Teaching English in Africa as a Volunteer

[Niko]

Teaching in Kenya as a Volunteer

My time teaching English in Japan is soon coming to an end. But, before returning home, there is 1 more thing I need to do. I have always wanted to teach English as a volunteer in Kenya for a few months.

Some people may think this is crazy. Why teach for free? Teaching in Kenya is about helping some of the poorest people on earth. It's not about the money. To see an ear-to-ear grin from a student is enough gratitude for my volunteer efforts in teaching.

My time in Japan is to earn money. My time in Kenya will be to give something back where I can. In fact, I think I will be receiving more than I will be giving in the way of:

• beautiful landscapes
• wildlife in their natural habitat
• rich cultures

I really urge all teachers to consider a brief stint teaching in Africa.

Let's put a stop to the hatred and selfishness that has absorbed our lives. Let's love and share our precious time on earth where we can.

Thank you.

Penelope
(Nova Teacher, Japan)

[AndyJ]

I'd just like to add to this as a member of the i-to-i volunteer team.

We have some fantastic volunteer teaching placements around the world, which is an amzing way to give something back or get valuable experience before looking for paid work.

As an i-to-i teaching volunteer you will become part of the local community. You will also experience the wonderful feeling of giving your students a boost and watching them grow during your time teaching English overseas.

While teaching English abroad, besides general education from kindergarten to university level, you can work at music, with special needs children, business and technology schools, orphanages and community cooperatives. When volunteering for teaching, i-to-i provides complimentary teacher training, accredited by ODLQC, to ensure you get the best out of your chosen volunteer program abroad.

We have a promotion running until the end of September 2006, with 10.5% off the placement fee if you quote ESCAPE on www.i-to-i.com.

Thanks, Andy.

[LadyM]

I am also considering teaching as a volunteer for about two months while my husband works as a medical volunteer in Africa. I am unsure as to how to go about this so any help would be welcomed.

[Petra]

You have 2 choices:

1. Pay an agency a few thousand dollars to set it up for you
2. Search the job ads for volunteer jobs

If you go with an agency, you are more assured of safety and quality. If you apply directly to a job ad, then you wont typically have the backing of a western and solid company behind you.

[LadyM]

I am going to talk to the coordinator for the program my husband is going through, maybe they can help me. I am excited to go help in a place that needs it and I am proud of the work my husband will be doing too.

[Amit_kumar]

Originally Posted by LadyM

I am also considering teaching as a volunteer for about two months while my husband works as a medical volunteer in Africa. I am unsure as to how to go about this so any help would be welcomed.

Its good that you are thinking to be a volunteer teacher. You can contact any of the below companies who helps you to become volunteer:


Tsavo Conservation Trust - Competent but not necessarily qualified volunteers participate in a variety of volunteer conservation and community projects in rural Kenya and contribute $177 per week to cover costs. Basic computing training also required; shared accommodations available for $7.50 per night.

Global Deaf Connection - Hosts volunteer vacations in Kenya to individuals interested in working with deaf children throughout the world.

Mondo Challenge - Sends volunteers abroad (gap year, university, post university, career break, early retirement etc) to help with volunteer development programs in Africa, Asia and South America. All our volunteer programs are community based and the normal stay is from 2-6 months.

[skydolphin]

I would try a Christian Mission organization. I don't know what your beliefs are but I'am almost sure that you could find a niche with a mission....