Introduction #
Volunteering as an English and IT teacher with OpenmindProjects is a rewarding way to contribute to underprivileged communities in Southeast Asia. This opportunity allows you to share essential skills while gaining a deep understanding of local cultures. This article explores the roles, challenges, and benefits of volunteering as a teacher with OpenmindProjects, focusing on education in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.
1. Who Are the Learners? #
The primary focus is on helping young people from rural villages and migrant communities where poverty and limited access to quality education are common challenges. These students face difficult choices, often between staying in their villages with few prospects or seeking low-paying jobs in the cities. OpenmindProjects aims to provide these learners with the tools they need to improve their lives, including English proficiency and IT literacy, which can greatly enhance their future opportunities.
2. What Does an English and IT Teacher Volunteer Do? #
Teaching English:
Team Teaching: Volunteers often work alongside local teachers, combining their English language skills with the local teacher’s familiarity with the students and curriculum.
Solo Teaching: In some cases, volunteers may need to teach independently, particularly if the local teacher is unavailable.
Focus on Communication: Emphasis is placed on improving students’ speaking, listening, and comprehension skills, rather than on grammar. Volunteers are encouraged to use creative methods to engage students, such as using silence and humour to manage large classes.
Teaching IT:
Volunteers may also teach basic computer skills when resources are available. Many schools have limited access to technology, so creativity and flexibility are essential when planning lessons.
Working with Trainees:
OpenmindProjects runs a training centre where volunteers work with young trainees, helping them develop self-sufficiency through English and IT skill-building. The “Learning by Doing” approach encourages hands-on learning, research, and problem-solving.
3. Challenges You May Encounter #
Limited Resources: Many schools lack basic supplies such as textbooks, notebooks, and pens. Volunteers are encouraged to bring teaching materials like flashcards, maps, or laptops to supplement classroom activities.
Large Class Sizes: Classrooms can be crowded, with up to 40 students in Thailand and 60 in Laos, which can make classroom management challenging.
Language Barriers: Many students have limited English proficiency, making communication difficult. Learning a few basic phrases in Thai can help improve interactions.
Cultural Differences: Adapting to local social norms and customs is crucial for effective collaboration. Patience, openness, and respect for local traditions will make your volunteer experience smoother.
4. How to Prepare for Your Volunteer Role #
Bring Teaching Materials: Given the scarcity of classroom supplies, bringing your own resources can greatly enhance your teaching. Items like flashcards, laptops, and educational games are highly valuable.
Dress Appropriately: Volunteers should dress modestly to respect local customs. Wearing trousers or long skirts, along with shirts that cover the shoulders, is essential.
Learn Basic Thai: Even knowing a few simple phrases can help break the language barrier and foster better relationships with students and local teachers.
Be Flexible: Volunteer schedules can change unexpectedly, so it’s important to stay adaptable and patient when plans shift.
Conclusion #
Volunteering as an English and IT teacher with OpenmindProjects is an opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of young people in Southeast Asia. By sharing your skills, offering support, and helping students build confidence, you contribute to their education and future prospects. Whether you’re a volunteer or a traveller looking to immerse yourself in local communities, this experience allows you to not only teach but also grow personally through meaningful interactions and cultural exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions #
Teaching as Volunteer #
- Who are the students and trainees I might work with?
OpenmindProjects focuses on young people from Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia who come from underprivileged backgrounds and have had limited access to quality education.
- School Children: You could teach pre-school (ages 5-6), but mostly primary school, or secondary school students.
- Trainees: These are young people who participate in OpenmindProjects’ training program to learn English, IT skills, and other life skills. They often come from villages or migrant communities and have faced poverty and lack of opportunities.
- What is the teaching environment like?
- Limited Resources: Schools in rural areas have limited resources. Classrooms may lack basic supplies and textbooks. Good to bring flashcards, maps, pictures, globes, laptops, if you can. We help you too.
- Large Classes: Classes can ranging from 10 to 40 students, up to 60 in Laos. This can make it challenging to engage everyone.
- Variable IT Access: OpenmindProjects emphasizes IT training, but access to computers and the internet varies. We tell you.
- Cultural Differences: So adapt. Teachers teach vocab and grammar. Students are shy and to speak English. Encourage students to make simple sentences and conversation. We help you..
- What is team teaching and will I be doing it?
OpenmindProjects strongly encourages team teaching. Work together with a local teacher in the classroom.
- Facilitate Communication: The teacher can help explain and bridge the language barrier.
- Utilize Local Knowledge: The teacher knows the students and the curriculum.
- Provide Extra Practice and Learning: Volunteers contribute motivation, confidence to speak simple Enlish. We help you.
Be prepared to teach independently. Some teachers might be hesitant to team teach due to:
- Limited English: They may not feel confident.
- Cultural Factors: Culture places a high value on respect for seniority. So teachers may feel uncomfortable having a young, foreign volunteer in their classroom.
- Teaching Habits: Local teachers are often accustomed to a traditional teaching, focus on grammar and translation.
- What will I be teaching as an IT teacher?
Access to computers and internet may make IT teaching difficult at rural schools. But smartphones are more ands more used.
- Be Resourceful: Use available resources, teach basic computer skills using available computers. Use smartphones for internet research and learning activities.
- Integrate IT into English Lessons: Use computers, the internet, smartphones to supplement English lessons. For example, students can do online research in English or practice their language skills through online communication.
- Support Trainees: Assist Openmind traineeswith their IT learning. Engage in activities like online research, data analysis, and presentations in simple English.
- How can I prepare for my volunteer experience?
Here are some tips to prepare:
- Pack Teaching Materials: Bring materials that can enhance your lessons and supplement the limited resources in schools.
- Dress Respectfully: Adhere to local customs and dress modestly. Trousers or long skirts, and shirts that cover the shoulders, are appropriate attire.
- Learn Basic Thai Phrases: Learning some basic Thai phrases will demonstrate respect and facilitate communication. We help.
- Be Flexible: Plans can change without much notice, so be prepared to adapt and go with the flow.
- Embrace Cultural Exchange: Be open to learning about the local culture. Engage in activities outside the clssroom. Joining community events, socialize with students and teachers or explore the local area. This will enrich your experience and build meaningful connections.
- What is the impact of volunteering with OpenmindProjects?
Volunteers play a crucial role in helping OpenmindProjects achieve its mission of empowering disadvantaged young people.
Volunteers:
- Contribute to Education: You provide valuable English and IT skills to students who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities.
- Empower Trainees: You support our Openmind trainees to develop essential skills and confidence for better futures.
- Inspire and Motivate: Your presence inspire and motivate both students and trainees, encouraging them to continue learning and pursue their goals.
- Create a Ripple Effect: Your volunteering can extend beyond the classroom, as our Openmind trainees often become role models and trainers to other and younger students.
Volunteering with OpenmindProjects is about teaching but also about making meaningful contributions to the lives of young people. Your efforts can help create a brighter future for them.
