In December 2008, WorldTeach began an exciting year long program that sent 18 volunteers to teach in public high schools throughout Rwanda. In 2009 we look forward to expanding our program, allowing for even more volunteers to experience the beauty and richness of Rwanda. Aside from working in the public schools, we will offer a limited number of primary and university placements for our volunteers.
Rwanda is one of the most colorful and vibrant countries in Africa today. The dynamic President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, has instituted many programs that have helped pave the way to prosperity and development since the genocide ended in 1994.
By partnering with the Ministry of Education of Rwanda, volunteers will teach primarily math, physics, biology, and chemistry at advanced levels, though other subject placements such as English and ICT will be available. Descriptions of the curriculum for these subjects can be found through the National Curriculum Development Center. As of 2008, the language of instruction in schools has transitioned to English, although French and the native language, Kinyarwanda, are still spoken throughout the country.
Students today were small children during the genocide and many of them are orphans as a result. The students you will be teaching still need help coping with what they experienced and this will be an important part of the volunteer's role while teaching in Rwanda. In memory of those who lost their lives, April 7 is Genocide Commemoration Day and school will not be in session for the entire week.
Volunteers in Rwanda are required to be native English speakers as well as hold Bachelor's degree in any given subject. Additionally volunteers must be between the ages of 18 and 74 by the departure date. Volunteers should also plan on contributing to the community through extra-curricular activities for the students. These activities could include leading debate teams, coaching sports teams, or getting involved in acting, singing, or library clubs. It is anticipated that many of the volunteers will want to work with these clubs and truly benefit the youth they are aimed to help.
Departing in late December 2009, the volunteers will have approximately three weeks of in-country orientation and will begin their teacher service in January 2010. Volunteers will live in either school-provided housing or a furnished apartment on school property or in a nearby village. Housing may vary depending on the placement site. The volunteer's service will end in November of 2010.
Volunteers will be paid approximately US$100 per month from the Rwandan government which will be supplemented with another US$140 per month from WorldTeach, for a total living allowance of approximately US$240 per month, which will cover the cost of food and other basic living expenses.
The volunteer commitment is US$5,990, for the December 2009 departure.
If you would like to join our official interest list for the Rwanda Year program, please write to info@worldteach.org. We will be sure to contact you!
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