Help Malawi Children

Volunteer Teachers

One of the biggest disadvantages facing the impoverished is the lack of access to information, outside networks, and perspective. Many adults in the community have never even left the village, let alone been to a city or cosmopolitan area.  Without this access, many will never learn about the outside world and the different approaches to finding solutions.

HELP finds volunteers from around the world to teach at the Nanthomba Primary School. These hardworking teachers add a unique dynamic compared to most Malawian schools. Students begin to imagine a world outside their village and recognize how interdependent we all are. In turn, the volunteers get the experience of a lifetime and the satisfaction of knowing that their contribution will change the lives of hundreds of children. To date, volunteers have been from the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada, Mexico and Switzerland.

Job Summary:

The International Volunteer Teachers (IVTs) collaborate with Malawian teachers and HELP Malawi staff to create a superior learning environment for primary school students. They improve our students’ lives, learn a new culture, contribute directly to international development, and undergo transformative personal growth. IVTs are responsible for teaching, evaluating and mentoring primary school students. They are also expected to integrate into the local culture and become community role models. IVTs will undergo an orientation upon arrival and receive continued guidance and support by the International Teacher Trainer (ITT). The IVTs will report to the ITT, Head Teacher and Teacher Trainer and will live and work at our core primary school. Successful applicants must have excellent communication skills, a flexible personality, at least two years of college education, and a great sense of humor! A commitment of three months to a year is required.

Responsibilities:

1. Teach ESL and other selected courses to primary school students

2. Create lesson plans for each class

3. Participation in instructional tutorials by Ministry of Education and HELP Malawi staff

4. Initiate secondary development projects for the school and the community.

5. Act as a positive, culturally-sensitive, responsible role model for the students

Suggested Attributes:
· At least two years of college experience; university diploma encouraged
· Cross-cultural experience
· Teaching or tutoring experience
· Excellent public speaking skills
· Cumulative volunteer/public service experience of at least 3 months
· Experience working in a team

Essay Questions: Please do not exceed three pages (single spaced).
1. What is your motivation for taking part in this volunteer program and what do you hope to gain from the experience?
2. What do you find most difficult about living with others or living/working in another culture? What coping skills have you used? (please cite specific examples)
3. What is an experience of transition you’ve undergone? How did you handle/respond to the situation and what did you learn from the experience?

Compensation/Benefits:
The IVT will have a shared bedroom in the International Volunteer House at HELP Malawi’s main primary school. The house has running water, a refrigerator, shower, and electricity (solar). The toilet is a private outhouse solely for the use of HELP Malawi volunteers. IVTs must be self insured for emergency medical coverage. HELP Malawi will cover visa fees.

Please submit a cover letter, your résumé, and essays. References will be requested of shortlisted candidates.