people & places: responsible & ethical volunteering, tourism and travel

Schools Support (ED)

Location

Type

South Africa

education development

This programme supports hard-pressed teachers in township schools of Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape. Though desperately under-resourced, these teachers are working in schools where the pupil to staff ratio is in excess of 50:1.

The schools' principals have identified the following needs:

basic literacy in English is essential - for nearly all of these children, school is their first exposure to English, and is at least their second language
quality educational materials are seldom available, and even if they are, schools struggle to organise and account for them
lesson planning and teaching methodologies – these are fundamental areas of modern education in which many teachers have received no training
Information Technology – whilst some schools have computers, computer literacy among teachers cannot be taken as read
sports, arts and crafts practitioners are needed to work with the children to build confidence and enhance life-skills
the nutritional needs of students can be addressed by programmes to establish food gardens
prinicpals are burdened with rampant bureaucracy - they have little training and even less support in appropriate administration

The project

This project involves far more than teaching! The project currently involves 7 primary schools which formally provide education for children from the age of 4 to13 - from Reception to Grade 7. However, many children have their education interrupted for various socio-economic reasons - this results in classes where the ages of the children differ considerably from that of the official Grade. This is particualrly true of two of the schools where children up to the age of 17 are still attempting to achieve the required level for their primary school certificate, without which thay cannot attend high school. However, the majority of children are of the expected primary school age.

In post-apartheid South Africa, the education system is in a state of transition. Over-burdened teachers, whilst committed to change, struggle to adapt, and need support and training.

The schools involved in this project have been identified for their innovation and dynamism. Previous volunteers have observed that despite the deprivation, they are joyful places to work, where the vast majority of teachers are professional and committed, and the children are eager to learn.

"I find it so hard to put into words what this means to me. I really enjoyed going back to somewhere familiar. Their amazing warmth and friendliness makes me feel I have a second place on this earth that I belong." Returning volunteer

Context

Port Elizabeth is not only an attractive tourist city, it is also a fantastic example of the new emerging South Africa. The ANC started its struggle against apartheid here and the city was the first in South Africa to accept a black mayor. Port Elizabeth and its surrounding area is being renamed ‘Nelson Mandela Bay’ to reflect these strong local links.

While South Africa is becoming one of the power houses of Africa, the apartheid legacy remains – one of the greatest challenges is the growing gap between rich and poor.

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.

"I was so glad I returned. I was heartened by the progress over two years and by Mr Sali( school principal) who is working hard towards having a school of excellence." Volunteer 2010 after second volunteer placement at the same school 2 years earlier

TravelPledge - the charity - enabling friends and family to share in your placement on this project. They can donate to this project's targeted cause here

Minimum Duration

4 weeks minimum

placements of longer duration are also welcomed - please ask

N.B. placements of 3 weeks have been arranged for volunteers with appropriate levels of skill and experience

Living Conditions

Homestay is available near the project, with a host family in a safe township community environment, with your own room. Breakfasts & evening meals with your hosts are included, as well as packed lunches and daily transport on work days.

Other accommodation, such as hotels or guesthouses, is also available – please ask.

Project Costs

£1350 for 4 weeks based on half-board home stay

returning volunteers will receive a 25% reduction in project management and matching fees = approx £135

Additional weeks are costed at a sliding reducing rate

Please note these costs are correct to the best of our knowledge but can only be confirmed at time of booking due to changes in transport and taxes outside our control. N.B. Costs based on a conversion rate of SAR 12.5 to 1.00 GBP

Included: half-board home stay, airport transfers , full local orientation, city tour, social event, local SIM card, project & placement liaison, daily transportation to the project. (Various other accommodation options, such as full time or weekend guesthouse stays or self catering accommodation can be arranged).

Your project donation will be used for the purchase of essential equipment for the school.
Previous donations have been used to purchase computer equipment and programmes, photocopiers, arts and crafts supplies, books, recording of school choir, science and maths equipment, PA system, visual aids and gardening equipment..

How your money is spent based on 4 weeks
7270 SAR (580GB£) - direct costs in South Africa (transfers, accommodation, orientation, information packs etc)
4000 SAR (320GB£) - project management & supervision in South Africa
2750 SAR (220GB£) - project donation in South Africa
£235 - recruitment, matching & project development in UK

Not included: flights, insurance, visa costs, personal expenses such as phone calls, medical expenses, etc.

Travel Pledge - the charity - enabling friends and family to share in your placement on this project. They can donate to this project's targeted cause here