Reading Club and School Support

You will initially be paired with a teacher to observe the kind of learning they experience and the materials they use, depending on the school you choose after your introduction and what you will feel comfortable with. In order to manage a reading or book club, you will then frequently visit different classrooms and schools while adhering to the school's schedule. Depending on the class and the time of year, these visits may involve: 

- Assisting in the teaching of phonics to kids who aren't yet confident readers. 

- Delivering a variety of books to a class and then helping the kids with their assigned reading. (Mobile library)

- Reading one book aloud as a class to facilitate discussion and reporting on understanding. 

- Assisting students in writing their own picture books so we can add them to the collection.

How can I go the Extra Mile?

We are always on the lookout for new books to add to this plan! It would be wonderful if you could help us raise money before or during your trip to help us get more books. Our UK-based charity partner can arrange for the supply of a variety of reading materials; all that is needed is payment for postage. We would love to hear from you if you have any further suggestions about where to find books for this programme.

Who will I be working with?

If the number permits, we try to put volunteers in groups at a certain project or school. When placed in the schools, you will work closely with a teacher and, if there are any problems, report to the headteacher. You will interact with our on-site coach in person when you visit the academy. A member of our team will also devote a portion of their day to the project in order to offer support in any form and if necessary. 

Majority of volunteers develop close relationships with the teachers and are treated like regular employees. Early on, as a way of saying thank you, it is not unusual to be invited to dinner at their homes.

What do we expect from a volunteer?

A teaching degree or prior experience is not required for this placement; instead, the team and you will discuss this during your initial meeting to determine what level of students would be most suited based on your expertise and confidence. The greatest traits of a volunteer are enthusiasm, empathy, and the ability to adjust to alternative cultures. You will get the most of your trip by opening your mind to new experiences and beliefs whilst also bringing your own to the table.

We expect volunteers to visit their placements Monday – Friday, exceptions can be made for long weekends of travel, etc. It would also be possible to setup an out of school book club on an evening or weekend in the local community or library should you be interested in which you alter your weekly schedule around this.

What can you expect from us?

We will be available to help you with your placement and trip as a whole at any time of day. If you have any questions or need any assistance, from setting up and modifying your schedule to switching your placement, there will always be someone to speak to you. To help you quickly feel at home, our team members who live in the volunteer house will also provide advice on travel arrangements and the surrounding area.

What should I bring?

Regarding your placement it would be great if you could bring as many reading books as your luggage weight would allow. All fiction, non-fiction at a variety of age levels are needed. We suggest packing a lot of school supplies, arts and crafts supplies, and some lesson plans from teaching resource websites for your placement. Although there are few resources available for purchase in the area, these will come in very handy during your placement. If you want to bring activity sheets, you can get them inexpensively photocopied here for all students as well as basic pens, pencils, and paper.

What Happens During School Holidays?

During school holidays if a volunteer's placement falls within these dates then we can arrange either a holiday school depending on the number of volunteers or we can run sports clubs and competitions for the local children at one of the fields in town. 
The school holidays usually fall three times a year; few weeks around easter, few weeks around August and a few weeks during December.

• 07:30am - Volunteer transport leaves the volunteer house to project sites
• 08:00am - School starts
• 10:30am - 11:00am - Morning Break
• 12:30pm - 01:00pm - Lunch Break
• 03:00pm - School closes
• 03:30pm - Return to volunteer house
• 03:30pm onwards - Free time
• Please note this is an example of a schedule. Times vary for different schools and term times. 

After school, volunteers are free to go shopping in the local markets, return to the volunteer house or visit the local swimming pools.