Teaching Assistant Primary School

“Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mine worker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation. It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.”- Nelson Mandela

About the project

This project will focus on supporting the children reach their full educational potential as early as possible. The school provides an excellent learning environment with a strict curriculum and syllabus. All classes are taught in English with extra classes in Swahili and French.

The school has about 400 children and 25 teachers providing education from nursery to Standard 7. They provide the following core classes:

English, Maths, Science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics), Geography, Sports Education, IT/Computers, Languages, Art, Civics and many more subjects on their syllabus. 

 Your role as a volunteer

Your role as a volunteer will be to assist the staff meet the children's educational and social needs. You will have a choice of which class you would like to volunteer with. The schools run on the national curriculum with qualified teachers who will supervise your work. You will assist in lesson planning or contribute to the lesson plans that alongside the staff on the subjects you will be appointed to. This is a fun, high energy and very busy school filled with kids with so much potential for bright futures. 

The children require a lot of support and stimulation to learn through teaching and social interaction. The classes mainly require classroom support and people who are enthusiastic, patient and passionate about child development and education. 

Teaching: Experienced teachers, interns and educational volunteers are crucial as  to deliver curriculum training and expertise as well as deliver teaching to the children. The children can already speak and understand basic English but more can still be done to develop them further. The children need continuous stimulation to develop their comprehensive skills and this requires passionate and motivated staff and volunteer  to continue their development.

Why this is important

These are exceptionally bright and engaged children who have the support of passionate and hardworking staff fighting for their futures. But there is so much more to be done. Many of the rooms are in need of full refurbishment and stimulating and educational tools, books and equipment is needed to progress these children. 

Educational toys, books, classroom materials, sponsorship and donations are also what volunteers have contributed which have made a huge, long term difference to the children.

The Mission

Many bright and motivated volunteers have shone the light and shown the difference that can be made through

volunteering. By providing time and care to classes and even working one to one with individual children, volunteers introduce new ideas, hope and development

to the work already being done. Some have even gone on to sponsor children, providing them with funding for

education until they finish school, giving children with a fighting chance at future. Through interaction with

foreigners, the children also learn how to easily engage with people from different backgrounds from them, they

pick up basic English very quickly and learn to love to socialize.

But will you make a difference?

Yes. Many bright and motivated volunteers have shone the light and shown the difference that can be made through volunteering. By providing time and care, volunteers introduce new ideas, hope and healthcare at ground level, adding to the work already being done.

Your Stay

You will stay Siret Hostel; one of the highest rated and reviewed guesthouses in Arusha. Providing safe, clean and comfortable accommodation, comfortable bedding, excellent breakfast and dinner and housekeeping. This will be a quiet and friendly neighbourhood only 15 minutes from the main hustle and bustle of town. You will have 24 hour gated security, a domestic/cook (who will happily do your laundry for a small fee) and a coordinator who will ensure you settle in quickly and comfortably into your new town. This is a shared home where you will be staying with other volunteers and guests from across the world, so you will never be on your own in your new environment. The house is impeccably clean, well kept, modern and spacious.

How will you get around?

For your placement, you will travel like a local and walk or take public transport. You will need to set a small budget aside for this (around $1 per day by local minibuses, 4 to 5 days per week). It is important you are prepared and comfortable to travel around town, this is a demanding role that requires dedication.

Important VISA & Permit Information

You will be required to pay a for a VISA & Permit for your volunteer work assignment. Please enquire for details.

Your typical day will usually begin very early, helping the local staff prepare the centre for the children's arrival. You will then be given specific duties within the school and assisting in the classroom for the day.  Your day can be either very hectic and extremely challenging or slow and very quiet. You will need to be motivated, resilient and work well in a team in order to get the best out of your experience. 

What will your schedule look like?

07:00 Breakfast

08:00 Report to class

10:00 Tea Break/Teachers Meeting

12:00-13:00 Lunch Break

15:30 Classes finish for the day

There are many tasks to get involved in and your day will not always be the same everyday! Alot of play will be involved and the teachers and pre school staff will always be available to help!

Arusha provides an array of activities to get involved in during your free time. Explore the numerous walking trails, enjoy the large amount of cafe's bistro's and local food in town and many more places to relax. There is a vibrant community life in Arusha, whether you want to enjoy a quiet meal, watch outdoor cinema or go dancing. 

Siret Trip provide a unique opportunity for our special volunteers to experience more of Africa's beauty. Take a scenic weekend walking tour of the lush rolling foothills of Mt Meru or a breathtaking day trips to some the world's most admired national reserves. Arusha is packed with opportunity to experience unique and unforgettable outdoor adventures.