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Brilliant 4.78rating (89)
  • Quality Education

Teaching Assistant in Island Creches and Schools

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Teach English, French or Arabic to eager school children on the east African island paradise of Zanzibar. The kids are so cute and eager to learn. They love volunteers and the attention they give.
  • If the Sciences, Mathematics and Geography are more of interest to you than languages, we can definitely use your assistance in these areas in the class to share your knowledge, enthusiasm and time.
  • As the schools finish at 2pm, you have afternoons to go swim at white sandy beaches nearby, explore the historic town of Stone Town or explore other parts of this very interesting spice island.

Highlights

  • Teach English, French or Arabic to eager school children on the east African island paradise of Zanzibar. The kids are so cute and eager to learn. They love volunteers and the attention they give.
  • If the Sciences, Mathematics and Geography are more of interest to you than languages, we can definitely use your assistance in these areas in the class to share your knowledge, enthusiasm and time.
  • As the schools finish at 2pm, you have afternoons to go swim at white sandy beaches nearby, explore the historic town of Stone Town or explore other parts of this very interesting spice island.
  • Zanzibar has so much to offer! Culture, history, beaches, incredible scenic nature and the Zanzibarians are simply lovely and will make your stay truly memorable and make you feel so at home.
  • So much fun for the weekends! Enjoy the night food market at Forodhani Gardens, snorkel at Mnemba Atoll, visit a turtle sanctuary or take a boat to Prison Island to see the giant tortoises.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups

    About the program

    Help teach creche and school children with English, French, Arabic, Maths, Sciences or other subjects at schools on the beautiful tropical paradise island of Zanzibar.

    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 ...

    About the program

    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!

    Typical day

    Typical School Day

    06h00 Wake up nice and early to start the day. Have a quick shower and eat a good breakfast to give you energy for the classroom with eager pupils.

    07h00 Catch the school bus with teachers and pupils.

    7h30 School starts and normally assembly first thing in the morning.

    08h00 to 14h00 ...

    Typical day

    Typical School Day

    06h00 Wake up nice and early to start the day. Have a quick shower and eat a good breakfast to give you energy for the classroom with eager pupils.

    07h00 Catch the school bus with teachers and pupils.

    7h30 School starts and normally assembly first thing in the morning.

    08h00 to 14h00 Assist your assigned teacher/s in the classroom with planned lessons around the syllabus. Classes are roughly 40 minutes each with small breaks.

    14h00 Catch the bus back to the volunteer house and have lunch.

    15h00 Enjoy the afternoon at the beach, exploring Stone Town, prepare for the next day at the schools, relax or have a power nap.

    19h00 to 21h00 Dinner time and a chance to watch a little TV and catch up with the other volunteers and coordinators how their day was.

    Please be aware though as you are in Africa, things might run at a slight slower pace than what you are used too.

    Free-time activities

    Most volunteers will enjoy the opportunity to swim every day and/or take part in the nightly community football games on the beach. Watching the sunset in the evenings (we have some spectacular ones) and visiting the beach at daybreak to watch the fishermen bring in their catch are special ...

    Free-time activities

    Most volunteers will enjoy the opportunity to swim every day and/or take part in the nightly community football games on the beach. Watching the sunset in the evenings (we have some spectacular ones) and visiting the beach at daybreak to watch the fishermen bring in their catch are special pleasures.

    Weekends are the perfect time to take in some day trips to visit the turtle sanctuary in the northern parts of the island, take a boat trip to  see the giant Aldabra tortoises on Prison Island, hike Jozani National park to view endangered Red Colobus monkeys, visit the butterfly farm, tour the fragrant spice farms, take traditional dhow boat trips, visit the Freddy Mercury Museum at Mercury House, snorkel one of the hot spots like Mnemba Atoll, visit heritage sites like the old Slave market or House of Wonder or buy spices and other goods at Darajani market. 

    Stone Town has been named a world heritage site by the UN and wandering through its maze of narrow alleyways and visiting its museums, marketplaces, gardens, coffee and tea houses and wharf is another pleasure. Not to mention some of the best seafood and traditional local curries to be sampled in the various eating establishments doted around the town or at the night food market at Forodhani Gardens.

    There are frequent outdoor musical events in the Old Fort and at various venues in the city and at the local dance clubs. Once a year there is the well-known Dhow Festival that takes place. 

    Zanzibar has a wealth of beautiful beaches, world class snorkelling, diving, and fishing, spice farms and numerous other interesting places to visit while you are volunteering...a true African island paradise. 

