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. TRAVELLERS' TALES: TEACHING, SOUTH AFRICA . |
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| David Corbet / Teaching Drama - South Africa / British | ||
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What experience do you feel you are
gaining? Regarding the teaching placement alone, I am beginning to
develop my skills in the classroom. For example, keeping the children's
attention throughout the lesson is becoming a less frantic task as my
placement progresses, as is the planning of lessons; this is due to my
increasing teaching skills but also because of the close relationship I am
building with many of the students. I am also becoming more aware of how the
skills they are gaining at school will eventually determine their futures,
inspiring me to make the most of my time in the school. |
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| Anuji Chahal / Teaching Sport - South Africa / British | ||
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 Woah! Where to begin?! It was the first time living away from family, and I
most definitely felt somewhat homesick during the first couple of days. It
would be difficult to relate to the current housemates as conversation
often revolved around past events and people, which you would not know
anything about! But as soon as you became intergraded into the house, the
housemates became your family, and homesickness dissipated into
nothingness. I feel my ability to relate and communicate to people has much
improved. Having people of different ages in the house was definitely a
benefit. Originally I thought it would be difficult for teenagers to get
along with people 24 years and above. In fact it was enlightening being with
these people, through talking about their past experiences, and having some
of their maturity rub off on you (I hope at least!).I was so taken back by the children. They showed so much affection at the school. Indeed it is very difficult at times to carry out a teaching role. But it was also very rewarding at the times when the children show an understanding of what you have said. It soon dawned on me that kids just love having fun, so some of the sports lessons I took were just a huge mess about with the boys and girls. I think those are the lessons that are most memorable, spinning the kids around, picking them up upside down and the kids playing with our hair, holding our hands and hugging us non-stop. The smiles and love that they all radiated was immense. To think that some of these kids have so little in terms of material possessions, and the hardship some of them face, it just astounds me that they can be so happy and good individuals. The experience highlighted to me how much value I put on material things, and how much of my happiness is associated with that. At several points I thought to myself I should be the happiest person alive since my life was so easy and privileged. But I think wherever you are in life, you fail to appreciate your current circumstances because it becomes second nature. Only when you leave your environment, your comfort zone, do you really appreciate what you have and look to better yourself. But then you enter a vicious circle where by you fall back into your privileged circumstances and take it for granted once more. Which is why I think travelling is a good thing, keeping you on your tip toes, and giving you many worldly insights in a short period of time. Scenically Knysna, or in fact South Africa, is outstanding. Around every corner you would be met by a postcard image. Even in this winter season, the weather was great, sunny and warm. Because the pollution is at a much lower level in Knysna than back home, the sunsets and stars at night were so much more spectacular!! Even the memories of climbing the hill to get back to the house were good. As much as it was a pain to climb, many CRAZY events would have never transpired without it. The children at the school obviously played a big part to the placement. In that respect, so did the teachers.
Leon the
principle is a character I’m not going to forget any time
soon. His passion for the kids, his affectionate nature and his energy in
the way he speaks makes him a unique person I am privileged to have met in
life.
Living with the other volunteers was a fantastic experience. I think it has
put me in good stead for campus living at university. It was great to be
around such diverse people 24/7, which allowed me to gain much insight into
how other people live. But to become such great friends, almost a family
unit, is one thing I am going to miss the most and what I think has been the
best part of the placement Would you recommend this placement to anyone else? Who would I not recommend the placement to would be the better question. I had such a fantastic time and so did the other volunteers around me. Indeed we all looked forward to getting back home to see family and friends again, but we didn’t want to leave either since each day brought about a new adventure, leaving little time to be idle or become bored. So yes this placement has my full recommendation, and I believe a couple of my friends will be pursing it in their gap year next year.
What type of person do you think this placement would suit?
