Work with children from disadvantaged families in Chennai.

Based in the suburbs of Chennai this school is dedicated to helping children who ordinarily would have no access to education. They have built a new school building - the largest building in the area - which is a testament to the drive and determination of the founders. Being a Gap Guru volunteer with this school will not only give you a chance to help some of the most marginalized children but also provide excitement and motivation for them to want to come to school!

The project started with teaching 8 children and now caters to 150 children in the age range of 5-10. Some of the children have learning difficulties and would not get the needed help anywhere else as the Indian education system does not provide support in this area. Often they just want to stay here because it is such a different school!

Your role: The school has an international approach to teaching and partially follows the British curriculum. Classes are kept small and children from different communities, religions and income groups and even nationalities study together. The school would like volunteers to come into the classroom and assist with learning activities for the children. As the majority here at the school are very young this is mainly primary teaching activity. Your interaction with the children will be geared toward teaching through art, crafts, drama, music, singing etc.

On arrival you will be given an induction and will discuss with the teachers what your interests and skills are. If you are particularly artistic you may be asked to develop a lesson plan around learning letters from the alphabet through drawing or painting, likewise if you are the musical varieties, using this skill to improve English through songs or just to have fun!

The children are put in small groups to undertake activities and you could be put in charge of one of these groups. You will build a rapport with the group and be responsible for their learning. There is also a need for more individual attention for some of the children and volunteers certainly have a role to play here in giving one on one support either in reading or maths.

It is important to point out that just by being in the school you will provide an interest for the children who often have many reasons not to attend. By interacting and building up a relationship with the children you really have a chance to motivate them and improve their education.

What you Gain: Although you will be based in a new school building with some resources, the children you will be working with are from very poor, disadvantaged backgrounds. This is an opportunity to gain experience working in an English Medium school where you will see the direct benefit to the children by learning English and having interaction with international volunteers. It will also give you an insight into the challenges that India faces in educating all its children, the lack of a comprehensive education system and the effect it has in holding back development in the country.

Based in Chennai, you will be ideally placed to visit the World Heritage site of Mahabilapuram and the former French colony of Pondicherry. There are also numerous trains that can take you overnight to Kerala, hill stations or Bangalore amongst other places.

Going to a new country can be unnerving. But it’s a great experience when you have the basics taken care of. At GapGuru, we have arranged for what we believe will make for a comfortable trip.

What’s included?

• Country and Project Guidance – There is so much to choose from! Our team gives you a run down on destinations and projects that you are tempted to go for, so that you can choose the right placement. If you are not sure of what you want to do or where you want to go, our experienced team is there to guide you all the way.
• Pre Departure Briefing – Before you leave for your chosen destination, we will arrange for a pre departure briefing where we help you out with extremely helpful details. Things like – what clothes are suitable, peculiarities of people, food that you could get, safety of the place and precautions if any, how much should you pay for a cup of coffee – simple things to make your life easier !
• Guidance for processing visa – GapGuru will arrange for all the relevant documents and guide you through the visa process.
• Airport Pick Up – Arriving in a new city and not knowing where to go and how to go can be quite unsettling. A GapGuru representative will meet you at the nearest airport or train station and take you to your place of stay.
• In country Orientation and Welcome Pack – When you arrive in the city, you will have an orientation where you could meet other gapers from GapGuru, know all about the city, how to find your way around, where to get SIM cards for the phone, small bits that you will need help sorting out in the first few days.
• In Country Support – Our local co-ordinators act as a friend and guide through out your stay. Whether you feel home sick or just want some local information, they are there to make sure you have a memorable experience.
• Accommodation – In most cases, you will be staying with a local host family. It gives you a taste of the daily life of a local and sample some delicious come cooked food. In some cases accommodation is provided with the projects.
• Breakfast and Dinner

Not included: ( But we are happy to assist you with)

• International Flights
• Visa and Travel insurance fee
• Vaccination
• Local Transport and Travel
• Personal Expenses

Next Steps
If you like this project, you can apply now here.
If you have some questions, send us an enquiry or call us and we’ll be happy to help.

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