Volunteer Abroad: Rwanda Pre-School Education, Vocational Training A Broader View Volunteers

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Without a basic education, Rwandan children have few or no prospects are many drawn to life on the streets in local towns. Some of these children find work on farms or as casual laborers, but this is invariably very low paid and unreliable work. Others resort to petty theft in order to survive. To have good prospects in life, children need good education from an early age and continuing through secondary school or vocational training.

Our ABV volunteer program combines teaching small kids in pre-school level and also with other children/youth in secondary level vocational training.

1) Pre-School: The school is providing free care and education for disadvantaged children between the ages of 3 and 6 years. Most of the children come from one parent homes, are orphans, or are from child-headed households. There are about 50 children being provided education and also food each day. Classes including constructive play time, and classroom learning reading, writing, shapes, colors, numbers and social harmony. Lessons are taught in Kinyarwanda (language) and children are also taught some basic English (where our volunteers come in handy!) This school operates weekday mornings.

2) Vocational/Secondary: The center offers schooling and boarding facilities for poor and disadvantaged teens and youth in the community. There are dormitories for boys and girls, and typically 80 full time students at any time. Subject focus: Tailoring, mechanics, welding and construction. As well as vocational training, subjects taught include English and French lessons, and social education (HIV/AIDS and other health issues, hygiene and nutrition) Volunteers would focus on improving English of the students (16-21yrs old) through assisting with or teaching the English syllabus.

Volunteers are needed to lead classes, or assist the teachers in the class room. Volunteers can focus on individual children, or small groups to provide special attention and added support particularly in English lessons. Volunteers may also help develop skills of teaching staff in English language and computing.

Typical work schedule: Full time, 5 days a week, Morning and Afternoon shifts. Pre-school morning classes only, afternoon vocational school classes.