As I have said, communication and ability to relate to people is
fundamental to this placement. You are surrounded by people 24/7, whether
it is other volunteers, children or students. And to enjoy, learn and
appreciate the experience fully, you also need to talk to the local people. So confidence is another important faculty. Having a caring nature and
consideration towards others is vital, especially when living in a house
with other people so that the place stays clean and everyone gets their fair
share of food. Being open minded, wanting to learn and contribute in all
respects I would say would be a good thing. The placement was different to
everyone’s preconceptions. But in the majority of cases including my own,
it was just SOO much better! It helps therefore to have the open mindedness
to expect something different, to learn because there will be so many
opportunities to discover new things about people and yourself and lastly to
contribute to all activities such as being entertaining and caring to those
around you, making the experience more enjoyable for all.
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Melanie Green / Teaching Drama - South Africa / British |
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I
wanted to send you a small note to say a huge thank you for helping me to
have an amazing trip. I absolutely loved every minute of it! Once I got passed the initial
culture shock, it was amazing! I decided to mainly teach the older end of
the school (grade 7, 11- 15 yr olds), as these children can speak the best
English, and, as I was wanting to teach drama, it was more appropriate.
Grade 7 have a lesson called Art and Culture, and the teacher was away on
maternity leave, so I took over from a past volunteer, Katy and continued
to teach these classes, with help from the 2 other volunteers, Aarti and
Becky. At first me and Katy taught quite a bit on music from around the
world, which was really good fun. Those kids can really dance! Then I
focused quite a lot on "performing" and what was involved in performances.
All these lessons lead to an amazing talent show which was held in the
last week of our placement.
We had rehearsed a lot throughout the weeks before in class time, but mostly after school, with acts such as gospel singing, kwaito and pop dancing, rapping, gumbance dancing and acting sketches! Although very stressful, by the time the kids knew what they were doing and we'd hired the big sound system, it was fantastic! We also charged the affordable fee of 2 rand to watch so we fundraised money for the school. I have so many amazing memories of the school. Leaving was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do, especially because I got close to a lot of the kids. I’ve got a book full of messages from Grade 7, and they're lovely souvenirs. All the staff were fantastic too, and we enjoyed a few cocktails in Chilli Groove bar when we left!!Past volunteers told me about a soup kitchen that was set up in a small house in one of the townships, and we went along to help one day. It was heart breaking to see so many kids, hungry and dirty, but with the biggest smiles on their faces. I automatically felt committed and continued to go when the 2 volunteers went home. The soup - side of things was only the first 15 minutes or so, when we would hand out bread and fill their little chipped cups up with soup. The rest of the time, we spent dancing, singing, playing games, skipping and having a real laugh with them. They were so cute, ranging from 2 years old to 18. They were all so curious of us at first, which is understandable, but once they realised we were there to help, they really warmed to us! They'd talk to us about their days at school, what they enjoyed doing, who they "fancied", ask us questions about ourselves, or some would just sit on you and stroke your skin and hair or just dance and sing! After about a week, they were calling us their best friends! It was such a brilliant experience and again, it was so hard to leave. We got close to a lot of them, especially the older ones, as they'd come and chat to us and ask advice on boys/girls and it was like having a friend from home with us!! When we left, Benji (the guy who runs it), was telling us about a creche he is wanting to set up, linked with the soup kitchen and I would love to go back to see how its going. And of course how could I forget to mention Newton Street! The house I was living in was fantastic and so much fun! Everyone was so nice and our regular Friday nights out in town certainly did bring us closer together!! I loved staying in the house, and the lifts to school every morning with Jim and the food Pauline cooked and talking to Julie (our excellent cleaner) everyday after school. It all added to my brilliant time in South Africa! I would definitely recommend it to other potential GAP year takers!
It definitely was a
real culture shock for me and it has changed my life for the better! I see
things in England very differently and can't wait to get back out there!
