Primary school teaching placements

Product Details

Where are the placements ?
The Changing Worlds Kenya teaching placements are all in and around the town of Nakuru in the South West of Kenya - some three hours drive from the capital city of Nairobi. You will be working with poorer Kenyan children in primary schools. The schools see the input ofvolunteers as crucial to raising the standard of English language. All classes are taught in English. You will work with primary aged children anywhere from 5 to 8 years old. Changing Worlds can offer you a choice of placements although we are determined by the needs of the various establishments at any given time. We ask all volunteers to be flexible - after all this is Africa!

What will I do ?
You will work alongside your local colleagues, primarily as a teacher of English language. The schools conform to a national curriculum that encourages the use of strict grammar rules. This can make it quite demanding for volunteers but as your confidence increases you will find that you quickly get used to working in this way. If you are prepared to turn your hand to other subject areas this will be very well received. In the past volunteers have taught maths, geography and science depending on their areas of expertise. The biggest impact you can make is not necessarily in the classroom. We encourage all volunteers to take an active role in extra curricular activities - such as sport, drama, music and art. This is great fun and builds excellent relationships with the children in your care. Local teachers find it hard to make time to get involved in these activities.

Where will I live ?
You will live with a local family near the school where you are working. You can either walk to the school or you might invest in a cheap bicycle to give you greater flexibility to get out and about. Accommodation is basic but safe. You can expect to share a room with at least one other Changing Worlds volunteer. There will be access to toilet and shower. All food and drinking water is provided. Your host family will supply breakfast and an evening meal. The school will provide lunch when you are at work.

What support do I get ?
Changing Worlds will brief you in the UK before you depart. We introduce you to the sensitive issues of culture, safety and health. You will be met on arrival to Nairobi. We organise a few days relaxing in the city. Karanja the Changing Worlds representative will introduce himself and tell you more about what lies ahead. Karanja will have organised your transport to the placement. Karanja will keep in regular contact with you and your hosts throughout your placement period to see that all is well. If you have a work related problem then your first contact will be the head teacher of the school.

What do I need ?
You will require a six-month tourist visa for Kenya (cost £60). Changing Worlds will brief you on how to obtain the visa. You will need to gain adequate travel insurance for your entire time overseas.

Am I eligible ?
Yes, as long as you love children and are prepared to work long hours.

What do I do in my free time ?
You can expect to work during the week (about a two thirds timetable) so the weekends will be your chance to explore the local markets, shops and nightlife.

There is so much to explore in Kenya you will simply be spoilt for choice - Nakuru national park is less than one hour away. The park is home to millions of pink flamingos, giraffes and rhinos and this is on your doorstep!