humanity in diversity.

A Message from Pascal Bakire Amisi, Founder and Chairperson of PDRI As the founder and Chairperson of Peace for Development Refugees Initiative (PDRI), I believe in humility, active listening, and maintaining confidentiality. I do not seek to elevate myself above others, but rather to work collaboratively and respectfully with every individual. Our staff is primarily recruited from within the PDRI membership. However, when specific qualifications are required and not available among our members, we also consider appointing qualified individuals from outside. Our team reflects the diversity of Kakuma, comprising members of various nationalities, and we are committed to gender equality and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Volunteers hosted by PDRI in Kakuma refugee camp are assured of a safe and welcoming environment. Accommodation is well secured and equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi to support both personal and professional needs. As outlined in our core objectives, PDRI is committed to fighting all forms of discrimination. We believe that, regardless of background, beliefs, or differences, every individual, including our volunteers, deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. At PDRI, we recognize our shared humanity and strive to create a space where everyone feels valued and included. To all our current and future volunteers: Your presence is not only welcome, it is deeply appreciated. By joining us, you are becoming part of a global effort to promote peace and development in one of the most diverse communities in the world. We look forward to walking this journey with you, hand in hand. With gratitude, Pascal Bakire Amisi Founder & Chairperson, PDRI


Todas las experiencias


Reseñas

4.5
(8 reseñas)8

Anfitrión y equipo

4.5

Horas y tareas

4.5

Hostal

4.5

Aprendizaje y diversión

5.0

Alemania

5

Volunteering with PDRI was an amazing experience that I can highly recommend! The staff is always making sure that I felt good and safe. Even though the refugees have a lot of challenges and most of the time I felt really helpless, everyone gave me the feeling that I really made an impact with my work! People were constantly so thankful for our work at PDRI!
PDRI is also a very transparent Organisation with a huge impact on their communities.

After four weeks I made friends and learned so much that I definitely want to come back!
Thank you PDRI!

hace 2 meses

Estados Unidos

4

Working in Kakuma has definitely been one of the most transformative experiences of my life, and there could not have been a better organization than PDRI to work with. However, keep in mind that Kakuma is a challenging environment, and since PDRI is a grassroots organization run by local refugees, it does not have the same level of leverage or resources as a larger NGO. Nevertheless, the team is fantastic and goes out of its way to ensure that you can adjust to the environment and make a real impact on the community
For a peak into how the place/project could be:
Check www.edutechrefuge.com

hace 3 meses


Peace for Development respondido

As it was difficult to handle the issue of WIFI and electricity, we opted that students pay but the challenge is that some of them drop out due to lack of school fees. The number of the students reduced when we started charging. We didn’t organize the graduation for the second promotion and we are waiting for the completion of the 3rd one for the graduation. On another hand, the Lab has been a valuable space as it is also used as venue for trainings and meetings beyond the ICT hours. Thanks.

Suiza

5

Volunteering with PDRI was an eye-opening, positive and transformative experience. I was welcomed with open arms by Pascal and the PDRI team, they did everything they could to make me feel safe and welcome. Their kindness and generosity is something I will never forget. The living conditions in Kakuma are not always easy: be aware of that and do your research beforehand. Overall even as a woman solo traveller, I felt safe in Kakuma town and camp. I’d definitely recommend volunteering with PDRI, feel free to reach out with questions!

hace 4 meses


Peace for Development respondido

Thank You, Victoria Stricker

A big thank you to Victoria Stricker for her amazing volunteer work with PDRI in Kakuma. She trained 26 people in social media, supported vulnerable groups, and visited many of our key programs.

Victoria’s time with us brought hope, skills, and inspiration to the community. We’re so grateful for her support especially the fundraising she did for the construction of our ECDE classroom.

We highly recommend Victoria for any other future opportunity.

España

5

I had a very positive experience collaborating with PDRI. I worked with PDRI in their efforts to mediate, train and promote peace among the residents of Kakuma Camp. Throughout this experience, PDRI was by my side providing support and making sure I felt safe. Pascal and the rest of the team are really dedicated and hardworking and I was grateful for all they do. They promote peacebuilding, education for the youth in the camp, IT skills, social media, small business support, etc. I highly recommend volunteering with PDRI and encourage anyone who might be interested to contact the organisation.

hace 5 meses


Peace for Development respondido

Enzo led workshops for community leaders, youth, women, and PDRI members, teaching conflict resolution and mediation. His work helped local leaders prepare to handle peace challenges. Enzo also played a key role in resolving a conflict between two communities by using his negotiation skills to bring them together. Enzo’s dedication, empathy, and professionalism made a positive impact on everyone he worked with. He was a great mentor and leader. I highly recommend him for future opportunities.

Holanda

5

Volunteering in Kakuma is not for the fainthearted, but so worth it. There's heat, dust and life overall is much less comfortable than at your home. However, volunteering with PDRI has been truly inspiring for me (tip: I made a 6 min film about it!). The members will undoubtedly welcome you with open arms. I've met so many interesting people in this multicultural environment. The PDRI team will take good care of you in terms of safety and giving you information about how to get to Kakuma and how to behave once you’re there. It's good to know that you will sleep in Kakuma town, not in the camp.

hace más de 1 año


Peace for Development respondido

We have witnessed the valuable work of Laura Spoor, a brave female who has implemented various activities with PDRI with positive impacts in Kakuma refugee camp. She was involved in various activities including peace building, women empowerment and ECD. In peace building she visited all the community leaders and helped us to develop our project of PDRI Peace Center by involving also women in the project for inclusivity. Regarding women empowerment, she organized meetings with women leaders from different communities in order to remind them about what they have to do or initiate in order to be self-reliant and make their lives better. The activity of ECD within PDRI has improved since Laura started volunteering with PDRI. Not only because of facilitating but also because she bought necessary materials so that the activity is conducted properly. She was close to the children. These children are the most affected due to Laura's departure and it has been painful to them as they missed her. Laura has been the first person and volunteer that has organized a fundraising campaign for PDRI that has enabled us today to implement activities in terms of logistics. All PDRI members as well as the entire Kakuma refugee camp will remember Laura for what she did.


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