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Education Requirements

    at High school level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:00 - 14:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Your project cost includes: meeting you at the airport in Zanzibar on arrival, airport transfers to and from the closest airport, shared accommodation at the volunteer apartment, registration and application of visa if needed, pre-departure admin and support, orientation and induction when you arrive in Zanzibar, in-country staff with 24/7 support, three meals a day (Monday to Friday), drinking water at the volunteer apartment, WIFI at the volunteer apartment, transfer to and from the school you are placed and any additional running costs.

    The project cost does not include flights, visa costs, comprehensive travel insurance, weekend transport and recreational activities, spending. money, vaccinations if needed, laundry and additional food when not at the volunteer apartment.

    Airport Pickup at Zanzibar International Airport

    Your arrival and departure airport is Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar. You will be met warmly by our representative and taken to the volunteer apaartment during daylight hours. Please wait at the arrivals entrance to be collected by them and do not leave the airport area. 

    The airport is approximately a 17-minute drive (8km) from the volunteer apartment in the Malindi region outside of Stone Town. 

    Airport collection and drop-off days are Monday to Friday with your arrival flight landing any time before 17h00 and your departure flight leaving any time after 10h00. 

    If you would like flights outside of these guidelines, please confirm with us so we can make suitable arrangements for your airport transfers if possible.

     


    Accommodation

    Live like a local in Stone Town! The volunteer accommodation is in an apartment in Malindi on the outskirts of Stone Town. It has free Wi-Fi that volunteers are able to use, and the office of the local team is also located within the same building. It is well situated allowing easy access to all the various project sites- and not too far from the beach. Travel time from the volunteer apartment to project sites is therefore a maximum of 30 minutes’ drive.

    The volunteer apartment can accommodate up to 15 volunteers at one time with a kitchen, living area and several bedrooms and bathrooms shared with other volunteers.

    Bedrooms are shared with two to three other volunteers of the same gender. Married couples can be accommodated too, and single bedrooms are possibly with an upgrade charge. Bed linen and mosquito nets are provided and electric fans for the heat.

    Bathrooms are equipped with western style toilets and showers. Volunteers will need to bring their own towels and toiletries. There is a washing machine to do laundry if volunteers bring laundry detergent. 

    As the accommodation is a shared living space, all volunteers are expected to help keep the accommodation tidy. To assist with the cooking and cleaning there is a local “mama” who works several days a week. The accommodation also has a sitting room (common room) where volunteers can relax, socialise with other volunteers and the local team as well as watching TV, Netflix or just relaxing on the sofa with a good book. There is a curfew if volunteers go out in the evening to be back before midnight.

    As volunteers become familiar with the project site, they are encouraged to use public transport (buses – dala dala) to experience local life.

    Food & Beverages

    Volunteers are provided with three local meals per day during weekdays (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Breakfast is a simple self-service at the volunteer apartment and includes tea, coffee, fruits, bread (with Nutella & jam),  etc. Lunch and dinner are prepared in the volunteer apartment. Drinking water is provided.

    Your stay will typically include daily breakfast and dinner (although self-catering may be arranged in some instances). Depending on your schedule and the location of your placement, self-served (“raid the refrigerator”) lunches will be available at the volunteer apartment or you may want to bring a bag lunch. You will eat traditional Zanzibari/Swahili cuisine (simple but healthful foods including fresh fish and chicken, rice-based dishes, chapati and bread, fresh vegetables and fruits and juices). We can accommodate vegetarians if you let us know in advance

    During weekend, volunteers are free to use the kitchen if they wish to cook but they can also go out with or without volunteer coordinators for meals.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar. We assist you to find cheap flights to Tanzania. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Tanzania provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Tanzania you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Tanzania. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Your arrival and departure airport is Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar. The airport is approximately a 17-minute drive (8km) from the volunteer house in the Malindi region outside of Stone Town.  Collection and drop-off days are Mondays to Fridays with your arrival flight landing before 17h00 and your departure flight leaving after 10h00. If you would like flights outside of these guidelines, please confirm with us so we can make suitable arrangements for your transfers if possible.

    Please wait at the arrivals entrance to be collected and do not leave the airport.

    If coming from Tanzania mainland, you can get a get a ferry from Dar Es Salaam as there are several ferries per day. You can be met at the port as the volunteer house is very close to the ferry station.

    This volunteer project teaching at schools in Zanzibar is available all year around except for December and Ramadan. 

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $417 per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
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    Location

    Africa > Eastern Africa > Tanzania > Stone Town, Zanzibar

    Meet your project coordinator

    Sharon
    89
    reviews
    4.78
    Brilliant
    2020
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: Afrikaans, English
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Education  >  Primary School in Tanzania
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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