Village Education

What is this Teach English, Reading, Writing and Numeracy all about?

This project was created in an effort to improve language skills for children and adults coming from modest backgrounds and attending public schools and those not attending/attended school. The presence of volunteers gives them a chance to acquire language skills they would otherwise not be getting. English is taught much later despite the increasing need to know English as a universal language. Language classes tend to be overcrowded and often have diverse ranges of ages and abilities making teaching more challenging. With some creativity and assistance from the local teachers, the volunteers can help raise the standards and unleash the local students potential, while allowing the learning of languages in a much more efficient way. Language skills are essential, and in a country with a few language teachers, international volunteers are greatly needed. That said, the Community and schools welcome volunteers of all background that will be able to help the students acquiring important skills for a brighter future.

Why choose this Community & Education project in Buyiga Island?

This is the perfect placement for anyone interested in inter-cultural exchange benefiting both local students and the volunteer alike. Teaching your mother tongue to the local students will improve the future prospects of some of the most impoverished children, adults and help them break the poverty cycle. As a volunteer, you will learn a great deal from the experience, work with amazing children, adults and learn about Uganda’s people and culture. You will also gain a deep understanding of Uganda’s educational system and society in general.

The fee is minimal and learning the local languages could help you leverage your volunteering even more. Just let us know in advance so this can be arranged. If interested in an extensive placement, or getting credit for this volunteer experience.

Role of the Teaching volunteer

• The volunteers play an integral role in achieving the goals of this project. Volunteers provide language classes in English language and Numeracy.
• They will work with the local teachers to deliver the curriculum.
• They will help the students and adults improve their pronunciation, conversational skills and counting skills.  
• Volunteers will be given the freedom to create and carry out their own lessons. The volunteers’ willingness to share and be proactive in their role will make a valuable addition to any classroom.
• Plan the course of study with the learner(s)
• Devote some personal time to preparation as required
• Meet regularly with the learner(s)
• Assume the role of tutor/facilitator rather than counsellor
• Communicate regularly with the coordinator on learner's progress
• Discuss learner and/or program concerns with the coordinator
• Assist in the planning and evaluation of the program.

We work Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:30pm although sometimes it depends on what needs to be accomplished. Typical working days start with staff meeting to review the tasks at hand including following up on the unfinished ones and planning for the next. Then everyone will get to work on their assigned tasks including those going to the field or attend external meetings. We have team breakfast at 10:30 am and lunch at 1:00 pm at office 

However flexibility is very important at this level.

In your free time there is many options for activities! A lot of our volunteers like to take extended weekends to do safari, gorilla trekking or adventure water sports. All of these are at the volunteers own cost, but are organized through our local partners to ensure the best price and experience. Our close proximity to Kampala means there is plenty of opportunity to explore the craft markets, eat local food and go to local events including soccer games. We encourage volunteers to travel on their weekends and will help arrange trips or activities.