UNESCO estimates that 115 million children of primary school age are currently out of school, missing out on the vital opportunities that education has to offer. Fortunately, the international community has come together to do something about it, and you as a primary teacher can help.
VSO primary teachers are playing a key role in making the Millennium Development Goal of Universal Primary Education a reality by 2015. Last year more than 70 Primary School Teachers volunteered with VSO, providing in-service or pre-service teacher training in methodology and subject content. They ensure that not only the availability of schooling is improved, but also the quality.
We only have 7 years left to achieve the important goal of universal primary education, so there’s no time to waste. By sharing your teaching skills in countries like Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Malawi, Nepal, Nigeria or Thailand, you’ll make a real contribution to the fight against poverty and disadvantage in the world.
Here’s what you could be doing:
VSO Primary Teachers in Nepal
Although 84% of children in Nepal were enrolled in primary school in 2004, high dropout rates - often due to the poor quality of education - are still a huge problem.
VSO volunteer Julie Wilson is a primary teacher working in Mahendranagar, in the far west of Nepal. She is designing a model classroom, which showcases teaching styles and ideas for lessons for other schools in the region to learn from.
"I think the model classroom was one of the best pieces of work I did here and it’s been the most enjoyable. It meant that I could roll my sleeves up, get into classrooms and work alongside local teachers..."
VSO Primary Teachers in Africa
In Sub-Saharan Africa, currently 4 out of 10 children don’t have the opportunity to complete primary school. VSO Primary Teachers are working in the educationally disadvantaged countries of Ghana, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda and Tanzania. They are training the next generation of primary school teachers to ensure that all children can benefit from quality education.
"I was placed in a Primary Education Studies (PES) department in Nigeria where I was to look at the improvements that could be made to the PES course.
Being a volunteer in Nigeria has been one of the most rewarding steps that I’ve taken, and I would highly recommend it to others!"
Read more about Jenny’s work in Nigeria
What next?
If you want to join volunteers like Jenny and Julie in making a difference to education in Africa or Asia, register your interest now. You might also want to have a look at our current opportunities for Primary School Teachers and read up on how to approach your employer about a Sabbatical.
Any Questions?
If you have any questions about what’s involved in volunteering with VSO, take a look at the VSO Experience, or call us on 020 8780 7500.
Other opportunities for Educationalists
To find out more about other volunteering opportunities in Education, please visit www.vso.org.uk/educationjobs
