Global Development Project Kenya
Volunteer Missions Trip Information Page
“Extending Love and Hope Across the Borders”
We invite you to participate in a transformative volunteer missions’ trip with GDP, offering a unique opportunity to impact the lives of the vibrant communities in East Africa. This journey will coincide with a pivotal moment in the life of local churches, as we engage in ministry, provide encouragement, and witness spiritual renewal during the Leaders’ Conference in Mombasa—an ancient coastal city established by the nation of Oman in 930 AD. Mombasa is Kenya’s oldest city and the country’s second-largest metropolitan area, home to over 3.5 million residents.
In addition to our work in Mombasa, we will also visit and provide support to children’s homes that we are actively involved with, including the Good Samaritan Children’s Home and the Project of Hope Children’s Home and Special Needs Center, both located in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city.
This trip is thoughtfully designed for individuals who are passionate about service and eager to dedicate their time and skills to support essential initiatives in underserved regions. Together, we will strive to “Extend Love and Hope Across the Borders,” making a significant difference in the lives of those we serve.
This Volunteer Missions Trip Information Page aims to provide you with essential details regarding trip requirements, preparation, and what to expect throughout the experience.
Volunteer Information
● Age: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Minors under the age of 18 may participate with legal parental consent and supervision of the parent(s) or legal guardian.
● A valid passport is required, with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of departure.
● Volunteers must be able to obtain a Kenya Entry Visa and should not have any current legal issues or recent felony convictions.
● Volunteers must be able to travel internationally by air and secure an international airline ticket.
● It is the responsibility of the volunteers to ensure that they are physically fit for travel and able to participate in all activities.
● Volunteers are responsible for meeting all financial requirements for the trip. Please see our Refund Policy.
● Individual travel insurance is required. The fee for limited travel insurance will be incorporated into the airline fee.
Below is an estimated expense breakdown for the trip. Please be aware that the exact cost may vary due to fluctuations in the exchange rate of the Kenyan shilling, which can impact hotel rates, food prices, transportation, and other associated expenses. Additionally, costs may differ based on individual preferences for meals and additional services. Most of the hotels we will use will include breakfast and/or other meals as part of the reservation.
The estimated cost of the trip is as follows. Please note that this amount does not cover any shopping or optional excursions, such as museum visits or wildlife game park tours. We recommend budgeting for these activities if you wish to participate.
Trip Cost – Approximately $5200 per person
$4,200 per person for couples or those who will share hotel rooms
● Hotels – $2275 (This includes All hotels in Nairobi and Mombasa)
● Flights – $2525 (This includes round-trip airfare, and flights and transportation within Kenya)
● Food – $400 per person
Payment Plans: Payments can be made in increments of $1,000 prior to the deadline to facilitate the financial commitment.
Payment Deadlines:
● Deadline for Airfare/Transportation is 4 months prior to the departure date
● Deadline for Hotels is 3 months prior to the departure date
***** Please see our Refund Policy for those who wish to join our payment plans.
We realize things can suddenly happen that would affect your ability to go on a trip. It is our intent to respond with compassion in such situations. However, many of our costs are spread out as a group expense (transportation rentals, hotel deposits, group rates, etc.).
Therefore, we’ve established the following refund policy:
● Deposit of $400 is non-refundable.
● 90+ days from trip: Full refund of amount paid (less the $400 non-refundable deposit)
● 89-61 days from trip: 75% amount paid (less any previously paid expense, i.e., plane tickets; hotel deposit)
● 60-31 days from trip: 50% amount paid (less any previously paid expense, i.e., plane tickets; hotel deposit)
● 30 days or less from trip: No refund
● All refund requests be made in writing to Michael Wright (director) at [email protected]
Paying for Your Trip: Travel isn’t cheap, so we do everything we can to keep the costs low because we believe mission trips need to happen! Our operating expenses are covered by faithful donors who believe in our vision. When you pay for a missions’ trip with GDP, you’re paying for the trip itself and nothing more. We don’t want money to keep anyone from going.
