Madagascar's dramatic forest landscape is home to a fascinating diversity of life, with baobab and aloe trees, lemurs, chameleons and a whole host of other species that are found nowhere else on Earth! Its fantastically beautiful coastline boasts coral reefs rich in marine life, perfect for diving and snorkelling, and silky sanded beaches ideal for soaking up the bountiful sunshine. Madagascar's culture is vibrant and diverse; you will find bustling markets full of multicoloured produce and hospitable locals shouting their wares.
Village schools are basic and teachers are in high demand; therefore your contribution will be extremely valuable. You will work with our staff to help teach conversational English to these impoverished children, help with environmental education, and participate in other community activities. This truly will be an incredibly rewarding experience in one of the most extraordinary destinations in the world!
WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?
The majority of primary school-age children and 36% of secondary school-age children attend school. However, schools are severely under-funded and there is an unequal distribution of educational resources across the country. Poor and rural communities can only attend seriously disadvantaged public schools.
The vast majority of the population speaks only Malagasy, and there is a lack of foreign-language teachers. Your help can give children and adults a sense of confidence, encourage their enthusiasm and ambition, and even improve their opportunities for the future. To teach, you will need to be patient, flexible, a confident communicator and able to use your initiative and imagination. It would be helpful to have beginner's level French, but you will have plenty of opportunities to learn! Lessons will be fun and interactive, developing the children's confidence and conversational skills. Over summer when there are school holidays you will be teaching adult classes either on camp or in the local church, which are essential. The local communities are extremely grateful for the support of the adult education classes.
Students will be interested in life where you come from. You may be able to get involved teaching other activities such as sports, music or science, if you are interested and have the relevant skills. There will also be the possibility of working with our field conservation programmes to arrange collaborations for environmental education.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
Your work schedule will cover a comprehensive, varied and enjoyable teaching programme which will engage you fully with your pupils and will awaken your creativity and initiative. You may be working with Frontier staff or you may be shadowing a local teacher at the school, or be required to take control of your own lessons, which will encourage you to formulate ideas and develop your teaching skills and techniques. You may be involved with activities such as assessing pupil's work, and producing an inspiring teaching strategy including preparing homework and assembling innovative and effective lesson plans.
As well as this you will have the opportunity to help with lots of extracurricular activities which will vary extensively depending on your personal skills and interests – whether it is helping organise a school show, playing football with the super competitive and highly skilled local kids. You may even get the chance to join the Frontier marine or forest camps for their regular Saturday night themed parties, depending on which school you join and your work programme. Whatever you decide, you are sure to gain huge satisfaction from inspiring these communities, whilst enhancing your own skills and experience significantly.
