Description

This project is based in Northern Tanzania in Maasai villages around Ngaramtoni and Longido. Gap year volunteers work with primary schools teaching English to Maasai children. The schools are all in rural locations providing a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Maasai communities and culture. While there are signs of growing prosperity in the area, life remains simple for most and volunteers will face very different issues to what might be expected in the developed world.

Volunteer teachers work primarily as English teachers in local schools. While most lessons in primary schools are in Kiswahili, at the secondary level the medium of education changes to English. By helping to raise levels of English at primary schools, volunteers can give children a much better chance of performing well in further education.

Primary schools in Tanzania work on a subject timetable, so as an English teacher you will rotate between several classes as needed. The pupils you will teach range from 9 to 14 years old, although there can be some variation even within one class. As a gap year teacher you will plan and deliver lessons according to the curriculum. You will have a local Tanzanian teacher to guide you, but you should be prepared to teach classes independently.

In addition to this you will mark books and may need to help write and mark exams. The schools have little in the way of resources; textbooks are few and far between and a blackboard and piece of chalk are the main means of communication. This creates a great opportunity to bring fun activities into the classroom, like songs, games, art and drama.

Volunteers interested in sports can run after-school clubs and training sessions. Football and netball are very popular and matches can be arranged with other schools. The popularity of these clubs means that you may have a large number of attendees and will need to be creative in your approach. There are also opportunities to teach English to adults in the town.

Highlights

Teaching English in Africa can be challenging as class sizes are large, but it is an opportunity for you to use your skills and imagination to come up with innovative ways to teach and communicate with the children. You would play a key role in improving English language skills in a region that striving to improve levels of education. During your placement you will gain greater confidence and build memories that you'll never forget!

By volunteering in Tanzania you will also be perfectly placed to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you. This includes the imposing Mount Kilimanjaro and the rich wildlife of Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.

Qualifications

No qualifications necessary, but volunteers should have an interest in teaching.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Inquire for more information.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Cost includes pre-departure guidance and briefing, meet at airport and transfer to accommodation, in-country orientation and welcome pack, twin-share accommodation at local homestay, breakfast and dinner for duration of placement and full in-country support from our local coordinator.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview

GapGuru's Mission Statement

GapGuru is a gap year specialist offering a wide range of exciting volunteer projects, travel programs and gap year internships across Asia, Africa, South America & Europe. We are committed to providing unique programs and unrivaled customer service that helps you to make the most of your gap year abroad.