Location:
Marsabit District, about 70 kilometers Southwest of Marsabit Mountain.
Altitude:
2000 meters (6500 ft).
Climate:
Dry semi-desert conditions.
Travel:
Two hour flight from Nairobi. The flights are available weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays. Travel by road with FHI staff takes approximately 10 hours through Mombasa Road. Two hour drive from Korr to Marsabit with FHI staff or 10 minutes by air.
People: The Rendille number approximately 30,000. They are classified as nomadic by culture and tradition. Their greatest pride is in their livestock, which is mostly camels. They dwell in small portable round homes made of wooden sticks, woven mats and animal skins. Their lifestyle is simple, with a focus on survival, finding water and grazing grounds for their animals, and celebrating their traditions and ceremonies. In the past decade, the church in Korr has grown and currently has a membership of 200. Only a small portion of the congregation fully understands the Gospel.
FHI:
FHI gives partial scholarships, provides relief, and also works towards natural resource development.
Languages:
Knowledge of Swahili is highly recommended, although arrangements can be made for an English-speaking translator.
Housing/Meals:
Simple guesthouse (no running water, possible solar power, outhouse, bucket baths). Local foods are limited, so interns may have to bring in food and supplies from Marsabit/Nairobi.
Communication:
Radio communication with office. Phone is reserved for emergencies only. Internet, email and phone are available in Marsabit/Nairobi only.
Medical Facilities:
Basic medical care is available at the small medical clinic. Medical evacuations by air are available for complicated and critical medical conditions.
Work Practicum Options for Korr:
- Work Practicum: Land Rehabilitation for Arid Lands
Available: Spring and Fall
Number of placements: 1
Brief description of duties:
- Plant indigenous cuttings in areas with high levels of desertification
- Teach land management principles to local people through training and demonstration in small groups
- Study Practicum: Land Rehabilitation for Arid Lands Project Plan
Available: Spring and Fall
Number of Placements: 1
Brief description of duties:
- Assess environment and design plans for future rehabilitation and land management projects that are culturally appropriate and environmentally sustainable
- Design plans for future livestock/range management projects that are culturally appropriate
- Work Practicum: Livestock/ Range Management
Available: Spring and Fall
Number of Placements: 1
Brief description of duties:
- Help manage zero-grazing plot and assist community members to design and operate individual plots
- Participate in cross-breeding program with demo dairy goats
- Teach livestock management principles to local people through training and demonstration to small groups
- Study Practicum: Photo Journalism (possible in all regions)
Available: Spring and Fall
Number of Placements: 1
Brief description of duties:
- Take photographs and write a story on the impact of FHI projects on the community
- Produce usable printed and/or soft-copy material for FHI use
- Work Practicum: Student Ministries
Available: Spring and Fall
Number of Placements: 2
Brief description of duties:
- Organize and operate Bible Clubs for elementary to high school age students, including training of other teachers
- Organize and operate sports outreach such as soccer, volleyball, etc. for youth and young adults
- Work Practicum: Nursing
Available: Spring and Fall
Number of Placements: 1
Brief description of duties:
- Practice basic nursing techniques at the Village Clinic
- Possible involvement in immunizations, prenatal visits and baby clinics
- Note: A midwife trainee, should be prepared to focus more on training for local village midwives, and also to be available for assistance in techniques as the need arises
NOTE: Work Internships for three to six months are available in all the above Practicum areas during the months of January-April, May-July, and August-November. A separate application is required.
- Additional Work Internship: Teaching
Available: Fall Semester only
Number of Placements: 2
Brief description of duties:
- Teach grades 6 to 8 on a variety of topics
- Note: If subject of interest is art, physical education or any other extra curricular activity, it is advisable for the student to bring materials and supplies for classes. (Contact field for further details)
Kenya Country Information
Kenya Practicum Site I: Marsabit (max 12 students)
Kenya Practicum Site III: Meru (Max 4 students)
