In past years before the civil war St. Augustine schools had a stellar reputation as they stood for ""Reason, Religion, and Kindness."" After the disruptions of war and then two years of ebola, the education system was in ruins. Still teachers are poorly treated, poorly trained, and the headmaster absent most of the time. Reason, Religion, and especially Kindness have returned to heaven from which they came. The classes are often unsupervised are unreasonably large. That being said, the majority of the staff were former students and do their best. For various reasons, conversation is done at high volume, whether indoors or outside by both teachers and students. The school often sounds like a soccer stadium. The directives of the ministry of education are followed carefully and even under the obvious degeneration, all staff treat each other and especially their guest teachers always with civility. I'm glad I can help their efforts to somewhat meet the needs of their students.
Programs, Activities, Other Projects
No information at present. There is the possibility of grant writing.
Area Information
The living situation is comfortable. Each of us has our own room and bath. Running water and electricity are present most of the time. the food is always on time and safe. If you like spicy, it will be great! Oh yeah! Internet works most of the time from the library and a few other locations. Like most school assignments in Africa, you never really know what's going on that day until it unfolds before you. I like to over-prepare for classes. It has been my salvation again and again. There is a tendency to ""dumb down"" tests and instruction. Identify your interested students, build them up. Give them separate instruction so they can help the others and group tests and assignments. Above all else, do not give up on ""them"". There are talented young people there and with a little effort you can find those eager to learn. Be sensitive to the staff. they are there for the long haul. Please consider them.
Special Challenges/Conditions
Yes, there are many....noise day and night...bring several sets of ear plugs.....air pollution during the dry season...bring your face masks and inhaler. Trash burning is the worst. Rain day and night during the rainy season. Oddly, mosquitos and malaria are not too bad.
Major Duties
Four classes of high school Chemistry Lab organisation
Practical Qualifications/Skills Needed
Teaching experience and/or training through a teacher training program.
Helpful Academic Preparation
Teaching Credential and/or significant teaching experience especially in your content area
Helpful Experience
same as above
Helpful Personal Qualities
Flexibility and willingness to do enough preparation to meet the needs of the students. Willingness to be a part of the Salesian Community, to ask questions when uncertain about directives, and make the extra effort to interact with staff and community in a sincere way.
Accomodations
With religious community:
Yes
Private/Shared room:
Private
Private/Shared bathroom:
Private
Daily Mass/Eucharist
Yes
Launder method:
There is a washing machine for the Salesians. Some of the staff will wash clothes and clean your room for a modest amount.
ATM access:
Yes
Involvement with religious community
SLMs are part of the Salesian community and expected to participate as much as is reasonable.
Involvement with greater community
Only as much as one cares to get involved.
Local medical facilities
A government hospital is within walking distance. St. John of God clinic is a 20 minute drive. Both are okay.
Local diet
Fish, rice, beans sometimes, greens, bread, fruit, powdered milk, sugar, coffee, tea, squash, chicken, sometimes liver. the cooks are better than average
Other information
It is a tough assignment but worth the time you give it both from spiritual growth personal development. As mentioned earlier...try to meet the needs of your students where they are, check with them often with group quizzes, break ideas down into basic segments. Best of luck! God is good! All the time.....God is good!
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