Community Education at Primary Schools in Moshi, Tanzania

  Tanzania

Moshi

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: The warm smiles that greet you in Tanzania are almost as famous as the country's other recognisable landmarks, the snow capped peaks of Kilimanjaro and the wide expanses of Lake Victoria and on this project you get to experience both. Our partner project in Moshi, a pretty town in the foothills of the Kilimanjaro, works hard to improve the lives of young people by teaching English, maths, science and a host of extra-curricular activities the kids will no doubt rope you in to! And if you have any energy left over you can always try the mountain!

*Project details:
The Tanzanian government has put a large emphasis on increasing the number of primary-educated people in their country and as such there are now a large variety of government funded schools. However, regardless of the type of school a lot of the projects are severely under-resourced and often have large class sizes (sometimes up to 60 pupils) due to staff shortages. There is also a strange system within Tanzania education whereby much of the primary education is taught in Kiswahili and then switches to 100% English for secondary education. This causes chaos for the pupils who are forced to switch language instantly! Teaching English in the primary schools will help to bridge this transition from primary school to secondary education.

During March, June, September and December the schools are on holiday. If you are here during these times you can often provide holiday tuition or work on one of the less formal projects such as nurseries or orphanages.

*Why the project needs volunteers:
The 80s and 90s were tumultuous decades for Tanzania, with economy and stability suffering as a result. Targets were set for universal free education with the hope that social development and economic development would follow. However government funding for school staffing and resources remains extremely low, and even privately funded schools are under-resourced.

Volunteers can play an essential part within Tanzania's education system by contributing their time, support and enthusiasm to the schools and your contribution will enable schools to take one step closer to giving all children throughout Tanzania free, accessible primary education.

Highlights:
* Being inspired by the enthusiasm of the children you teach
* Getting under the skin of Tanzania and really making a contribution
* Enjoying the sights and sounds of one of East Africa's most pleasant towns
* Looking up at the awesome Mt. Kilimanjaro every day

Qualifications: What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
Patience, flexibility and initiative are crucial to the position, both in the classroom environment, and when dealing with the more bureaucratic aspects of teaching in an African country. Any skills that you can contribute both in academic fields, such as English, Maths, Science or Health Education, or in more vocational skills, can be utilised to the advantage of both children and staff. Also any skills in extra curricular activities such as arts and craft, sport, music and dance will provide the children with some creativity and enjoyment that they otherwise would miss out on completely.

Your role as a volunteer:
Working in any of the schools in the Moshi area, you could be teaching English in potentially large and enthusiastic classes, coaching sports and extra-curricular activities, or even help improve staff English pronunciation and conversation skills. Fresh ideas and activities will be welcomed at all projects.

At the primary schools the main emphasis is on teaching English to help prepare students for their secondary education or other future opportunities. You will receive a syllabus to help with your lesson preparation.

The hours are flexible in these projects and will be determined by the timetable you agree with the teachers. Time permitting, there are a variety of additional afternoon projects you can participate in if interested. These include activities such as:
* sports coaching
* health care and sanitation
* conservation
* adult education

Cost in US$: USD 1645.00 for 2 weeks, USD 275.00 for every week

* Accommodation: Shared dormitory room in volunteer house. Single room upgrade also available, please give us a call for more information
* Food: Breakfast and dinner
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994