English Teaching Programme
Azafady is a registered charity who, with the help of interns from around the world, steps off the beaten track to respond to the directly expressed and urgent needs of some of the most marginalised communities and most threatened environments in the world. Based in south east Madagascar Azafady has a broad range of environmental, humanitarian and sustainable livelihoods projects working alongside local communities, offering interns an unforgettable experience and the chance to work on the frontline of an international grassroots organisation.
Madagascar
Situated off the east coast of Africa, Madagascar is one of the world’s top conservation priorities with some 80% of its animal and plant species found nowhere else on earth. However, while it may be environmentally rich, deforestation from slash-and-burn agriculture and other pressures threatens the local wildlife and with 77% of the population living on under $1.25 per day, access to education, health care and even safe drinking water is incredibly limited. Infant mortality is a horrendous 1 in 10 nationally - and as high as 4 in 10 in the extremely impoverished south east region of Anosy where Azafady is based.
What does Azafady do?
For over 15 years, Azafady have worked with local organisations to help change these shocking statistics by ensuring our projects are both useful to and requested by the local people. Using specialist knowledge and an award winning team of experienced project leaders, whether you choose conservation, construction or sustainable livelihoods programmes, our placements offer you the opportunity to gain invaluable experience as a member of a grassroots organisation by being involved in all aspects of your project from the start.
Who are the volunteer programmes suitable for?
If you are 18 or over and are interested in a career in conservation, development or international charity work, or just want the opportunity to be part of a team of likeminded individuals working towards a vital cause, a placement with Azafady is the ideal starting point. Our structured programmes allow you to develop existing abilities and learn new skills that can enrich your CV whether you want to pursue a career in conservation or community development, or want to take part in an international internship during a break from studying or work.
In fact our programmes consistently prove to be THE vital stepping stone for those looking to launch their careers in the international development or conservation sectors. Previous Azafady volunteers have moved on to employment in international organisations such as the International Red Cross, Médecins Sans Frontières MSF and even the United Nations – not to mention Azafady itself!
Your volunteer programme
Azafady’s placements are challenging but greatly rewarding and you can be sure that you will be an effective and valuable member of the project team from fundraising to working with local coordinators to achieve project aims. Your programme is all about practical learning; you’ll be encouraged throughout and given regular feedback on your development as you work towards your career or study goals. And it’s all done in the freedom of the outdoors, not sat in a lecture theatre - this is hands-on experience that will help you apply your existing knowledge to the real world and see how a leading-edge grassroots organisation operates.
English Teaching Programme
Azafady responds to the directly expressed needs of some of the most marginalised communities in the world. In SE Madagascar being able to speak English can make the difference between finding employment and escaping poverty or not. Programme length falls into three categories: short term (2 – 3 weeks), mid-term (4 – 12 weeks) and long term (6 months +). Please note that the assessment criteria will vary depending on the duration that you would like to stay. For example, any period over 4 weeks will require a TEFL or equivalent teaching qualification and the longer you are looking to volunteer, the more experience you will be expected to have. Volunteers applying for over 4 weeks will be invited for a Skype or phone chat and interview with our coordinator in Madagascar.
During term time placements, volunteers will generally work as an assistant to the programme coordinator for the first 2-3 weeks helping with English classes in the high school, as well as for Malagasy Azafady staff and middle school English teachers. After 3 weeks, mid-term and long-term volunteers will be expected to work more autonomously, planning their own lessons and taking more of a leading role. After 4 weeks (for those with a TEFL or equivalent) volunteers will be expected to be at a stage where they are planning and taking their own classes. At this point the coordinator will play more of a background role.
Volunteers may also have the opportunity to teach English to other groups in Fort Dauphin such as local taxi drivers, tour guides and hospitality staff. These groups of people rely on a knowledge of English to make a living from the tourist economy. Volunteers may also assist with the development of teaching materials to support the sustainability of the programme or developing scripts for a new ‘Speak English’radio programme that is to be broadcast in early 2013. These additional English teaching related activities will run depending on the time of year (particularly during public school holidays) and according to local demand and volunteer numbers.
Programme dates
Flexible and ongoing
To participate in our short- and mid-term English Teaching programme we ask volunteers to fundraise a minimum donation to the charity with the hands-on help of the UK team. This works out at £695 GBP for 2-weeks and then £95 for each additional week thereafter. The minimum donation is made up of an initial £200 or £500 to confirm your place (if your application is accepted) and then a remaining balance which is due 3 weeks before you depart for Madagascar. We offer help and support in your fundraising including a substantial fundraising manual and resources such as raffle tickets, collection boxes, posters, the facility to set up an online fundraising page, and even a Lemur Suit!
Crucially, these fundraising activities also raise public awareness about Madagascar, and you can be sure that your donation will be invested into our projects in Madagascar, with 92% of all donations going directly towards the pursuit of our charitable aims. Your minimum donation will cover accommodation and two meals a day at the Azafady office as well as the support of an Azafady staff member during your stay, orientations to the region and the local culture. Separately, volunteers need to cover their own ‘pre-departure’ costs which include flights, vaccinations and visa, and a standard Country Registration fee of £95 paid to Azafady which is due 3 weeks before the beginning of your programme. The Registration fee covers all aspects of police and commune registration costs in Madagascar, as well as compulsory inclusion in Azafady’s comprehensive travel insurance policy which Azafady purchases for every volunteer.
Long-term volunteer English teachers of 6 months+ will not be required to pay a minimum donation but we do ask that you cover your own personal costs.
Summary
Teaching English to Malagasy school children in rural and remote Madagascar.
Duration: 2-3 weeks, 4-12 weeks, Cost: 2 weeks for £695 donation, +£95 per additional week (generated by fundraising and supported by Azafady), plus flights and a standard Country Registration Fee (£95). Duration: 6 months+ Cost: No minimum donation, but must cover all personal costs, plus flights