I'm still in touch with a lot of the friends I made out there. Teachers
from the school, pupils from the school and a few of the older ones at the
soup kitchen, via air mail, texting and emailing. It really was the best
experience I’ve had and I am already planning to go back next year in my
uni summer holidays, if you'll have me!! I made some really good friends
in the house as well who I am planning to meet up with within the next few
weeks! So thanks again and
cant wait to get in touch to plan my next placement! |
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Helen English / Teaching English and Working at the Centre for Dolphin Studies - South Africa / British |
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Got any questions? Please email us: |
After
three months in Africa, I made it home alive, brown and very hardcore! It
was the most amazing thing I've ever done, living, working and experiencing
the African way of life. My first challenge was teaching some of South
Africa's poorest children in Knysna. It was a
huge shock to see the children so happy and willing to learn in such
poverty stricken situations. All they had were the smiles on their cute
little faces. I was teaching them English, geography, technology, music
and all the netball I could remember. To see my classes learn and fill
in the worksheets I made for them was very rewarding and it made me
proud. The hardest part was gaining their trust and respect as a
teacher, as well as a friend. Once I had accomplished that, teaching a
class of forty five got a lot easier. I will always treasure the cards
and letters the children made for me. They are extremely special to me
as it feels as I really did make a difference to their lives. Some of my
school children's home lives were extremely poor and very upsetting for
me to learn that some lived in the orphanage we helped in, and others in
the Soup Kitchen. These places, and the children in them, became my
life for seven weeks, and it was very hard to say goodbye. I felt like
some of the children, especially Shandre [the most gorgeous baby] and
Meriloo [a beautiful thirteen year old] were mine and I should be taking
them home. My second project was working for the Centre for Dolphin Studies in Plettenberg Bay. This is a well known organisation that research, rescue and study the marine life around South Africa. It taught me a lot about whales and dolphins, and also what seals eat! I was given the opportunity to carry out some amazing work, such as spotting for whales and dolphins from the beach, helping out on the research boats and tourist boats, and also collecting seal faeces for dissection, washing bones and reconstructing skeletons! I was extremely lucky on a few of the trips I went on, and once experienced a large feeding pod of over five thousand dolphins and twelve whales all together. Another time our boat took the interest of a Brydes whale, and it was fascinating to see it come right under our boat in the clear water. Along with all the work, there was plenty of time for fun and seeing the rest of South Africa. I did some incredible things, like jumping out of a plane, doing the worlds highest bridge bungee, riding an ostrich, seeing the most incredible animals on safari and breathtaking views. The people that I met there are absolutely amazing and they really made my experience extra special. We had some fantastic nights out experiencing the 'nightlife', along with some fun road trips and eventful weekends away. I'll never forget them, and I know we will keep in contact for years to come.My last two weeks were spent with my parents and my brother, who flew out to meet me. It was so good to see them after so long, and we spent an amazing week in Cape Town, and then travelled up the coast to where I was living. I introduced my family to the children and the people I met whilst I worked there, and was able to show them around, and take them to my favourite places. We then spent a few days in a private game reserve having sundowners and picnics in the bush and our own tailor made days. When it was finally time to fly home, it was a very sad day for me. South Africa had been my home for three months and I had experienced and achieved so much there, I didn't want to leave. Once back in England, it was fantastic to see all my friends and the rest of my family, and they all know how much I missed them. The memories are still very much alive as I'm constantly being asked about the trip, and showing photos. I carry pictures of the children with me so I can remember them when I need reminding of where I have been, and their daily struggles. Some of my friends have said that I'm a different person, and I have matured a lot, developing a deeper, more caring personality since being away. I agree, taking a gap year helped me decide what to do in my future, as well as seeing another part of the world. I'm now looking forward to university in September, and the new experiences that it will bring. I definitely know that I will be going back to South Africa, and I'm going to be thinking about the children that are still there, and my adventures, everyday.
I would
like to thank Travellers Worldwide with all the help in
organising and their advice. For me, there was no better
way for me to spend my year out. The people were extremely
helpful with everything, and always so friendly, in both
England and South Africa |
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Mark Horridge / Teaching Sports - South Africa / British |
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I have just completed a 3-month volunteer
teaching program in Knysna, South Africa and would like to give some
feedback to maybe inspire others to do the same. I graduated from
university in England with no clear direction of what I wanted to do for
a career and wanted to see the world before I became stuck with a family
or in a job. I had no previous teacher training, only limited exposure
to children and had not travelled anywhere more exotic than Falaraki or
Magaluf. But after it all I can honestly say it has been the trip of a
lifetime and I would recommend it to anyone.
