Ethiopia Community Volunteers

  Ethiopia

Rural Areas

Length of Position: Minimum of 4 weeks
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Start dates throughout year.

Description: Ethiopia is one of the world's poorest countries, with half the population affected by poverty. There are a number of schools in this community that are in great need of your time and enthusiastic energy.

It is important that you arrive in Ethiopia with a flexible approach and lots of ideas. The local children will be very excited to see you and their attention in the classroom is clearly paramount; they are very eager to learn- once you see them develop their language skills, you will no doubt appreciate that your experience is an invaluable and worthwhile one. All volunteers will need to work under their own initiative and show creativity in their role.

You can choose from a range of projects in Ethiopia including:

* English in Elementary Schools
In the elementary schools, you will be working alongside a local teacher assisting the pupils with basic English. You will interact with the local school children through creative pictures, games and stories to encourage them to speak confidently, and develop skills in pronunciation and vocabulary. Primary school children are just beginning to speak English and lessons are taught in the local language, so you will be required to contribute greatly in the classroom so that they develop their English speaking skills.

* English in Secondary Schools
Secondary schools in Ethiopia are in much need of English speaking teachers to teach English communication skills. You will be teaching young people typically between 14-18 years old. By providing a unique chance for students to practise their English with a native English speaker, you will build their confidence and abilities and give them a chance of a brighter future. Secondary school pupils speak a good level of English and you will most likely find that teaching these students is easier than teaching pupils at elementary level who demand more input.

* IT/Computer Support
There is also a real need in the local schools for computer support and training. With technology on the rise in education and computer literacy becoming more of a necessity, the young people of Ethiopia require experience in this field. You will teach basic computer skills such as word processing, spreadsheets and use of the Internet.

* Sports Coaching
If sports are your forte you can help with sports coaching, this volunteer work is predominantly at elementary schools. Football is of course the local's favourite sporting activity and encouragement in this and other sports will gain you much admiration from the children.

Please note: During school holidays or exam periods, other activities in the community will be available to you. You will have the opportunity to help out in other schools and a variety of rewarding community activities. These activities will depend on the current needs of the local community at that time.

* Community Activities
For one day a week, you will be able to get involved with other community activities. This additional involvement is a great way for you to experience more of the life and culture of the local community.

Highlights: Your day as a volunteer might look something like the following:

08:30 Breakfast
09:30 Travel to school
10:00 Begin morning classes
12:30 Lunch
14:00 Afternoon classes
16:30 Return home or go to town
18:00 Evening meal and free time

Please note: This is just a typical day in the life of a volunteer. Itineraries and activities are subject to change, depending on the needs of the community at that time.

Qualifications:
- It is not necessary for volunteers to have any specific qualifications; it is just your time and enthusiasm that you can bring to the project that are needed the most.
- Minimum age 18, maximum age dependant on participant's health.

Cost in US$: GBP849 - GBP1,599

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Ethiopia Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other

Real Gap Experience's Mission Statement: We are ambitious for our company, our partners and the communities in which we work. We take our responsibilities seriously - understanding that the development of our business impacts directly on our partners, the communities that we visit and work with and that ultimately, our success is their success too.