Volunteer Teacher Positions in Tanzania

Make a difference in the lives of underserved children in Tanzania by teaching at Orkeeswa Secondary School. Experience life in a traditional Maasai community and explore Tanzania.

The Indigenous Education Foundation of Tanzania (IEFT) (www.ieftz.org) has an opportunity for Science and English teachers to volunteer at Orkeeswa Secondary School, located in a remote area of East Africa. We are currently looking for a Science teacher to begin immediately, and an English teacher to begin in August 2009. Email [email protected] for more information.

Only 3.5% Tanzanian children in rural areas of the country are able to attend secondary school. Most families cannot afford the school fees. IEFT operates Orkeeswa Secondary School in the rural village of Lashaine, just outside the small town of Monduli in the Arusha Region of northern Tanzania. The school is located in a predominantly indigenous Maasai community and strives to preserve the cultural traditions and beliefs, while providing its students with affordable, accessible education. Please visit www.ieftz.org to learn more.

IEFT is willing to negotiate the length of the volunteer term, however a 6 month to 1 year commitment is highly preferred.

The Tanzanian school year calendar is as follows:

Term 1: Mid-January – Mid-July; 1 week for School Break sometime in March/April

Break: No school from Mid-July - Beginning of August

Term 2: Beginning of August – Mid-November; 1 week for School Break sometime in September/October

Final Testing: Teaching and student preparation from Mid-November – Mid- December for school and national testing.

Subjects taught at Orkeeswa Secondary School at the Form I (freshman) level include:

-English -Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) -Mathematics -Geography -History -Social Studies -Art & Music -Agriculture & Environment -Sports & Recreation

Volunteer Criteria:

-Volunteers must be 18 years of age to apply, or must have turned 18 years of age at the time you begin your volunteer position. You must also be able to travel on your own valid passport.

-Volunteers must have a strong command of the English Language, preferable mother-tongue speakers.

-A teaching degree is not required, however, candidates with classroom experience are highly encouraged to apply. Those with TEFL, ESL or CELTA certifications are also highly encouraged to apply.

-Volunteers are responsible for their travel and living expenses, including required vaccinations. IEFT can provide organizational materials if a volunteer is interested in fundraising to cover part or all of his/her expenses.

-Once in Tanzania, we have found that volunteers can keep their living costs between $200.00-$300.00 per month, on average. This includes the cost of food and supply expenses while living in the staff house, which runs around $60.00USD a month. This amount may fluctuate slightly depending on number of staff members living in staff quarters, inflation of the Tanzanian shilling, or difference in US Dollar/Tanzanian shilling exchange rates.

-Volunteers are required to work approximately 30 hours per week. Traveling during school breaks is highly recommended and IEFT management will work with you to ensure that you accomplish all of your adventure and travel goals during your time in Tanzania.

-The ability to live and work in a developing country, where patience, maturity and being able to endure many diverse, difficult situations is a must. Tanzania is the fifth poorest country in the world and IEFT works in a very rural area with no running water, unreliable electricity and a lack of Western amenities. Volunteers who apply must feel they are able to live and work in such conditions.

-IEFT encourages volunteers to learn a bit of the local language, Swahili, if possible before arrival on the ground, however, it is not a requirement. Knowing a little of the local language can go a really long way with experiencing the local culture!

What Volunteers can expect from IEFT:

- Housing and Living Arrangements IEFT provides suitable housing for volunteers at the IEFT staff house in the town of Monduli, just outside of the village. Our staff cook and housekeeper handles a portion of the household tasks and the volunteers share the rest. The staff house has access to electricity, an outhouse and no running water. Local and international staff will be on hand at your arrival to help you get adjusted to daily life in rural Tanzania. IEFT will also do its best to assist those with specific dietary needs.

-Orientation Training Once you arrive, IEFT will provide on-site training to familiarize you with organizational and school operations, teaching methods and requirements, and local customs. Local language training can also be arranged and is highly encouraged. IEFT staff will familiarize you with the areas in and around Monduli and the city of Arusha and will help to make you feel acclimated to the local way of life upon your arrival in Tanzania.

-Travel Assistance & Arrangement IEFT’s staff can work alongside you to ensure the proper travel arrangements are made for a smooth travel experience. If interested in seeing some of Tanzania’s natural beauty, including a safari to Serengeti National Park, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro or a trip to Zanzibar Island, IEFT has staff on hand to assist you in finding local, reputable tour operators.

-Program Fee There is no program fee to volunteer for IEFT.

To apply, email your resume/CV to [email protected]

IEFT is a registered 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization in the United States and a non-governmental organization in Tanzania.