Challenge:

Building and Teaching

Destination:

*Peru

Departure Dates From:

24/05/2008

Madventurer building projects are usually at the core of all Madventurer group projects. Based in rural areas and working on projects that small rural communities really need, you could be working on a project to build a school or local clinic, or you could be working on projects to improve drainage or improve sanitation by building a toilet block.

Building  

Often, you will be working on projects that the people of the village have been unable to undertake because of lack of funding. Therefore the money you bring to the project has a direct impact on the local community.

No previous building experience is necessary and you certainly don’t need to be muscle bound to work on these projects. Experienced local masons, carpenters and craftsmen will lead the group, teaching you the required skills and supervising your work. On the projects you could be digging foundations, laying cement, building walls, plastering or painting.

Teaching within a community development project

Improving education standards is the key to the development of rural communities. This has a direct impact on the future of the whole community. However, all too often these rural communities find it difficult to attract teachers who are instead attracted to the bright lights and even brighter prospects of the city schools.

You can play an important role in reducing class sizes and injecting enthusiasm, energy and a fresh style of teaching, whilst gaining knowledge and experience from local teachers. You will also be able to help those children who perhaps struggle to keep pace with the rest of the class. Your combined efforts can lead to a sustainable improvement in education standards.

What will I teach?

You will spend most of your time helping with basic literacy, maths and various other subjects.  Additionally, if you are a keen musician, interested in drama or have a passion for sport, the school would be really keen for your help in these areas.

The schools will be particularly keen for you to help with conversational English. English is central to the education of almost all students. The ability to speak English can lead to better employment prospects and is essential for anyone hoping for a career in the tourist industry.

Preparation

So that you are well prepared, you will be sent a teaching pack as part of your first predeparture pack that will contain lots of advice on the basic principles of teaching, learning and education. As well as working with local teachers who will guide you on the local curriculum, you will be given help by Madventurer Crew to organize a teaching timetable, choose the right subjects to teach and also the best age range.

We love getting feedback from venturers, here is what Anna Hollingworth (19) who went out in July 2006 made of the Casa del Carazion project in Cusco:

'An amazing, enlightening, brightening and beautiful project that was so worthwhile; obviously incredible valuable to the Casa del Corazon community, as well as being sustainable. I see it all as one fantastic experience, seeing it all come together in the last week was incredibly rewarding, making us all proud of ourselves'