AGLM has big dreams for these children and appreciate your part in helping to fulfill these dreams. Volunteers are currently placed at Bulabakulu Children’s School of Hope, which is under construction and will soon be completed.
Objective:
The objective of the program is to facilitate the academic development of the school in order to provide a quality education for the students and best utilize the skills of the volunteers. The goal is to focus on the children and assure them that we are here because we want to help provide a good education and that we care about each of them and their future. Furthermore, we aim to assist the teachers/administration and to fulfill the long-term dream of developing the needy children within Wakiso, through the sponsorship of pupils’ school fees. AGLM has many needy pupils if you would like to sponsor a child.
Additionally, the goals are to support the teachers so that there is always someone available to cover a class and be part of the team, to encourage students to learn and play and instill pride in the school, and to assist physically in the upgrading of school facilities – painting, decorating, mending desks, uniforms, etc.
Suggestions:
The following is a list of ideas to help with your volunteer experience of teaching at the schools. However, they are only guidelines and your ideas would be greatly appreciated. To get started, align yourself with a local teacher and rotate so that all teachers are involved. Develop a proposed schedule when you will be available at the school and when you will be required at other projects. Discuss your strengths (English, Math, etc) and set your expectations. You can teach your own class or assist, so ask yourself if you prefer direct teaching or working together with a local teacher. You will have to take the initiative on this decision. Volunteers in the past have done well with teaching English, Math, Science and Social studies.
Ask if there is a teacher’s book available, if not you may purchase your own at Aristoc Book Store in Kampala. Find out what materials have been covered and what you should focus on and try to plan you classes a week at a time. You can help in the teacher planning process, contribute ideas, decide on lessons, assist students and mark papers. Try to develop activities/programs that can be sustained in the future, and remember to document your ideas and progress so that you can pass them on to the next volunteer.
Of course, you can show appreciation for the teachers for their efforts, as the they are not always paid on a regular basis. Some ideas include even daily use items like bread, laundry soap, etc., although any gesture is greatly appreciated. However, we suggest that you consult the AGLM administrator whenever you want to give any help in the form of money to any of the teachers or pupils at the school. We do not encourage the volunteers to give their address to people within the community, as you may be surprised to receive much mail asking for money.
School Needs:
We have a list of requirements for the school if you would like to donate items. The majority of these are cheaper and easier purchased on your arrival. We therefore suggest bringing money with you and check the list of requirements on your arrival before donating anything. Reference books games and sports materials are always required.
Best wishes in your success and we thank you in advance for all your efforts!
