Like everything in Tanzania, the level of education someone can achieve usually depends on the parents’ income. Schools in Tanzania can not be compared to the ones in Europe or North America. Pre- and primary schools work differently than the ones in your home county, with frontal teaching and monotonous copying from the blackboard being the norm. However, after class there is also time to play with the children and do some recreational work.

The preschool and the primary school are in the same compound so that you can either choose one project or switch between them. In the preschool, around 30 children are being taught by 3 teachers divided into a baby class, a middle class, and a preparatory class. In this primary school, more than 100 pupils are taught by ten teachers. The children are divided into seven classes, reflecting a good ratio of teachers to students. You can step in wherever your help is needed and wherever you feel comfortable to support the teacher’s daily routine.

Please keep in mind, that schools in Tanzania are being run differently than in your home country. Things like corporal punishment and poorly equipped classrooms are normal. The language spoken in both is English, which all the teachers speak fluently.

The school is located only ten minutes walking distance from the volunteer house. Usually work starts at 8am in the morning. You will support the teachers in the classes where they need you the most: teaching English, mathematics, geography, arts, sports, or French as agreed with the headmaster. You will support the teachers during the lessons, making sure that the children listen and follow. Since some children need intense individual support, you can decide to do some one-on-one teaching. The preschool ends at 1pm and the primary school at 3pm, with 40 minutes lunch break in between. In the afternoon, you can play with the children, help them during tuition, or help fix things in and around the school. If you are interested, you can receive Swahili lessons from some students. Furthermore, you can help prepare food for the students and beautify the school. Your ideas are welcome, and you can let your creativity run freely and be active wherever you wish. You choose if you will only work in the preschool, only in the primary school, or support both schools with your passion and knowledge. You are also very welcome to help with the schools clubs and sport activities.