Volunteering volunteer@eastafricanplaygrounds.org
How do I become an EAP volunteer? It is really simple. Either download or email us for an application form, fill it out and email us back. Then we will invite you for an interview or to attend a selection day.
Do I need any experience? You don’t need any experience to come on an EAP project. We believe in giving everyone an opportunity and our projects are design for anyone to be able to contribute. All we ask for is enthusiasm and a good work ethic.
How much does the volunteer project cost? We aim to keep the cost of volunteering to a minimal. We ask each volunteer to raise a minimum of £600 and pay £250 living expenses, which includes; 24/7 support in the UK and in East Africa, on project food and accommodation, training, airport pick ups and trip planning. Each volunteer is responsible for paying for their own fight (£500-£700), Vaccinations (roughly £100), visa (£35) and insurance (roughly £100). We advise on all of the above.
How long are the projects? Each project is 4 weeks long and they run from early June until mid October each year. If you want to volunteer outside of this time then please contact us.
What will I be doing on the projects? On each project volunteers help with the building work in the mornings and then the sports, arts and reading programs in the afternoons. Then at weekends trips and activities are organised for each group.
Who else will be on the projects? Each projects is based at the heart of a local community. One each projects there will be a team of 10 UK volunteers, 2 EAP project leaders and our EAP Building team.
What support will I have? EAP provides pre project support in the UK and 24 hour on project support in East Africa. On each project there is a qualified first aider and a member of the EAP team is present at all times.
Can my school/ university/ club/ work set up our own building team? Yes. If your school/ university/ club/ work wants to send a team out we can arrange for this.
Any further questions, just email us at volunteer@eastafricanplaygrounds.org
Donations (Equipment and funds) – donate@eastafricanplaygrounds.org
How can I help? You can do all sorts of things to help EAP. Volunteer; Fund raise; become a monthly donor; donate books; start a book drive or donate sports equipment.
How can my school help? Your school can help by supporting one of our projects or programs. To see how to do this check out Get Involved – Schools (LINK).
How can my company help? Your company can help by adding EAP to is funding list. If your company has any charitable foundations then you can tell them about EAP. You can start a book drive or set your company a fund raising target to support one of our projects or programs.
Can i donate stock? As long as its books, scholastic or sports equipment we would love to receive it. You can send it to ‘East African Playgrounds 57 Hillside Gardens, Brockham, Betchworth, Surrey RH3 7ER’
Do you want used books? Yes we do. Send them to ‘EAP 57 Hillside Gardens, Brockham, Betchworth, Surrey RH3 7ER’and we will categorise them all.
What sports equipment do you want? Any Football, Net ball or Volley ball equipment would be fantastic, including kits, cones, balls, etc. You can send it to ‘East African Playgrounds, 57 Hillside Gardens, Brockham, Betchworth, Surrey RH3 7ER’
Why do you only do 3 sports? We only run football, netball and volley ball coaching programs because they are the three main sports which primary schools compete in across East Africa
Where do the donations go? All donations of equipment are taken out to East Africa and used in our projects. We try to keep our over head as low as possible so that more money goes directly into the projects. Therefore we get volunteers to bring a seperate bag for EAP equipment. Currently over 75% of donations go directly into our projects and programs.
Can I raise funds for a specific school/project? If you want to build a playground at a certain school in East Africa then you can fund raise for the build and we can build the playground at your school of choice.
Any further questions about donations please email us at donate@eastafricanplaygrounds.org
General
Why playgrounds, sports and art?
The importance of sports, play and extracurricular activities is often an understated part of a child’s development. UNICEF states that play allows children to explore create and invent. It is through this that they are able to develop their social skills, ways of thinking, learn how to deal with emotions and learn about their own physical capabilities. The fun that children have through sports, play and extracurricular activities has a great impact on children whose lives are difficult. Across East African there are millions of children who lack safe and fun play spaces and equipment which can hamper their development.
Who looks after the playgrounds? Once the playgrounds are built the local community are responsible for its up keep. The EAP team visit each site three to four times a year to do routine checks and make and necessary repairs.
What’s the longevity of the programs? Each sports, arts and reading program we do is in partnership with the teachers and parents. This way the teachers and parents benefit from the training and coaching as well as the students. By training the parents and teachers the programs are able to be repeated and continued by the school and the community.
If you have any other questions or queries then just email us at info@eastafricanplaygrounds.org