I mainly taught English and sport, but also did maths, geography, history and technology. I was the only volunteer at my school but that only resulted in more attention and pampering from the staff and a much closer relationship with the pupils. We would wake at around 7am and be picked up by the legend James our driver, who dropped each of the volunteers off at their respective schools that were scattered throughout the Knysna townships. The journey involved a humbling drive with the strange backdrop of James’s dodgy CD’s along with the sight of him trying to avoid the many animals that ran riot in the townships. Personally the morning trip through the townships put what we were doing into perspective as it forced home the huge responsibility we had volunteered to undertake. Of course the townships were home to most of our pupils but to see their smiling faces in the face of such adversity was a memory that will stay with me for life.Once at school I mostly stuck to a timetable which was uniquely drafted for me and my wishes and involved most subjects, breaks and free periods. In English for example the English teacher and I would mainly stick to the syllabus but I was also free to create my own lesson plans and worksheets in what I thought would help the pupils learn more effectively. The children had their own stationary and workbooks, spoke good English, and we would do most of our work from the blackboard. If I took a sport lesson I would alternate the classes and grades to ensure that most children got to go outside, which they all loved to do. Apart from a few essential baseball lessons I simply asked the kids what sport they wanted to do which usually resulted in a lot of soccer, cricket and rugby. We would then march to the sports field and organise teams in some fun way that ensured every child got involved. If I can offer any advise for sport teachers it would be to organise the lesson before hand in your head and get the kids doing something instantly. This is because they get rather excited, ok chaotic on a biblical scale, if they are left outside with no local teacher present. In other lessons I would mostly assist the local teacher by walking around the class and giving individual help or simple assistance with spoken English. During my stay I took over the football team where I hosted training sessions, picked the team and more importantly organised friendly matches against other volunteer schools. Needless to say we won which ensured a close volunteer relationship and a good time had by all. Having returned home from Africa I have since acquired a donated full football kit that I will be shipping out shortly. Also during my stay I organised a fund raising fun day for the school where we all basically had a big party on the local playing field.The non-school aspects of your trip will provide as many memories as your time at school. Knysna is a lovely little town which gets very busy with tourists from time to time and has a good night life to let your hair down at the weekends. My biggest surprise was just how developed Knysna was, and my decision to bring everything with me in a rucksack was instantly regretted as soon as I drove onto main street and past KFC and shops just like Boots and WHSmiths. During the week we would hire many DVD’s, visit the cinema, go to the beach or visit the town. There is enough on offer to keep anyone with an ounce of personality going and if you get to Knysna I am confident you will fully enjoy it. Your trip to South Africa
will be as good as you want it to be. If you are enthusiastic, motivated
and can use your initiative you will have the time of your life, but if
you want a holiday with a permanent base this is not the place, as the
first priority is the children and not yourself |
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Chris Beach / Teaching English - South Africa / British |
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I believe I gained maturity and
self-confidence from this placement. While I have no desire to teach when
I’m older, doing the placement allowed me to experience what teaching is
like, as well as learning the way in which children are educated in less
privileged countries. Teaching in a township school for two months has
given me a broader outlook on life as I now appreciate how fortunate I am.
