Aim
- To empower women by teaching English to better enhance employment opportunities
- To better enable them to help their children with English
- To create a setting where women can meet and form friendships
Rationale
Being one of the official languages of Uganda, English is a particularly useful skill to learn. English is often used as the common language between different tribes and many businesses and schools operate through English. P4 to P7 is also taught through English, therefore women can help their children with homework and study. Futhermore, women rarely have the opportunity to meet socially as they have many household duties, these classes provide an avenue to meet, make friends and share experiences.
Methods and Actions
By procuring volunteers who have experience in teaching English who will stay for a minimum of 3 months to provide English classes which adhere to levels of English and literacy. Volunteers will teach 2 classes a day (max. 15 women per class), 5 days a week throughout their tenure. Our current English teacher is Jenny, who is in her third term as our TEFL teacher and will be with us until December 2010. Jenny works alongside Betty, our Ugandan TEFL coordinator. We have expanded our project to Buwenda and the project is now run in two communities.
Attendance continues to be hugely successful, helped by the introduction of an initial payment of 1000 USh prior to commencing classes. Ensuring gender division of classes has meant the women have been more at ease and has promoted greater participation. Initial shyness has been overcome and participation levels are high. There is a good sense of togetherness and enjoyment within the groups!
Check back soon for the latest news on 2010 lessons!
TEFL Graduations 2009
Volunteer Opportunities
We are constantly looking for trained TEFL teachers to teach here in Uganda. We ask for a minimum of 3 months commitment. If you are interested please email volunteering@softpowereducation.com.