School Support in rural South… (trip)
School Support in rural South Africa (ED)
- Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Volunteer Vacations
| from £1,545* per person | 28 Days | January-November |
| Simple accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: People and Places - Responsible Volunteering | 24 people max | |
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Locations visited/nearby
South Africa, Africa
0 testimonials about this trip.
2 testimonials about the provider, People and Places - Responsible Volunteering:
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Reviewer: Denise
located in
Ross-shire
Scotland
I have nothing but praise for the way that the entire volunteer experience was; from initial contact to writing this report, I have had openness, excellent communication and explanation. Thank you!.....
– Having contacted people and places and submitted a pen portrait of my personal and profession experience – a task that in itself was very rewarding for me – the placement was negotiated in principle. This was completed in a most professional, friendly and positive way by Kate. .. All very exciting things to do and learn about as well as background recommended reading. At this stage the support and additional information I sought from people and places was supplied by return of email and I was able to chat over possible choices with Kate – I found the whole experience most satisfactory and also learnt much from this part of the placement preparation.......
thank you for the superb way in which you run the volunteer programme - a very satisfied customer. Thank you! -
Reviewer: Paul
located in
Port Elizabeth,
Easter Cape
South Africa
Our most recent volunteers, Robin and Jane, have produced an amazing amount thus far. They came to a computer lab that has departmental Cammi software on, that teachers have been using, but after a day or two of observation the recognized that teachers are only using the system to a limited degree in terms of what all it can produce. First step was to work out the software admin system, which they have done, and they have been assisting the teachers coming to the lab, and upgrading the admin of the system making it more relevant in terms of assessments for the teachers of learners abilities. Robin has had a few interesting encounters with the Education Departments Cammi support staff.
They have run a couple of teacher training sessions on excel, and are setting up model lessons on how to effectively use the Cammi programme in a proper way. This will happen next week!
They have standardized all the desktops, so its easier for teachers, and developed worksheets for the students who are in the lab, but cannot access a terminal due to large class sizes.
And Robin has been team teaching in the grade 4 technology class, working on practical tasks that help teach technology!
So their input has been tremendous.
Just so we don’t forget that things never run smoothly, Nomatansanqa Township has been having the water switched off and on over the last 2 weeks. 800 children, no water for hours is not easy to manage. Added to that, getting home to their homestay and not having access to water to bath, is no fun at all. I am pleased to report though that as of middle of this week the water is back on!
They had a wonderful welcoming ceremony this week, with local stakeholders in attendance. Jane was fascinated by the formality of the programme, which seemed forgotten after each speaker as everyone got up to sing some songs.
On their first day, as we arrived at the school, some Grade R children were outside waving SA flags, and carrying little signs that said Welcome Robin and Jane! A real warm welcome.
Thank you people and places for continuing to send such amazing volunteers! Keep up the good work!
Special information
- This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
Itinerary
The projectA.V.Bukani primary school provides education for children from the age of 4 to13 - from Reception to Grade 7. Twenty nine teachers care for nearly 1000 children. The principal, Mr Tambo, and his team are particularly keen to improve literacy and IT skills levels in the classroom, and to increase their knowledge of best practise teaching techniques.
Context
A.V.Bukani school is in a rural community about 40 miles outside Port Elizabeth, close to the Addo Elephant Park in the town of Nomathamsanqa. Originally the townt was designed as a temporary residential area for the people who were moved from neighbouring farms until they were relocated to the former homelands. However the people resisted these moves. This community is one of the most disadvantaged communities in the Eastern Cape. Approximately 70% of the community inhabitants receive no income and as a result, parents are unable to pay even the minimal school fees or buy uniforms. The majority of parents work seasonally in the citrus fruit industry. The apartheid legacy remains – one of the greatest challenges is the growing gap between rich and poor. Despite this deprivation the sense of community is strong here. The principal, Mr Tambo, has made the school the centre of the community. The families tend the gardens and care for the school. Many of the children receive their major if not only meal of the day at school.
Though many of the township teachers are qualified and professional, the education system is in a state of transition. At the end of apartheid, South Africa had 17 different education systems, with different levels for different 'races', different training institutions and expectations for different teachers. It was an education system designed to maintain social divisiveness, prevent critical thinking, and was based on rote learning and minimal participation. Then, in 1994, it all changed – to an education system premised on democratic human rights, outcomes based, critical thinking and experiential learning – but still with the very same teachers, who have had to adapt radically and the disparity in resources between formerly white and township schools still exists. The education system is in transition, constant flux, and teachers operate with varying levels of skill and confidence.
Coupled with the challenges inherent in this change are the problems of large classes, social deprivation, HIV/ Aids and the resultant breakdown of the family. Teachers do their best under the circumstances, but often just need a bit of support and encouragement – and this is where you can make a meaningful contribution.
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