Volunteer Teachers

Volunteers are normally recruited for teaching posts in the second half of the year prior to the placement. Departure is usually in early January and volunteers have the option of staying in Kenya for either a three or preferably a six month period, with a certain amount of time off for travelling at Easter, over weekends and towards the end of the placement. We usually look for pairs of enthusiastic school or university leavers who have a strong sense of purpose and a necessary commitment. We expect them to take a full part in school life, from teaching in the classroom to taking games, behaving as a professional teacher. Above this we look for initiative and leadership.

So much that is so simple can be done to improve these schools. For example, volunteers in the past have actually organised a games structure so that everyone in the school will play games. They have instituted houses, and from there house matches. They have organised inter-school matches, not before bringing in all the parents to dig a ditch around the "pitch" to prevent its being washed away. They have instituted systems for remedial teaching and, perhaps most effective and most simple, one put up a school notice board. To someone who has just left school, much that is lacking is very obvious but one needs a strong personality to be able to carry out change.

In return the Kenyan teachers are usually delighted to receive new inputs and are very positive to new ideas. The parents are equally keen and will help all they can, and since they are mostly uneducated themselves, they realise the value of education, whilst all African children are a pleasure to deal with. They are polite, well disciplined and extremely motivated.

Accommodation

Most of the schools we deal with are day schools and so volunteers will live in "better than average" housing within the community. This means the houses will be built of wood or stone (not usually mud), have water nearby and some basic furniture. None have electricity. All will have a housegirl who will cook, wash and clean. This may seem extravagant but it is the norm in Africa, provides much needed employment and is in fact essential. How many Europeans know how to cook ugali (the Kenyan staple diet) on a charcoal stove?

Support

At first volunteers will have a considerable amount of help, both at home and in their school. VAE has considerable contact and influence within its schools and with the local education authorities. The VAE team will introduce you to the local community and is available at all times to help you to deal with any issues as they arise.

Costs

The total cost of a six month placement in Kenya, including flights, insurance and accommodation, is £3,900. This also includes a monthly living allowance which is equivalent to the salary that would be paid to a community-employed teacher. This is enough to live on at a basic level.

Procedure

If you think you might be interested and you feel you have the necessary qualities to do this demanding job, the first thing is to contact us on vaekenya@googlemail.com or 01568 750329. We can then tell you a great deal more about the scheme and answer any questions you may have. After this we will arrange an interview with you and take up references. It is extremely important for you and for our reputation in Kenya that we have the right people for the right schools.

If we like you, and you like us, we register you, send your details to Kenya and give you a detailed booklet of everything you need to do before departure. Once in Kenya we will guide you around personally for the first few weeks to help you acclimatise, and once you are teaching we will make regular visits to give you suggestions, advice and support for your ideas. Please note that only applicants from the UK will be considered.