Peace Villages Foundation

Teaching & Tutoring - A great introduction into Venezuelan life

This assignment improves confidence and communication skills and is the perfect outlet for your energy and creativity!
Schools are overcrowded, so teachers are a precious resource and are always welcome. One constant options is to lead spoken English classes. Some English classes are run through Santa Elena's "Casa de Cultura," a cultural center located in the library. Classes vary in size and can be arranged with children or adults. Fluent Spanish is not necessary. Another option is to involve yourself in the "Socialism of the 21st Century" through President Hugo Chavez's Misión Ribas program. Misión Ribas provides remedial high school level classes to some of the five million Venezuelans who dropped out of high school. Many of these classes are taught by Cuban videos and a small workbook. Therefore even high school-level knowledge in any subject would be a great improvement and very well received. This option is only for those willing to make a longer term commitment (so that students can be taught a good amount before the volunteer leaves.)

You could lead spoken English classes, improving the pronunciation and conversational skills of young children and adults. You can let your creativity run wild with songs, games and role play activities in classes of about 6-12 pupils. One of the main goals within the educational area is that our children learn English. As our children are from 4-14 years old, they will learn English immediately without Spanish accent. Therefore you do not necessarily need to speak fluent Spanish. On this conversational English teaching project, you can pass on a valuable vocational skill that will help Venezuelan teenagers.

Different Teaching & Tutoring opportunities are teaching at the local music school or assist teaching arts, craft and ceramics or help with computer classes for children and teenagers at the local computer centre with internet-connection or teach sports and help with homework. Assist with Play Therapy or recreational and developmental activities and help organize special events with our Mobile School.

Activities can include:

• Teaching english, math or science classes in local schools (likely to a large class) (MR: E1, L2, C2)
• Help teach computer classes for children and teenagers at the local computer center (MR: E2, L2, C2)
• Teaching English classes at Chavez's Misión Ribas program (MR: E1, L1, C2)
• Organizing special educational events (MR: E1, L1, C2)
• Teaching English classes to children aged between 4 and 14 years old (MR: E1, L1, C1)
• Assist teaching at the local music school or arts, craft and ceramics at the cultural center and our  Community & Therapy Center (MR: E1, L1, C1)
• Help teaching simple wood work to young people at our Community & Therapy Center (MR: E1, L0, C0) or by passing on vocational carpentry & building skills (MR: E2, L1, C1)
• Helping with homework (MR: E0, L1, C0)
• Assist with supervising recreational, developmental and therapeutic activities for special need kids who visit our Community & Therapy Center (MR: E0, L0, C0)
• Help with our Mobile School as Teacher assistant (MR: E0, L0, C0) 

Requirements:

No previous experience or special skills are required, but participants need to be enthusiastic, willing to learn, ready for a challenge and have a desire to work with children. Friendliness, care, commitment and patience are among important qualities. Take delight in the children’s progress through interaction and play, as well as the charming nature of the bonds formed between children and volunteers. You do not necessarily need to have previous teaching experience. Staff and other volunteers will support you when you start teaching and tutoring. You do not necessarily need to speak fluent Spanish to be involved in our day cares or at your classes as a teacher, however basic Spanish is very useful. To prepare yourself you might want to take a teaching course at home and find supplemental teaching aids. This gives you the confidence to face your first class knowing you have the practical skills you will need throughout your work placement. However, we have various materials available that will help you plan your lessons and you will be accepted as a teacher even if you do not have any TEFL certificate. Creativity and enthusiasm go a long way! Also in schools you may be working with other teachers and/or other volunteers.
Please check each activity for its specific Minimum Requirements ( MR )
Level of Experience  None: E0; Little: E1; Advanced: E2; Experts: E3 
Spanish Language Skills  None: L0; Basic: L1; Conversational: L2; Fluent: L3
Minimum Time Commitment  None: C0; 1 Month: C1; 2 Months: C2; 3 Months: C3

Availability:

Mobile School and activities on PVF grounds are ongoing throughout the year. School related activities are not taking place during holidays. 

 Photos    Cost

Fundación Aldeas de Paz
Lomas de Piedra Canaima via Sampai, Santa Elena de Uairén,
La Gran Sabana, Estado Bolívar, Venezuela
Phone: 0058 - 289 - 4160820  Email: mail@peacevillages.org
We are a registered charity: RIF J-30872287-1 (Vz)    

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Peace Villages Foundation