Were I to have another time at school I think I would be more polite and
appreciative towards my teachers! Obviously the teaching was great, however the most memorable parts of my placement was the trips that Jim [Travellers SA Asst. Manager] took us on. They were so much fun and well organised. This placement would suite anyone who is positive, laid-back and looking to have fun. This depicts South Africans and their culture quite accurately and therefore to fit in people should be prepared to arrive with this attitude. Things often don’t run on time or go as expected and people should be able to take this in there stride and go with it otherwise they may find themselves frustrated. I would absolutely recommend this placement to others, and have done already 
Once in the staff room Leon the headmaster will come out to see you. He’s a really nice man and will make you feel at ease. If you’re white then he will most likely call you David Beckham if you’re male, and Britney Spears if you’re female. After a fully Afrikaans assembly which seems to go on for eternity, school starts and I would wonder round the different classrooms and ask if any help was needed or take a class which had no teacher present. I would either help teach a lesson on whichever topic the class was doing or I would choose something to teach them. I’d take them out and play football or rugby as a reward for good behaviour as that is what they really enjoy. The general behaviour in class is not particularly good and therefore rewards for good behaviour is needed. Fighting in and out of class is a regular occurrence, not helped by the fact that they love WWE Wrestling and have no concerns about practising the wrestling moves on each other! After taking lessons and playing football or rugby I was usually quite tired and in need of some time to relax. School ended at 1.00 and the rest of the day was up to us. We would normally eat out for lunch and have a few cold South African beers with our meal. The evenings would either be spent watching videos and drinking some fine Stellenbosh wine or going out to Zepplins for a few games of pool and some more beer. At just 70p a bottle it would have been rude not to drink a lot of it. I was normally in bed by 11 and preparing myself for another eventful day in South Africa. |
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Zoe Anderson / Teaching English - South Africa / British |
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South Africa is really fun. I'm teaching kids
who are actually older than me, but
I think I'm teaching them quite a lot, so its cool.... One
kid said I've helped him so much and he's never got such high marks in
biology, which was really touching!
I had a very lovely welcome from Bill [Travellers SA Manager] and his wife, and the house [where we live] is absolutely incredible!! You should advertise that volunteers will literally be staying in a tropical MANSION!! Jim [Travellers SA Assistant Manager] is so so nice and he and Sharon have made the place so homely! I don't think there's anything Jim hasn't done in the house that we need!! Its perfect. He's also so kind - always talking us to school and other places! Thank you all for this amazing opportunity! Thank you |
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Luke Brennan / Teaching English - South Africa / British |
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Got any questions? Please email us: |
I am absolutely loving this experience. I feel like I am
really making a difference at my school placement and at the same time
feel that I am benefiting from being there just as much as the students
are from having me there! There's so much opportunity for extra
involvement as well. For example, as well as teaching dance and drama at
the school I am also directing a play and giving private dance classes
at lunch times. The volunteers also get the opportunity to visit and
help out at a soup kitchen and orphanage in the township which we go to
a couple of times a week after school. This is great fun and also a very
humbling experience. I don't think I could actually define my "best
experience" as one moment. What with teaching at the school, rehearsals
for my play, the dance classes,
soup kitchen, orphanage, hanging out at home with the other guys, going
for a drink, the worlds highest bungee jump, trips to the beach, and
countless other activities we really are spoilt for choice. I have been
here for over
2 months now and I can honestly say there has not been 1 day that I
haven't enjoyed!! I would definitely recommend this placement to others. It is an amazing experience with a lot of opportunity to make a difference. The area is beautiful and travelling is easy. The house we stay in is lovely and the Travellers staff are such kind, loving people which really makes it feel like a home away from home. What with all the other volunteers and the travellers staff it really does feel like our own little family.. well our own very big family I suppose!!!! This placement would suit someone who has an
interest or passion for teaching. You must also realise that Africa is a
completely different way of
life - far more laid back than I was used to back in England. A person
considering this placement would need to be the kind of person who can
make the most of situations, stay positive and use their own initiative
to achieve
the goals which they feel on completion would benefit the students the
most. Can you describe a typical day? The bus picks us up at 7.10 for an 8 o'çlock start at school. School finishes at 2pm and then we have the choice of going to the orphanage, soup kitchen or hanging out at home or in town. We usually all eat together at about 6/7pm. Obviously the days are quite different on the weekend when we go on trips and out in the evenings etc.. there's also the opportunity to get a gym membership, play sports, fish and other activities which I enjoy doing throughout the week. Also, of course, some time is spent planning lessons and activities for the students. I am incredibly happy with my placement and am glad I chose to do 4 months instead of just 1 or 2 as I am just really getting my teeth into the program. Really am just LOVING this experience! |
