It was an adventure for me, a discovery trip which often pushed me to the limits and during which I learnt a lot. I was constantly confronted with the foreign African culture which made me think a lot about my own culture.
Barbara Zinn, Voluntary teacher at a Tanzanian Secondary School
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Voluntary work and Adventure: PROBONO’s Volunteer Program
As part of PROBONO's Volunteer Program young people over 18 years of age, university students and young professionals from Germany have the opportunity to work as a volunteer at one of our partner schools in Tanzania or Uganda. Apart from providing support during classes, it is also possible to participate in projects on trade, art or sports (depending on qualification and demand) or to work in the schools administration.
Read moreA stay as an Educational Volunteer is suitable for students studying to become teachers, teacher trainees and teachers on sabbatical. Here, the volunteers support the teacher or they teach independently, depending on the qualifications and needs of the school.
An important part of the volunteer assignment is usually to support the dialogue between the German and the African partner school. For example, by coordinating, supporting or accompanying a dialogue project in close cooperation with both schools. A visit to the German partner school after returning from Africa is also part of the program.
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“I notice that my view of things has changed”
Conditions for a successful stay at an East African PROBONO school:
- Excellent English language skills
- Good preparation
- Intercultural sensitivity
- Interest in foreign cultures and ways of life
- Self-motivation
- Flexibility and the ability to occupy oneself if no work is available
- Patience
- Good communication skills
Many volunteers tell us upon their return that their stay at a school in Tanzania or Uganda has widened their horizon and that it has changed their way of thinking. They say that they have learnt a lot about themselves and about their own country. "I notice that my view of things has changed," a high school graduate for example said after her stay at a secondary school in South Uganda: "I am more critical in many ways, but at the same time I am also more optimistic."
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Are you interested?
Being an educational volunteer in an African country will give you a lasting impression. Volunteering promotes social skills and social learning. It raises awareness of global inequality and the need to take action. Prejudices are overcome as you experience different cultural values.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at one of our PROBONO partner schools in Tanzania or Uganda, please send us your CV and a letter of motivation explaining the reasons for wanting to take part in our volunteer programme as well as your expectations.