Teaching English in Kitengela, Kenya

  Kenya

Rural

Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: multiple dates year round

Description: Kitengela is a pleasant little town set in the heart of ancient Kenya, so the learning on this project will be a two way street; you'll help develop the children's English skills and in turn receive a fascinating insight into traditional Maasai culture. The Maasai have suffered greatly at the hands of the land authorities and have seen their land shrink. They are now caught between the traditions of their nomadic culture and a modern world which relies heavily on formal education. It's a scenario that is played out in traditional communities across the world and if you're interested in the issues it raises this could be a very valuable project for you. We will include our TEFL certification to help prepare you for the experience.

*What does this teaching project do?
We work with schools based near Kitengela, 50km south of Nairobi, providing primary education for children from the Athi Plains region of the Rift Valley. In the heart of native land of the indigenous Maasai tribesmen, the schools cater mainly for children whose education is normally sidelined in favour of the traditional role of caring for cattle out on the plains. The syllabus covers a broad range of subjects with a focus on English, sporting activities and environmental awareness, designed to be sensitive to the Maasai culture which it impacts on.

*Why does this project need volunteers?
Throughout their history, the nomadic Maasai tribesmen have suffered at the hands of the government and land authorities, as well as falling victim to famine, sickness and diseased cattle. Despite Maasai traditions - which do not allow for land ownership - with the booming colonial spread into the Rift Valley, the Maasai people were relocated to the Maasai Mara Reserve, and over the decades the boundaries for their wandering herdsmen have been reduced time and again. They now exist mainly on traditional Akamba lands, caught between the traditions of their nomadic culture, without education, healthcare or currency, and the influences of the ever-expanding western world, which relies heavily on formal education and the wealth of the tourist industry.

The educational programs which cater for the needs of Maasai children are designed to give a balance between both worlds. While such structures must be sensitive to the Maasai culture, education will give the new generation the opportunities to understand, and hopefully play a part in the western political systems which they have, until now, fallen victim to. It is also hoped that primary education will lead to increased health awareness, (particularly by reaching women and girls, who would normally be excluded from education), and contribute to stemming the ongoing battle with HIV/AIDS in Kenya, as well as covering important environmental issues. As a volunteer, you will be relieving the stretched schooling staff and playing a part in assisting with the empowerment and long term protection of the Maasai culture.

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Highlights:
* Helping improve the language skills of local children
* Learning about the Masai people - their history and hopes for the future
* Get to know the 'real' Kenya - well away from tourists and safari trucks!antelope, zebra and wildebeests, so have your binoculars at the ready!

Qualifications: The skills you need:

An understanding of other cultures is an essential skill you'll need. You should be able to approach your role as an English teacher with an open mind and the flexibility and initiative to teach in an under-resourced environment. Any extra skills that you can bring to the table; including music, sports or more vocational areas, can be utilized to benefit the children.

Your role as a volunteer:

Your main role will be to support the school in English lessons of varying standards, as well as extra-curricular activities, which are very popular. Any help in coaching sports or in activities to raise awareness of environmental issues in relation to the Maasai community, as well as any extra classes that you are interested in introducing, will be greatly appreciated.

Cost in US$: USD 1,645.00 for 4 weeks, USD 220.00 for every week thereafter

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian and European Participants.

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994