Teach English in Ethiopia -Volunteering with Schoolchildren in Bahir Dar

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Gain experience teaching English to schoolchildren from underprivileged communities in Ethiopia. Help these children towards a better future and a higher chance of employment later in life.

Program Highlights:

Gain experience teaching English
Assist in schools that provide an education to children from poor families
Live and volunteer near the shore of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile
Be a role model for young children
Help to instill confidence in the children’s ability to communicate in English

Your Schedule at a Glance (Minimum one-week commitment):

Arrival Day, Sunday: Arrive at Ginbot Haya Airport (BJR). You will be picked up by the local team and transferred to your accommodations to meet fellow volunteers and settle in.

Day 1, Monday: The week will begin with an introduction day. Volunteers will receive an introduction to Ethiopian history and culture, take part in an Amharic‌ ‌language lesson and a visit to the local market, lake, church and town.The evening brings a traditional dance show.

Days 2-5, Tuesday-Friday: Rewarding volunteer work with children from grades 1-8. Volunteers will be following a structured syllabus, and are encouraged to bring enthusiasm to the classes. Volunteers usually assist with teaching two subjects each day (both in English) and use the evening to plan ahead for the next day.

Days 6-7, Saturday-Sunday: Volunteers staying only one week will depart on Saturday. The weekend is free for volunteers who are extending to spend how they wish.

Remaining Weeks: Remaining weeks will follow the pattern of volunteering Monday-Friday and having weekends free. Departures are on a Saturday.

Location of the Project: Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

Project length: Min 1 week – Max 8 weeks

Arrival Airport: Ginbot Haya Airport (BJR)

Volunteer Work: English teaching

Age: 18-60. (This project may accept volunteers who are younger than 18 years old with a letter of consent from a parent or guardian, and those above 60 with doctor approval.)

Number of Volunteers: Up to 14 international volunteers

What’s Included

Accommodations: Shared, dorm-style rooms

Food: Three meals during the week, two meals on weekends

Airport Transfers: Airport pickup is provided upon arrival

Orientation: A full introduction is provided upon arrival.

Support: Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.

What’s not Included

Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, lunches on weekends, personal expenses.

Location

Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa (the northeastern part). It is populous, with more than 100 million people.

Bahir Dar is the third-largest city in the nation and is bustling with hum and excitement. It is located just a block away from the beautiful shore of Lake Tana. Bahir Dar is currently serving as the capital of the Amhara Regional State in Ethiopia. Palm trees lay alongside the wide streets and shimmering, blue water. There are beautiful churches, museums, markets, and more located alongside the water. The Blue Nile River is located just slightly southeast of the city and faces the towering cliffs at the Blue Nile Falls.

Volunteer Work

In Ethiopia, only 30% of students go on to receive a higher education. The goal of this program is to strengthen students’ English skills so they can have a better chance of receiving a higher education.

Volunteers will teach local students, from grades 1-8. Volunteers will receive a structured syllabus, but you are encouraged to assist with subjects you feel strongest in. The primary goal of the classes is for the students to improve their English skills, in all subjects. Volunteers are encouraged to plan ahead and create fun, interactive activities to make learning more fun. Volunteers usually assist with teaching two subjects each day and use the evening to plan ahead for the next day.

Holidays: In July and August, students are on summer break. During this time, a summer camp program is organized and about 80 children between the ages of 6 to 15 attend the summer camp.

Living Arrangements

Internet icon Internet: WiFi is available in public areas.

Laundry icon Laundry: Laundry facilities are available for use at an additional fee.

Accommodations icon Accommodations: Volunteers will stay in shared, single-gender, dorm-style rooms in a house in a community that is four kilometers from the schools. Bathrooms are shared and Western-style toilets are available. There will be four to six volunteers per room. Fans and mosquito protection nets are provided.

Food icon Food: During the week, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided. The meals will be Ethiopian style, and vegetarian five days out of the week. On weekends, two meals (breakfast and dinner) will be provided. There is plenty of clean drinking water and other beverages available.

Travel Highlights

Bahir Dar is a bustling city with plenty to do and is also located near many tourist attractions. Recommended travel destinations include:

Lake Tana, a World Heritage Biosphere Reserve
Blue Nile Falls
The historic city of Gondar
Simien Mountains National Park
Tana Kirkos

Volunteers can also add the Ethiopian Culture week to the beginning or end of their volunteer week, to enhance the experience! Participants in the Culture week visit Lake Tana, Blue Nile Falls and enjoy the many cultural activities throughout the week.

Dates & Fees