Assistance in the Nursery School
In 2019, we successfully completed the construction of three classrooms in our kindergarten in Brufut, Ghana Town. Regular classes commenced in September of the same year, benefiting over 100 children from surrounding villages who had never been enrolled in school. This initiative provided them with a unique opportunity for free education, fostering a strong foundation for future learning. The kindergarten caters to children aged 4 to 8, organized into three preschool education levels. The primary goal of preschool education is to equip children with essential skills, primarily in English language, numeracy, and shapes, serving as a robust foundation for their entry into primary school. Volunteers in the kindergarten contribute as teacher’s assistants, leading workshops and sharing knowledge to prepare interactive lessons for young learners.
Location
Brufut, Ghana Town, The Gambia
Duration
Minimum 2 weeks; maximum duration is not limited.
Schedule
MON-THURS: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM, FRI: 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Available Dates
From the end of September to the end of July, except during the New Year holidays and Ramadan
Number of vacancies
6 per term
Type of Travel
Group expedition/voluntary work/study visit
Accommodation
We recommend accommodation in a family house.
Distance from work
10 km
Transportation to work
Public transport & walking (1 transfer, approx. 1h) – GMD24 / taxi (approx. 30 min) – approx. GMD 1000
Coordinators
Gambian coordinators: Amet/Buba & Slovenian coordinator: Jasmina
Conditions
Passion for working with children, experience in pedagogy is a bonus, satisfactory knowledge of English, independence, resourcefulness, and patience, and collection of donations (minimum 250.00 euros).
Program Goal
To create a pleasant and educational environment for children from the surrounding villages, upgrade the quality of lessons, exchange ideas and experiences on teaching techniques, and help children with learning difficulties.
Purpose of donations
Collected donations will be used for the purchase of materials for creative workshops, rewards for teachers for cooperation, maintenance and running costs in the nursery school (electricity, water, repairs, cleaning, maintenance, painting, renovation of the walls) and, if the need arises, discretion for other ongoing projects of the association or interventional aid.
Duties of a volunteer
- Assist teachers in implementing lessons.
- Collaborate with the team to prepare daily lessons following the annual curriculum.
- Help prepare learning aids and observe children during lessons.
- Engage in activities during recess, ensuring the well-being of the children.
- Conduct one activity per day (lasting approximately 1 hour) with the support of the team of teachers.
First day and subsequent days at work
- On the first day, a volunteer coordinator or experienced volunteers will guide you to school using public transport.
- Upon arrival, the school principal or deputy will provide a tour, and students will welcome you with songs.
- Morning and afternoon sessions follow, with additional lessons focused on consolidating contact hours.
Preparation
- Activities run from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with additional lessons until 2:00 PM.
- Volunteers help teachers independently or in pairs to carry out one prepared lesson in the morning or afternoon.
- Volunteers should prepare one activity per day, with the support of school teachers.
Materials needed
- While the school has some supplies, additional items may be required for specific workshops.
- Needed materials include those for creative workshops, ordinary pencils, crayons, sharpeners, scissors, erasers, glue, water-based crayons, coloured paper, games, instruments, books in English, and educational posters.
Free time
- Afternoons and weekends offer free time for exploration or relaxation at the beach.
- Volunteers have the opportunity to participate in workshops, guided tours, and other activities.
Zala Košir
This can’t be started differently than to say that the experience was amazing, and it truly warmed my heart. If you are thinking of going to The Gambia as a volunteer, don’t wait any longer – just go for it. You won’t regret it. I know I should start at the beginning, so I’ll go back now.