Education without Borders

  South Africa

• Cape Town: 
Cape Town (Kaapstad)

Duration of Program: 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 7-12 months
Dates: Negotiable

Description: Education without Borders, a Vancouver-based NGO, is seeking applications for an exciting, life-changing volunteer teaching position at Fezeka High School in the township of Guguletu (Cape Town), South Africa. The volunteer teacher will primarily be responsible for a teaching load of approximately 50-60% in the areas of grade 10 through 12 Mathematics, Science, and Information Technology.

Location and School
Fezeka Senior Secondary School is located in Guguletu (known colloquially as Gugs), a black township (pop. 330,000) on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa. The school is situated in a poor, overcrowded area. Not only are black schools like Fezeka struggling with inadequate facilities and social problems, some students are entering an education system that for years has excluded them. The students that the volunteer teacher will be teaching can range in age from 14 to early to mid-20s, regardless of the grade they may be in. The school population is somewhere around 1100 students, with close to 700 students at its sister Primary school, Songeze, a 5 minute drive from Fezeka. Currently there are +/- 30 teachers on the Fezeka teaching staff and class sizes can vary from 38-52 students per class.

Orientation
A detailed orientation will be provided by an EwB representative in Cape Town. The orientation will include assistance in organizing transportation and lodging (though the volunteer teacher is encouraged to be proactive about looking into accommodation before arriving in Cape Town, information about where to look will be provided), as well as guidelines for personal conduct and safety. Fezeka is easy to get to from the Main Road in Gugs, which is a short distance from the N2 (one of the major highways in Cape Town), and has constant security on the premises. Entry to the school is through a motorized gate which is locked during school hours. An EwB representative will always be available to the volunteer teacher if s/he has any questions or concerns throughout their assignment.

How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their resume and completed application form to Education without Borders. Please contact us for more information.

Highlights: Education without Borders (EwB) is a Canadian non-profit foundation created in 2002. It obtained its charitable status in March 2003. The mandate of this Foundation is to foster educational opportunities and provide educational facilities in disadvantaged regions of the world. We believe that the development of knowledge and skills gives individuals greater control over their lives and more possibilities and choices for their future. Enhanced educational opportunities build a community from within, and facilitate bridging between communities. Your work with us can help change lives for the students at Fazeka Secondary School.

Qualifications: Volunteer Role
The volunteer teacher will primarily be responsible for a teaching load of approximately 50-60% in the areas of grade 10 through 12 Mathematics, Science, and Information Technology. The successful applicant will also act as an IT project manager in the school and will work closely with the head of the IT department. In addition, the volunteer teacher will collaborate with other teaching staff and work within the school in various capacities at the discretion of the principal and relevant Heads of Department.

The beginning date is flexible, although we hope to fill the position as soon as possible. A commitment of approximately one year is desirable, but again negotiable. The volunteer teacher would have a three week break in March/April, a two week break in July, and a one week break in late September.   During these times the volunteer teacher is free to spend their time as they wish, although there may be opportunities to facilitate and/or participate in extra-curricular workshops during school breaks.

Requirements
Applicants must have a Bachelor of Education (or equivalent teaching credentials) and be in good standing with their licensing board. A minimum of 2 years teaching experience is required. Prior travel and overseas work experience is an asset. Applicants must be mature, open minded and flexible. An ability to be resourceful, take initiative and adapt to new situations is a must.

Financial Information
Education without Borders will make a significant contribution (approximately $10,000) to help support the volunteer teacher in paying for their round trip airfare, lodging, transportation and food. The ideal candidate would fund raise to match EwBs contribution. The details of this will be discussed and negotiated with the volunteer teacher. Extra spending money (for travel, personal shopping, etc.) is the responsibility of the volunteer teacher.

Minimum Education: Bachelor of Arts

Experience Required: yes

Applicants must have a Bachelor of Education (or equivalent teaching credentials) and be in good standing with their licensing board. A minimum of 2 years teaching experience is required. Prior travel and overseas work experience is an asset. Applicants must be mature, open minded and flexible. An ability to be resourceful, take initiative and adapt to new situations is a must.

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers must have a Bachelor of Education (or equivalent teaching credentials) and be in good standing with their licensing board. A minimum of 2 years teaching experience is required. Prior travel and overseas work experience is an asset. Applicants must be mature, open minded and flexible. An ability to be resourceful, take initiative and adapt to new situations is a must.

Age Range: 22 and up

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Education without Borders's Mission Statement: Education Without Borders (EWB) aims to provide improved educational opportunities and facilities in disadvantaged regions of the world. We believe that the development of knowledge and skills gives individuals greater control over their lives and more possibilities and choices for their future. Enhanced educational opportunities build a community from within, and facilitate bridging between communities.

Year Founded: 2002