Volunteer teaching in Africa

[Shaul]

I am researching volunteer teaching in Africa. As an experienced STEM teacher I am confident I could do some good there. There are organizations that offer such volunteer teaching assignments, of course. My time frame would be around June 2021. I did travel to less developed countries before while in the Marine Corps and at other times. I have enough money so I can afford to volunteer this way.

Has anyone here been a volunteer teacher in a developing country? If so, do you have any advice?

Anyone else have some thoughts?

 

[Audie]

I am researching volunteer teaching in Africa. As an experienced STEM teacher I am confident I could do some good there. There are organizations that offer such volunteer teaching assignments, of course. My time frame would be around June 2021. I did travel to less developed countries before while in the Marine Corps and at other times. I have enough money so I can afford to volunteer this way.

Has anyone here been a volunteer teacher in a developing country? If so, do you have any advice?

Anyone else have some thoughts?

Teaching what?

 

[Shaul]

Teaching what?

In my case probably Math, English and possibly Computer subjects. I teach STEM currently. They need native English speakers to assist in fluency teaching.

 

[sun rise]

@Shaul , that sounds like a most worthy activity. Godspeed.

 

[Vinayaka]

I haven't personally done it, but know people who have. One cousin worked with CUSO in Africa, and brought back a wife. My union local (teaching) has a project in Belize, and each summer 2 volunteers go there to help train local teachers. I've talked to several of them. Another colleague spent an entire year in Columbia.

One thing that stood out for me was how much of a shock the local living conditions can be. The one who went to Columbia had a hard time getting used to guns everywhere, and since he had teenage daughters, was afraid they would get abducted to be sex slaves for the drug cartels.

Another woman just wanted out as soon as she got there, hadn't cognised the differences. On the 'travel' sites there are stories of people turning around and coming home right at the airport.

Be prepared, is all I can offer.