Volunteer IT Teachers needed in South Africa

Volunteer IT teacher at a school in South Africa

On this voluntary teaching project you will provide free IT lessons to children from a disadvantaged background.

You will work with iSchoolAfrica. They are an organisation that uses top Apple Mac computers to inspire children. Children from deprived communities often fall behind children from wealthier backgrounds. iSchoolAfrica believe this is because they don’t get the same access to the latest technology.

You will work with local teachers to show the children that they can learn IT skills. This will empower them to succeed in the future.

Here you will find answers to the following questions:

How can volunteer IT teachers help in South Africa?

What will I gain from this project?

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

What skills or qualifications do I need?

How do I apply to join this project?

How can volunteer IT teachers help in South Africa?

You can use your knowledge and training to help local staff as a volunteer teacher. You can work on tasks such as:

• Work closely with iShoolAfrica facilitators, school teachers and students, including tasks such as:
  • Planning, preparing and delivering lessons for pupils in disadvantaged areas using Apple Mac computers and software.
  • Helping teachers create innovative ways of integrating software such as iPhoto, iMovie, Garage Band, iDVD, iTunes and iWeb into their regular curriculum.
  • Acting as a guide to ensure that teachers and pupils alike are familiar with the hardware and software in order that it can be used to its full potential and in a long term, sustainable manner.
• Observe existing teaching staff to assess their progress, offer constructive feedback and set goals for future implementation of the technology.

iSchoolAfrica works with various schools. Each school is provided with 12 MacBook computers, 12 video cameras and 1 projector. This is kept in a secure, mobile case. The idea is that the equipment can be transported between various classrooms. This means that you will have access to quality equipment to help your teaching.

The overall aim is to help local teachers improve their ability to teach IT. This means that local children will benefit for years to come. A big part of your work in South Africa will involve helping local teachers improve their IT skills.

This project runs all year round so you can join at any time. You decide how much time you can spare and we will help you get the most out of it.

What will I gain from this project?

Volunteer IT teacher at a school in South Africa

You will gain experience from teaching a variety of children of different ages and abilities. You will also learn about iSchoolAfrica and their exciting new methods of bringing IT to deprived communities. Local staff will want to learn from you but also share their own experiences of teaching. They will be able to give you tips about teaching South African children.

You will learn about South African culture by interacting with the pupils and staff. They will all want to hear about your life back home and your family and friends. We call this ‘cultural exchange’ and we think it helps our volunteers gain a new perspective on life.

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

We have over 19 years’ experience of running volunteer projects. We provide you with the following support to make sure your time in South Africa is successful and enjoyable:

• Safe accommodation with a South African family close to your project.
• Friendly and dedicated local staff available to help 24 hours a day.
• A member of staff to meet you at the airport when you arrive.
• Comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
• Social events with other volunteers such as a weekend trip to a local tourist destination.

What skills or qualifications do I need?

If you have attained Qualified Teacher Status (or the equivalent qualification in your home country) then you are perfectly suited to this project. Given the subject matter, it is also important that you have a thorough understanding of Apple Mac computers and the following software: iPhoto, iMovie, Garage Band, iDVD, iTunes and iWeb.

N.B. This project is only available for volunteers who are 21 years old or above and prepared to commit to at least three months in South Africa.

Please contact us if you think your knowledge may be useful on this project but do not have the required qualifications.