Human Rights and Social Justice Program Development and Advocacy, Kakamega

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS! See below for information about application deadlines, how to apply, and program start dates.

About FSD in Kenya
FSD has been working in international development for over 15 years, bringing the resources for sustainable, community-driven development to those who need it most. In Kakamega, Kenya, FSD brings this experience to the field, working with local organizations to implement meaningful, long term solutions to the biggest obstacles to development. Political corruption and human rights abuses have in part defined Kenya as an independent nation, A large portion of Kenyan citizens are left impoverished in a failing system of social infrastructure with very little access to education, healthcare, and natural resources. In addition to human rights violations on part of the nation’s leaders, the large number of people living with HIV/AIDS suffer further abuses. The stigma associated with the virus often prevents people from seeking proper testing and care, and those that contract the disease become part of one of the most marginalized sectors of Kenyan society, with AIDS orphans at the bottom of the hierarchy. These children, often concentrated in slums, not only have to run a household, make a living, and raise other orphaned children, they are the most vulnerable to other human rights violations such as exploitative labor, trafficking, sexual abuse, disinheritance, and violation of legal rights and access to public services.

To help the people of Kakamega overcome these obstacles to development, FSD works with community-based organizations to address the environmental, economic and social issues that affect them the most.

As an FSD Intern in Kakamega you will…

Work side-by-side with a Community-Based Organization specializing in one more of the following development sectors: health, youth and education, women’s empowerment, microfinance, human rights, community development and/or environmental issues Receive intensive training in skills essential to sustainable development, such as: community asset mapping, needs assessments, collaborative project design, grant writing, and project monitoring and evaluation. Gain grant writing and project management experience by practicing your new skills through the design and implementation of a community-driven development project in partnership with your host organization. Access the FSD Alumni Network upon your return home to connect with like-minded individuals who help one another to reach their academic and professional goals through networking and regional events. FSD Alumni have won internationally renowned scholarships, studied at prestigious graduate schools, worked for prominent international development organizations, and have even started their own grassroots organizations.

Recent Interns in Kakamega have…

Provided legal consulting and services within marginalized communities, and designed and implemented campaigns working within local education systems to raise social, political and environmental awareness to fight injustice and defend citizen’s rights, and developed best practices within human rights organizations. Produced and distributed informational resources and publications, and conducted campaigns in the prosecution of human rights violations concerning fair trade, political rights, and environmental exploitation. Worked directly in schools to educate young women on their rights, HIV/AIDS, and reproductive health, and provided counseling, tutoring and recreational activities to at-risk children and orphans.*

About FSD Founded in 1995, the Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD) supports the efforts of more than 300 grassroots, community-based partner organizations throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America. FSD’s programs provide our overseas partners with multi-faceted support that relies on active community participation to mobilize lasting solutions. FSD programs include:

Capacity Building: on-site training and networking opportunities led by local staff Interns and Volunteers: provide local organizations with the human resources they need to design and implement long-term initiatives Grantmaking: funding for sustainable projects Engaged Philanthropy:opportunities for donors to increase their engagement in the projects they support

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