Volunteer Teaching in The Gambia

  Gambia

Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: 2-6 months

Description: Mondo Challenge currently has 3 teaching programmes avaliable in the Gambia. Kunkujang being the heart of the Mondo Challenge teaching projects in the Gambia, is a village 30 miles south of Banjul. It is approximately 7 km from some of the most beautiful beaches in the country and volunteers will have access to a bicycle so will find it easy to get to the beach after a hot day at school!

Currently Mondo Challenge volunteers are working at two schools in the area. The first is a small primary school set up with funding from VSO in the village of Kunkujang and the second is a larger schools based in the nearby village of Nyefolleh. Volunteers assist these schools by dividing the classes into smaller groups and by providing support and English practice to the local staff.

Mondo Challenge has also began work with the Wellingara Primary School, situated approximately an hour away from Kunkujang, and a short taxi ride in to the cities. Here, the volunteers will be able to work within the school teaching English, basic computer skills, also helping with the new 'Jolly Phonics' scheme aiding with the students to learn the phonetic albhabet.

All of our projects are community based giving volunteers the ability to learn from, as well as help the local people.

Dolores Nnadi, from England (Kunkujang School - Feb 2005) 'I feel really happy and at peace here, its one of the best experiences of my life and I wouldnt miss it for anything!!'

Qualifications: A good level of general education; A good knowledge of the English language; flexibility; cultural interest; ability to cope in a rural environment.

Cost in US$: USD 1600+

Salary / Pay: Volunteers make a small financial contribution to help the development of our projects world wide.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: The average age of a Mondo volunteer is 32. Couples and families are welcome and receive a 15% discount (this also applies to friends travelling together). Approximately 50% of our volunteers are non-UK based, with a large number of volunteers from North America, Europe and Australia. Our volunteers have a good level of general education and are enthusiastic, culturally aware, adaptable and highly motivated.

Age Range: 20-60

This Program is open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Gambia Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 2-3

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

MondoChallenge's Mission Statement: MondoChallenge is a not for profit charity which sends volunteers (gap year, university & post university, career break, sabbatical etc) to help with development programs in Africa, Asia and South America. Our programs are community based and the normal stay is from 2-4 months. Volunteers are currently involved in teaching, business development, healthcare and environmental programs.

Year Founded: 2001