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International Volunteer Work Teaching English in Ethiopia with Projects Abroad
Only two decades ago, Ethiopia was ravaged by massive famine and cruel conflicts that left the population decimated and facing a bleak future. In the last few years Ethiopia’s government has made both Education and Health its top priorities. New schools are opening all the time, and the aim is to dramatically increase the number of children attending primary and secondary school. But there is still a long way to go; recently published reports estimated that 68% of children attend primary school and just 16% complete their secondary education.
The rapid growth of the capital, Addis Ababa, and the emergence of a small Ethiopian middle class has made learning English a necessity for students wanting to enter into higher education, or to find a job with one of the capital’s many international employers. English teaching in all schools is now being accorded increasing importance, particularly by the new generation of young ambitious Ethiopians who are striving to improve their country’s place in the world, as well as their own.
Volunteer English teaching in Ethiopia is an ideal way to help out with this vital development effort. Our international volunteers work in some of the most poorly resourced schools in Ethiopia. You can gain work experience without a formal teaching qualification and we do not require you to take a TEFL. Whether you want to volunteer teach during your gap year, career break or as part of an extended vacation, you will have a role to play on one of our worthwhile teaching projects.
It is also possible to teach French in Ethiopia. Please let us know if you're interested in this option when you apply.
The impact you have on the lives of your students will be obvious and long-lasting, but you will also be part of a much wider international volunteer network, which is making a really positive contribution to the communities in which we work.
Volunteer Opportunities Teaching English in Schools with Projects Abroad
Teaching in Ethiopia will open your eyes to the diverse nature of Ethiopia’s culture and its people. Volunteers teach English in schools in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, and live with local Ethiopian host families for the duration of their placement. You will find Ethiopian people incredibly warm and welcoming, and they will take you to their hearts.
Projects Abroad places volunteers in schools to assist local teachers and to give the children exposure to English spoken by a native speaker. Often the teachers will have limited English themselves and you will be popular if you spend some time helping them as well. On top of this, you are likely to find yourself giving further informal English lessons to the members of your host family, who will be eager for you to learn a little of their own language in return, which is a fantastic way for you to get to know each other!
Volunteering on a Teaching Project in Ethiopia
As a teaching volunteer in Ethiopia you will usually work with children aged between 10 and 18. You will make an important contribution by improving the students’ conversational English and giving them the confidence that comes from being able to communicate with a native speaker. For the students, the increased exposure to spoken English will enable them to advance their language skills and brighten their future.
The lingua Franca, Amharic, hasn’t developed sufficiently to adapt to the wealth of new words used in fields such as Science and Technology, and as a result, English is the main language used in business and education. In accordance with this, all subjects are taught in English from grade 7 (age 12) on. This means that it is especially important that children in Ethiopia get a good grounding in English from an early age, which gives you some idea of how precious the gift of your time and enthusiasm will be if you chose to teach here.
As a teaching volunteer from a foreign culture you shouldn’t have too much trouble encouraging your students to speak. They will be very eager to learn all about you, your family and friends, so take advantage of this enthusiasm right from the start!
As well as simply teaching English classes you can also get involved in extra-curricular activities, from singing involving English songs to coaching soccer. There are many other possibilities, limited only by your own skills and interests. Be sure to tell us if you have any particular interests in your application.
My placement has been nothing less than fantastic. Aside from having endless questions about my life, my home and my thoughts about Ethiopia, the staff at the school has welcomed me as a volunteer with open arms. I have been made to feel that my work with the kids is significant, not only to the students, but by their teachers and principal as well. Read more...