Kisumu
Welcome to the Kisumu Training and Preparation page, here you will find all the packs for your preparation. Many of them will also be a great help during the project giving you ideas and tips for your placements.
* 2 new preparation packs and the Project Checklist are now available here (as of 19th May)! *
Kisumu Project Preparation Pack
The Kisumu Project Preparation Pack gives you all the basic information you need to know about the project - from packing lists to cultural dos and don’ts. Make sure you read through it all so that you are as prepared as possible for the project.
Shiriki Volunteer Preparation Pack
The Shiriki Programme Preparation Pack is for both Kenyan and UK volunteers who are going on the Shiriki programme. It contains details of placements, logistics and welcome messages from the two partners.
The checklist provides a simple outline of all the tasks you need to undertake before going to Kisumu. Make sure you read through it asap as the first deadline is May 20th!
The Kisumu Language Pack is a comprehensive guide to help you learn Swahili and Luo prior to the project and is available here.
Another excellent Swahili resource is available on the web at www.beforeyouknowit.com This uses visual and audio cards to help you memorise words and short phrases – with the added advantage that you can practice your accent before arriving!
With these resources there is no reason why you can’t arrive in Kisumu already having a grasp of basic Swahili AND Luo. You will find, as have past volunteers, that this is essential in enabling you to integrate into your community and placement and allows you to get so much more out of the experience.
And what’s more if while you are learning you need access to a Swahili dictionary the one at www.kamusiproject.org is an excellent resource.