Based in the suburbs of
Chennai this school is dedicated to helping children who ordinarily would have no access to education. A major fund raising effort culminated last year with the opening of a new purpose built 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!
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 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 musical 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 for the children of 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.
Requirements: You need:
- To be over 18 by the date of departure.
- To bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
- To communicate clearly and effectively with all parties.
- To be have an interest in teaching children.
- To be proactive in relation to your work.
- Have patience and understanding in relation to how working and teaching practices differ in Indian culture.
Accommodation: A home stay will be arranged with an Indian family in the north of the city of
Chennai. You may share a room, usually non air conditioned, with another volunteer.