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Kara Heubi / Teaching English - South Africa / American |
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Not only are you seeing changes in the children through your teaching
but changes in yourself being exposed to a foreign culture. I cant tell
you how differently you see the world when you live in another
country---it is something everyone should experience, especially in such
a beautiful, friendly country as South Africa! The best thing about the
placement was the kids. You cant
get enough of them Can you describe a typical day? We get up around 6:00 and rush to get a shower in and make a sandwich for lunch. Pauline comes to pick us up at 7:10 and we arrive right before school starts. We usually have a few periods off here and there but otherwise we are busy teaching or grading papers. After school, we all sit around for a cup of tea on the porch and chat before we head off to the soup kitchen. There the kids great us with the biggest smiles as they all line up with their plates ready for us to serve the food. We take a taxi back home and watch tv until dinner is ready (around 6). Usually one of us makes it and another cleans up and we rotate throughout the week. Later on, we sit around the table and chat for hours until finally we hop into bed at 11 or 12. The weekends are a different story as we travel loads, seeing sights during the day and enjoying a good meal and some drinks at a bar at night. |
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Andy Kemp / Teaching - South Africa / British |
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Following Andy's teaching placement he started working at Travellers as a
Project Co-ordinator - here's a summary of his time in South Africa:
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Emma Lynwood / Teaching - South Africa / British |
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Knysna is really beautiful and the weather has been great so far. The house
is really good and fellow volunteers very friendly and helpful. I went to
the soup kitchen project yesterday which was fantastic and am off to the
orphanage later today which I'm looking forward to. Jim did our induction
this morning and the first day at school is tomorrow, before the Easter
break.
So, really it's all very positive and going well! |
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Mary Stokes / Teaching - South Africa / British |
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Life is so different here it
really gives you a new perspective on everything. On my first day I was so
nervous I didn't know if I would be able to do it, but then I realised that
everything was going to seem totally alien and the best thing to do was give
it my all... which seems to have worked!!! I have also been taught some
Xhosa words by the kids!!! Which was amazing...a sharing of cultures! I've been taking this little group of grade 5 for recorders and we have been working towards performing in assembly on Monday, which is cool. It is so cool seeing them just learn so quickly - one girl started just 2 weeks ago and she is as good as the rest of them now.. playing along with old macdonald like a pro!! In my first week my grade 7 class performed a song in assembly, which was awesome, they remembered the actions and the words and looked like they were having a great time up there.
I would definitely recommend this placement to others. It's just
amazing to see kids who really want to learn. I love it when the kids come
up and ask me what we are going to do today! I think this placement would
suit anyone who is willing to just throw themselves in the deep end. The
kids are just amazing, with a little patience and a lot of
enthusiasm you'll have a ball! Can you describe a typical day? We normally get picked up about 7.30 and get dropped off at school about 15mins later. On Monday we have assembly but apart from that the 1st lesson is dedicated to reading. In this class I have been able to do some Shakespeare and some poetry and next week I plan to do Red Riding hood. Try and get there a little early because the kids have "praise time" before lessons start, with some of the most amazing singing you'll ever hear. I was so surprised the first time I walked into the class and they were there singing in multipart harmony without any teacher input! Wow. After reading there are 2 lessons and a short break, 2 lessons and lunch and then one lesson... we usually get picked up before the last lesson around 1.30, although Anna and I have been helping with netball this last week so we have been picked up later. You will have to do some marking - I spent about a week marking poems and I also do some marking in class. I have been lucky as I was able to take some lessons myself. We spent a few lessons making some amazing posters about synonyms and we have been doing some work on poetry.. and of course you might be able to teach them a song or two.. which is so much fun! (though I was truly humbled when I heard some of theirs!) I've just had a great time, thanks so much for helping me be a part of life here in Knysna. The kids really are great and they are so excited to learn. The memory of them performing "I'm going on a bear hunt" will stay with me forever. Being able to get involved with the Arts centre and the soup kitchen was awesome fun as well. I loved playing with the kids at the soup kitchen - we took some giant bubbles and their screams of laughter when they popped them were so infectious, and my shoes will forever be tinted blue after the finger painting incident! |
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Sarah Henrickson / Teaching - South Africa / British |
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We have settled in very
quickly considering we only arrived yesterday! The people from our house are
wonderful as are the two girls we have met so far from the other house.
