The mother tongue of the school learners is Swahili (Kiswahili), so the learners learn English as a second and sometimes third language. Children start as young as four years old to learn English.
The school that volunteers assist at has around 200 learners with around 30 learners per class. The ages of the learners are roughly 5 to 7 years old for the nursery school, 7 to 14 years old for the primary school and 15 to 18 years old for the high school classes.
Assembly takes place in the morning and the school starts roughly at 7.30 am and finishes at 2pm.
The volunteers will be guided by host teachers based on the school and state’s syllabus and curriculum.
Volunteers normally are given textbooks that contain the syllabus and/or topics to cover. Classes can be English, Arabic, French, Mathematics, Geography, Biology, Sciences and even on hygiene. Please let us know if you have a special interest in a particular subject so we can try and accommodate you. Children start learning English at 4 years old in nursery school and due to Zanzibar having such a strong tourism industry, learning languages is a priority.
Initially the teachers always helps but as the time goes, volunteers will work alone, plan and provide lessons for classes.
Volunteer duties:
· Educational Support: Provide instruction and support to students in various subjects, following established curricula or educational programs.
· Classroom Management: Manage the classroom environment, including maintaining order, discipline, and a positive learning atmosphere.
· Lesson Planning: Prepare lesson plans, instructional materials, and assessments to effectively deliver educational content.
· Individualised Assistance: Offer one-on-one or small group tutoring and assistance to students who require additional help.
· Progress Monitoring: Assess student progress and performance and maintain records of their academic development.
· Communication: Collaborate with other teachers, school staff, and parents to discuss student progress and address any concerns.
· Mentoring: Serve as a mentor and positive role model for students, promoting their personal growth and development.
· Cultural Exchange: Promote cultural exchange and understanding by sharing your own experiences and learning from the local community.
· Adherence to Policies: Abide by the school's or organisation's rules, guidelines, and codes of conduct.
· Commitment: Maintain a consistent volunteering schedule and fulfil the agreed-upon time commitment.
· Continuing Education: Stay updated on educational practices and trends to enhance teaching effectiveness.
So, if you love helping with children, believe that education is key to a great future and would love to experience the laidback tropical lifestyle of our favourite African island, then this project is for you!
