Namibia Project

Basingstoke Rotary are looking to offer an opportunity for a student considering taking a gap-year to work as a volunteer (unpaid) in Swakopmund, Namibia for 9 months commencing August 2025. A full explanatory document is given below.

Any student living in the Basingstoke & Deane post code areas is eligible to apply. Application should be made by way of a written paper explaining and supporting your application to the Rotary Club via email to it’s International Director, Bob Jenner OBE, at bobjenner.obe@btinternet.com.

A short home-made video from Mondesa is also attached to help establish context. Further information can also be requested either by text or in person via mobile to Bob at 07975626105.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Job Title: Volunteer Teaching Assistant type-role(Gap Year)
Location: Swakopmund, Namibia

Timing: August 2025 for 9 months.

Ages of Students: 8–14 years

Job Overview:
Mondesa Youth Opportunities are seeking a resilient, enthusiastic student to volunteer in a Teaching Assistant-type role to support teachers in enhancing the educational skills of pupils aged 8 to 14 in Namibia. This role is ideal for a recent 6th form graduate taking a gap year before university, who has an interest in teaching and working with young students in a multicultural environment. The focus will be on improving basic skills in English, Maths, and Computing, while helping students build confidence and reach their full potential.

Key Responsibilities:

·         Assist qualified teachers in delivering engaging lessons in English, Maths, and Computing.

·         Provide one-on-one and small group support to pupils to reinforce reading and learning and build foundational skills.

·         Help plan and organize lesson materials under the guidance of lead teachers.

·         Support classroom management to maintain a positive and inclusive learning environment.

·         Encourage and support pupils' learning and development by fostering enthusiasm and curiosity.

·         Assist in assessing pupils' progress and provide feedback to help them improve.

·         Promote digital literacy by helping students learn basic computing skills.

·         Act as a positive role model, promoting teamwork and good behaviour.

·         Assist with extracurricular activities and educational projects as needed.

Requirements:

·         Completed A-levels or equivalent, with good predicted grades in English and Maths.

·         Interest in teaching and a genuine interest in helping children succeed.

·         Good communication skills, patience, and empathy.

·         Ability to work collaboratively with teachers and other staff members.

·         Enthusiasm for working in an international and diverse educational setting.

·         Basic computing skills.

·         Willingness to adapt to a different culture and new challenges.

Benefits:

·         Gain hands-on experience in education, valuable for those considering a career in teaching or child development.

·         Opportunity to make a positive impact on children's lives and contribute to their educational growth.

·         Cultural immersion experience in Namibia, with opportunities to learn about the country's language, history, traditions, environment and wildlife.

·         Training and mentorship from qualified teachers to develop your skills.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain practical experience, develop teaching skills, and make a meaningful difference in students' lives during your gap year prior to going up to University.

Mondesa Youth Opportunites:

In the Project Organiser’s own words:

We would ask you for a volunteer who is able to help our English, Maths and Computing teachers – someone with a flair and love for English, Maths and Computing. Our students need all the reinforcement they can get in these fields so we would look for someone who is able to read stories to them, engage them in development of English, Maths and Computing and work as an assistant teacher. If that volunteer also had the confidence to work with two or three learners at a time, for a quick remedial session, give them guidance on fluency or sentencing, basic maths and computing – so much the better.

MYO students are given reading lessons until they leave us, at the age of 15. They need the vocabulary development and the understanding. Namibians are rarely natural readers and have no literary backgrounds within their families to help them. MYO focusses strongly on reading and understanding, vocabulary development and fluency; and as a result we lead the schools in our area and this strength is reflected in the pass-rate of our alumni and their examination results in English. We are also looking to reinforce results in both Maths and Computing.

We work from 11 in the morning until 5pm, and never over the weekend unless we have an infrequent book sale.

We run a tight ship at MYO – discipline, respect and good behaviour is expected and we take our responsibility of giving our underprivileged students a good education, seriously. They are cheated so badly in our state schools; our students are not difficult – they are generally thankful at having a place with us but every now and then, one might give us a problem which we handle easily. They are generally very nice, friendly and responsive young people and we are glad to help them on their way.

Most important though – the student you choose has to be strong in character. Our Namibian teenagers are typical strong teenagers who will quickly assess weakness or lack of leadership.

Support

Basingstoke Rotary, working with Mondesa Youth Opportunity, will provide:

·         Basic accommodation.

·         A cost of living allowance.

·         In-country and international health insurance.

·         Return air-fare but we would hope the selected student could undertake some fundraising to help support this.

·         A locally-available bicycle.