is much need for extra help in Tanzanian schools. However, it is very important
to know where and how to give support. We do not support government schools as
this interferes with the local education system and may reduce the incentive
for the government to improve its own educational system, whilst also
disrupting the work of the local teachers. In general we support locally based
schools, trying to provide an education to those that would otherwise go
w
ithout. We currently have volunteer positions at teaching project for children
of all ages. The nursery schools are run by local organisations trying to
prepare the children for primary school by teaching them basics such as
reading, writing, Maths, Swahili and English. Projects working with older
children are providing an education to orphaned and disadvantaged children, who
otherwise would not be able to attend school. We do not agree with placing
unskilled people into teaching positions, replacing local teachers or
disrupting the work of the local teachers. Local teachers are teaching at all
of these schools and rather than replace them, we try to enhance their work by
taking extra classes and activities, dividing large classes and helping give
more individual attention to the children. Volunteers can also help with one on
one tuition for children falling behind.
of the common difficulties for children in Tanzania is that primary school is
taught in Swahili and secondary school in English. This is obviously a
difficult transition, therefore much assistance is required to help children
build their English.
with formal teaching there are opportunities to pass on other skills to
children, such as drama, singing, music, gardening, hygiene and human rights.
Volunteers run skills training and health/life skills tasks at a few projects.
do not need to be a teacher to help with teaching positions. You can still be a
valuable asset when volunteering as a teacher’s assistant, activities director
or offering one on one tuition. Other aspects of teaching projects include work
with children with learning difficulties, street children and young people on
remand. Vocational skills are particularly valuable for these placements.
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