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TEACH UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN IN MOMBASA

Teach children from 3 to 16 years old in government or private schools. The schools are quite small, giving you an instant family feeing. In Kenya, unlike many other countries, the private schools are not rich – in fact, most of the schools we work with are very poor, which is why they are so grateful for your help! Teaching projects are based in resort city of Mombasa, and you'll have plenty of time to explore the surrounding sights, particularly the famous Game Reserves in the region. 

Also on this page:

• Accommodation

• About Mombasa

• Travel and Support

PROJECT OVERVIEW
Our teaching placements are based on the Island of Mombasa within the suburbs. Situated on the coast, Mombasa is generally renowned for its laid back culture, but the schools offer a different contrast. They ask for your support to help push the children's education forward, and to help improve teaching techniques for the teachers.

You will teach in schools where the children range from 3 years of age, up to about 16 and your help is an important part of their development. If you'd like to teach younger children, you'd be especially appreciated! Most schools in Mombasa are quite small and so you will instantly feel as though you are part of the family! They generally range from 100 to 300 pupils at one given time. This means that class sizes are also fairly small and very manageable, normally ranging from 20 to 40, although occasionally you may have smaller classes.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

• An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa and the many diverse cultures in Kenya.

• The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them.

• New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.

• An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market

• And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

WORK CONTENT:
You will normally assist the Kenyan teachers to start with, but depending on your ability you may be given complete control of a particular class or group. You will receive a lot of help and support from the Kenya teachers and staff at the schools to help you prepare for your lessons and settle you into your role as teacher; and, like all Kenyans, they are very friendly and patient and are always willing to help.

The children have a fantastic air about them, and you will be immediately welcomed in by groups of children running up to greet the new teacher. The children and teachers are so grateful of the help that it will be hard to stop them smiling! The teachers and children will make you very welcome and you will spend a lot of your time visiting families and generally socialising. A "Typical Day" in the life of a teaching placement - by an ex-Travellers volunteer:

• Get up at 6.45, take a bath, have breakfast etc.
• Arrive at school at 7.45.
• I then taught lessons until lunch, which was 12 - 2pm.
• Afternoon lessons were from 2 - 5, but I was able to leave at 4pm. I usually then planned my lessons for the next day or did marking etc.
• After that I went swimming or to the gym before dinner.
• Evenings I either watched TV or went out!!
• Weekends I went to the beach, friends houses etc.

• First term:  6 January to 4 April
• Second term: 5 May to 8 August
• Third term: 8 September to 28 November

There will be slight school variations on the above school dates, as well as approximately one week examination periods at the end of every term. During this time your help is needed with the examinations and with the marking of papers. Different schools have slight changes to the dates of closing and opening but they do not deviate by more than a week or at most two, so if you're thinking of doing this project please speak to us about exact dates.

If you're a little unsure about the idea of standing in front of a class and teaching, you can, before you leave, enroll in our weekend TEFL courses. (www.tefltime.com) to help you teach if you have no previous experience and would like to gain a little teaching knowledge.

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

My family were fantastic and went beyond their duties to make me welcome. Njeri [Travellers' Mombasa Organiser] was always helpful
should I need anything." Caroline Chadwick, on her placement in Mombasa

"I learnt about the country and the people who live there. I think more so than a lot of other volunteers because I was on my own and therefore tended to mix with the locals rather than other volunteers. Living with a family also encouraged this."