Description

There are a number of rural schools in this area that are seriously under-funded and do not have the resources, or sufficient teachers for the huge number of children that attend each school. These schools really need your support as a volunteer teacher and you can make a difference to the education of hundreds of children!

Highlights

Volunteer Role

As a volunteer on this project you will work in one of the local schools, where you will be teaching core subjects to children of all different ages and levels. There will be local members of staff in the class with you, the class size in normally up to 200 students, so it is advisable that the class is split between you and your fellow volunteers so there is the opportunity for closer one to one interaction.

The main subject that you will teach will be English, then Maths. You may get involved in other academic subjects though this will depend on what the teacher is teaching at the time. If you are creative you can plan your own lessons to incorporate pretty much anything.

Extra-curricular activities
In the afternoon, after your school teaching session and after a well-deserved lunch break, you will be involved in extra-curricular activities with the children, such as teaching additional lessons or teaching sports.

You will ideally go back around three afternoons per week to do additional lessons with the children. We recommend that you try and identify those children who would benefit from extra help to take part in the additional afternoon lessons. You will be able to use the library and the classrooms during this time.

You can also teach additional lessons such as sports if you wish. Football is by far the most popular sport in Malawi, as in much of Africa and netball is also played by many of the girls; with the schools having teams for both sports. Other sports, such as volleyball, rounders and badminton are also offered on an informal basis, due to a lack of equipment and knowledge of these sports.

The schools also run wildlife and conservation clubs, where pupils learn about conservation and how to preserve and protect the wildlife of Malawi. This occasionally includes educational visits to National Parks and game reserves where the children gain an insight into the importance of Malawi's natural areas, though this work could certainly be instigated and further developed by you.

Please note: As a volunteer you will need to be creative and proactive to get involved in the extra activities- the school is really in need of your help and with a bit of initiative and determination, many of the extra activities can be carried out.

Qualifications

Program Requirements

Females cannot wear trousers during project work time and must wear long skirts or purchase inexpensive material locally to use as a wrap-around.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

from USD 1,869.00

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

What's Included in the Program

- Project Fee: this entails financing that goes directly back into the project that you are involved with. This project fee facilitates funding for items such as building materials, equipment, supplies, foodstuffs, etc
- Airport transfer to and from Lilongwe International Airport
- Orientation on arrival
- All accommodation during your stay at shared volunteer house
- Full support and assistance from your coordinator throughout your time in Malawi
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
- 24-hour support number and contact for emergencies.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

Minimum 17 years, maximum depends on potential participants' health

This Program is open to

American, European, Canadian, Australian, South African, Kiwi, Worldwide and Asian Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Guest House

Real Gap Experience's Mission Statement

We offer over 250 projects and travel options in over 35 countries. So whether you are interested in volunteering, community work, conservation, paid work overseas, teaching English, learning a new skill, adventure travel or sports and expeditions, you will find what you are looking for with Real Gap. Not only about we passionate about responsible travel, we also want to make sure you have a good time too! Our travel advisers have traversed the globe and taken their own gap years, so they can give you all the advice you need to plan yours. You will also get support from both our on-site and office staff who understand the needs and expectations of Real Gap travelers.

Year Founded

2005