Knysna seems fantastic and everyone very friendly and helpful. We have
already arranged to go to the orphanage this afternoon, tubing and to a
braai tomorrow, to church on Sunday and to Jim's music rehearsal on Tuesday,
so we are quite busy! |
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Jessica Clenshaw / Teaching - South Africa / British |
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I
have gained so much confidence
with the teaching that I wouldn't think twice now about getting up in
front of a class and just teaching whereas before I wouldn't know where to
begin. There is also obviously lots of other things, like I've gained
confidence with travelling and met lots of different kinds of people and
learned a little about their culture. The teaching experience as a whole
was great even when the kids were naughty it was always a good learning
experience. When I could see the progress that I'd made though it obviously
felt good. Like when I took some kids on the computer and just taught them
simple things like how to write capital letters. What completed the whole
experience and made it equally unforgettable was the trips that we did,
particularly the trips that Jim [Travellers
SA Assistant Manager] organised. We had such a good time. Can you describe a typical day? Jim would drop us off at school at about 7.35 and we would wait until 8.00am until the bell rang and we would then go to the classroom. Normally the teacher I was working with would introduce the lesson and then I would help with what she was doing. Twice a week I took out a class for netball when my teacher had a free period. There were two lessons and then a reading period before first break. The lessons were generally about 45 minutes but this often changed from day to day so we never really knew! There were then two more lessons before second break and then another two afterwards. During break times we tended to sit in the staff room where there was always a lovely cup of tea waiting for us! and we were able to eat the food we had brought with us. Sometimes some of the children, particularly the older ones, would come in and chat to us. I had such a wonderful time. I look through my photos so often and often wish I was back there! |
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Heidi Rowlands / Teaching - South Africa / British |
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First impressions .... it's soooooo beautiful, everyone who's
visited England always says its really green, but in fact it is so much
greener here! There are so many trees and hills, and of course there is
the gorgeous view of the Lagoon! I just love it!! Everyone is so friendly
as well. All the children came up to me and started hugging me
on my first day, which was so sweet!! Yes, I've met Leon [the Principal].
He made me introduce myself in assembly on the first day, which was nice of him! Yeah, he's really nice,
though, as you said, and he said he's going to take me to the Law Courts,
which is nice of him, because next year I'm going to study law at
University. Thanks for all your help with planning my trip |
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Karen Mackay / Teaching - South Africa / British |
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I feel have become much more independent, self-confident and improved my
ability to extemporise ten-fold. I also think I’ve become better at
communicating. Being quite quietly spoken, I really had to project my voice
in class to have any chance of holding the attention of 50 or so chatting
kids. Also, talking to kids and teachers whose first language is not
English, and especially with my broad Scottish accent, I had to learn to
speak slowly and clearly to make sure I was understood. Mind you, even when
I thought I was enunciating perfectly I still got many a blank look or smile
and nod - and that was from the English guys. Perhaps more than anything,
working with kids in the township who have literally nothing, yet still
greet you every morning with huge smiles on their faces can’t fail to change
your attitude to and outlook on life. It’s cliché, but it really makes you
think about how much we take our lives and opportunities for granted, and
what an outrage it would be to waste them.