To help pay for your trip, we encourage Fundraising. We encourage all volunteers to engage in fundraising efforts several months prior to the trip to Kenya to offset trip costs. You may be pleasantly surprised by the support you receive for this meaningful endeavor. We recommend that you refrain from initiating fundraising efforts for the mission trip until you have received formal acceptance and completed your official registration.
This approach not only helps avoid the potential embarrassment of returning funds in the event that your plans change, but it also instills confidence in your donors and sponsors regarding their contributions. Additionally, we ask that you consider fundraising specifically to assist the children’s homes that we will visit.
Here is a list of suggested items for donation:
● New clothing for children aged 3 to 18
● School supplies, such as pens, pencils, markers, folders, erasers, and other office supplies.
● If you prefer to contribute cash for food or school fees, please notify us in advance so that we can facilitate the conversion of funds to Kenyan Shillings.
GDP can provide resources and guidance on how to successfully raise funds upon request
Consider hosting events such as bake sales, car washes, or online crowdfunding campaigns. Engaging friends and family through social media can also be an effective way to garner support.
Q: What should I pack for the trip?
A: Please pack lightweight clothing appropriate for warm to hot weather, along with comfortable footwear. Personal travel-sized toiletries are permitted (maximum bottle size is 4 oz, and all liquids must be stored together in a clear plastic zip-lock bag). Additionally, include a water bottle and any necessary medications. We recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent wipes or lotion. A small backpack and international power converters or chargers are also advisable.
Key: Please avoid overpacking. Each traveler is permitted one small carry-on and two checked bags, with a maximum weight of 50 lbs per checked piece. Charges will apply for any overweight luggage. We recommend packing two days’ worth of clothing and any necessary medications in your carry-on. Additionally, we suggest using one of the checked bags to carry donations for the children’s homes, which can then be used to pack souvenirs for your return journey.
Q: What should I NOT pack for the trip?
A: Please refrain from wearing or bringing expensive jewelry, watches, or similar items. Additionally, do not carry any weapons of any kind. It is important to avoid bringing any controversial materials, including those that criticize the Kenyan government or elected officials, as well as any pornographic content. Such actions are considered serious offenses in Kenya and can have significant repercussions for international travelers.
Q: Is travel insurance required?
A: Yes, we highly recommend obtaining travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances during your trip, including medical emergencies, lost luggage or trip cancellations.
Q: How can I stay connected with other volunteers?
A: Once registered, you will be added to our volunteer group on social media and will receive regular updates and communication from the trip coordinator.
Q: Do I require a Visa (Entry Permit) to travel to Kenya?
A: Yes, a Kenyan Entry Permit is required for entry into the country. You must present this permit prior to boarding your international flight in the United States, as well as upon arrival in Kenya, to gain entry into the country. The permit will be obtained three months prior to departure, and the trip coordinator will assist you throughout this process. The fee for the permit is $50 USD.
Q: What is the level of experience of our guides in traveling to Africa?
A: Our Trip Guides bring over 80 years of combined experience in mission work. You can be assured that the entire trip has been meticulously planned with your well-being, safety, and enjoyment as our top priorities.
1. Make the exciting decision to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure and play a vital role in transforming lives in East Africa!
2. Register to be part of an incredible mission team!
3. Get ready to plan, fundraise, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
Let’s make a difference together!
Please contact us if you have any additional questions. We look forward to partnering with you to make a positive impact in lives while “Extending Love and Hope Across the Borders”!
International Safety and Travel Advisory
The Global Development Project Kenya team or organization takes great care to ensure that our volunteers and participants are safe and comfortable while traveling internationally and serving in underdeveloped countries. However, it is important to recognize that many of the areas in which we work can be unpredictable and dangerous. Because of this, the Global Development Project Kenya team or organization cannot and does not guarantee your health, safety, or comfort. We cannot be held liable for any unforeseen risks that may arise. We strongly urge our volunteers and participants to take all necessary precautions before, during, and after their trips and to be aware of the potential risks associated with international travel and service in underdeveloped countries. Ultimately, the health and safety of our volunteers and participants are our top priority, but we cannot and do not guarantee these outcomes.Extreme poverty is solvable. Join other monthly donors creating a future for vulnerable children.