Since my very first volunteer days in Tanzania, school classroom practices here have bewildered me!
Over crowded, poorly resourced schools bringing poor results for both students and teachers. More significantly, poorly equipped teachers, trained to follow dogmatic methods, teach an outdated syllabus, who are abandoned by the government to continue their work this way despite immense social change, and particularly in the needs of children, especially so here.
Many capable, intelligent, caring teachers struggle to help students reach their full potential because of the restricted perimeters of the government’s “job description”. Tribal people walk in the footsteps of the past, never daring to break that stride.
Encouraging teachers that all children are individuals who learn at their own pace, and that no amount of caning will help a child with learning difficulties excel, is very much the challenge for many NGO’s in Tanzania.
The need to improve classroom practice is paramount to bringing better education outcomes to children, teachers and strengthening whole communities.
Making good teachers better, and more able to help and support students is a big part of my work here in Tanzania.
Sourcing funds through www.OneLoveTanzania.com for the sponsorship of teachers volunteering in schools because the government will not appoint teaching positions to them, not only provides them with a small renumeration for their efforts, it also creates an opportunity for them to join the Australia based NGO Team Vista, where they can be mentored to better classroom practices.
Angel, is a bright Primary School teacher specialising in English who we are proud to offer a $100 AUD per month sponsorship to recently. Angel, who has volunteered her skills for 4 years, is the first born of 5 siblings and will bring a welcome freshness to the male based Team Vista teaching team.
There so are many more teachers deserving of better in this country, and capable of better if we could only give them the chance and encouragement.
Funds our only drawback. While we are incredibly grateful to our many sponsors, not only in this program, but many others in this country, we would love any support you can offer.
Have a look at the amazing work we do here in Tanzania to support our teachers. Learn More >>>
Please chat with me to day. Teachers are praying for change too.
Cherie Smirl OneLoveTanzania.com
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