The best thing about the placement was undoubtedly the kids. Although they
could be hard work at times, the huge smiles on their faces when you
waved or said hello to them in the playground (especially the wee ones)
would melt your heart. No matter how bad a day I’d been having (a lesson not
going quite to plan or a class being especially naughty) the smiles on their
faces made it all worthwhile. Not once did I leave school feeling anything
other than happy to be there and thoroughly glad I’d come. Outside of
school, I had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know some great people,
going on some fantastic trips (cheers Jim - Travellers organiser))
and all-in-all leaving with many fond memories that I’m sure will last a
lifetime
Can you describe a typical day? For my first few classes another teacher sat in to make sure the kids didn’t eat me alive (I’d been forewarned they were a “naughty class” and the kids, bless them, did their utmost to live up to this tag throughout. After that, I taught the class on my own. From 8 until 8.50 the whole school has a reading period to try and improve their English. Once this is over, each Grade follows its own timetable, with 2 periods before short break, 2 after, and then long break (which, at 20 minutes, isn’t really all that long). The kids have afternoon classes after long break, but since we were picked up again at around 1, we only really had 4 teaching periods a day, plus the reading period. The rest of the day we had to ourselves to indulge in such multifarious activities as laundry, lesson planning, nipping to the internet café, taking a stroll down-town for some lunch or even going for a wander to the waterfront. Oh, and napping. You do get terribly good at napping in South Africa. Dinner was usually around 6-ish, lovingly prepared by Pauline, bless her heart, and was most often enjoyed in front of a riveting episode of Isidingo or Backstage – depending on the preferences of various housemates. After that, it was either a night in front of the TV (and South African TV really does have to be seen to be believed… it’s so horrifically bad it’s actually quite entertaining) or out to Chillis or Zanzibar for a few drinks. Either way, it was always relatively early to bed, to recharge the batteries in time for an early start and another hectic day in Knysna. I had an amazing time in South Africa, truly one of the best experiences of my life. It’s a fantastic country, full of friendly people, and I’m definitely endeavouring to return at some point in the future. Many thanks to all at Travellers for making it possible. |
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Jo Sohn-Rethel / Teaching - South Africa / British |
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Can you describe a typical day? Wake up at 7:00, get to school at 8:00, Watch telly/sleep for first lesson, paint with children for rest of lessons. Play with kids at break, get a few snacks. Finish school at 1:45, get home at 2:00 and have lunch, go shopping in town, play a bit of sport or go for a jog. Have dinner at 6:30, hang out with other volunteers, maybe go out for a drink or play pool in the evening. |
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Denise Bennett / Teaching - South Africa / British |
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Comments from the School Principal on Hasan Iqbal, Teaching Volunteer in South Africa |
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The visit of Hasan Iqbal to our
school heralded in a new phase in our teaching, namely international
support of our curriculum and especially our English Language
curriculum. After a week or two of acclimatisation, adjustment and
preparation, Hasan started teaching the sixth and seventh graders. It
was quickly clear that although he was not a teacher, he could manage
the classes well.
Initially his accent was at times difficult to understand but he soon won the hearts of the learners. This was due to the way in which he interacted with the learners. His interaction with the teachers helped the latter to update their conversational English and improve their communication skills. Hasan stayed in the community. This gave him an opportunity to meet with different people, thus making his stay an enjoyable one. He was an asset as far as cricket and the general programme of the school is concerned and could even accompany the learners wherever they had to play matches. Hasan came as a stranger, a foreigner to our school,
and left as a friend. We wish Hasan well for
the future. Our thanks to Travellers who made this experience possible. We look forward to a long
and lasting relationship with Travellers |
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Katie Dunbar / Teaching - South Africa / British |
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I would definitely recommend teaching in Knysna, and have already.
It’s a lovely little town and the people are generally very laid-back and
friendly. The staff were thrilled to have us
and there was plenty of opportunity to get involved in classes and
(occasionally) extra-curricular activities. It can be a bit intimidating standing up and addressing a
class of 50-odd boisterous kids (and they are boisterous), so it would suit
someone with a bit of confidence in themselves. Mind you, no matter how
confident you are to begin with, it is something that grows with each
lesson, so really anyone with a bit of enthusiasm and who’s prepared to get
stuck in will do fine. Since the organisation in the schools is generally
terrible, it would suit someone who’s prepared to relax and go with the flow
a bit. You never quite know what you’re going to be doing day-to-day and
occasionally you just have to embrace the chaos and make the best of it. Anyone who takes
themselves too seriously and gets uptight when things don’t
go to plan (and they never do) will just go mad.
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Suite 2A, Caravelle House, 17/19 Goring Road,
Worthing, |
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