St. Augustine Secondary School
Available Ministries
- Teacher (Primary)
- Teacher (Secondary)
- Agricultural
- Parish
Location
Time Commitment
Opportunities
Current Volunteers
Ministry Background
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.
Purpose & Objectives
Primary, junior, and secondary education youth programs parish ministries
Programs, Activities, & Other Projects
No information at present. There is the possibility of grant writing.
Duties & Responsibilities
Four classes of high school Chemistry Lab organisation
Practical Qualifications/Skills Needed
Teaching experience and/or training through a teacher training program.
Useful Academic Preparation
Teaching Credential and/or significant teaching experience especially in your content area
Useful Experience
same as above
Special Challenges/Conditions
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.
Involvement with the religous community
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.
Involvement with the greater community
Only as much as one cares to get involved.
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.
Housing & Community
Live with Religious
Room
Daily Eucharist
Bathroom
Launder
There is a washing machine for the Salesians. Some of the staff will wash clothes and clean your room for a modest amount.
Access to ATM
Local Diet
Fish, rice, beans sometimes, greens, bread, fruit, powdered milk, sugar, coffee, tea, squash, chicken, sometimes liver. the cooks are better than average
Local Medical Facilities
A government hospital is within walking distance. St. John of God clinic is a 20 minute drive. Both are okay.