Perceptions of Africa

Marisa, a Tanzania volunteer departing this summer, has been keeping a detailed blog on her journey so far, her inspirations, her fundraising efforts and her excitements as she prepares to head off to Africa to teach. Here we highlight one of her recent, and incredibly important, blog posts looking at perceptions of Africa. Thanks Marisa! 

A major debate that is going on right now is the 'Western perception' of the African continent, and the media biases that have resulted. It's common to hear news stories and articles about the familiar tropes: starvation, famine, 'un-modern' lifestyles, war, poverty. Ignored are stories about unprecedented African-led economic growth, the rise of cities, the widespread use of technology, and peaceful and prosperous communities.

First featured on BBC News, I wanted to share these pictures with you all, as well as the accompanied captions, to show the complexities of the continent. All photographs were selected and captioned by Kenyan artist Jepchumba, who runs the African Digital Art Network for a BBC News online feature.

If we think back to the days of Dorthea Lange - she showed a side of America never before discussed, perpetuated, or even imagined by the American people. No one wanted to face the realities of the dark side, it was better to gloss over the many social issues that can't be resolved. It's understandable to not what to see the dark side, but when speaking about Africa, how can we deny seeing the light side?

At the end of the day, stereotypes are complicated, messy, and always easy to disprove.

Lucky for us, the most beautiful things in life are complicated.

Are you interested in seeing the true Africa for yourself? It's not too late! The deadline for our year long program is June 1, 2012. Click here for more information and to apply, and don't forget to keep yourself updated on Marisa's journey at www.tanzania365.com . 

Getting to Know Guyana

Four weeks in to his WorldTeach experience in Guyana, Marek is finding himself getting adjusted to his new life, neighborhood and job. Read on to hear what his typical day looks like and his new-found favorite restaurant.

The end of week four.

Well, it’s looking like it’s time to do another update. These last three weeks have been spent actually teaching, so my life feels like it has a purpose again (remember, as an American, my reason for living is working).

As a result, things have shifted from the new and fantastic (wow, people here drive on the left side of the road!) to the relatively mundane (I found fabric softener yesterday!). Like any new job, there is a routine that one will find themselves in, and it’s pretty fair to say that I’ve entered into that routine.

The school here is on block scheduling, meaning that the classes are much more similar to an university schedule than the typical high school schedule I was expecting. There are four periods in a day, with the day starting at 9AM and ending at 3PM. There is also a one hour lunch break, from 12-1PM, which is pretty nice. However, since the day is comparatively short, the school year lasts until July.

I teach three classes – IT (Information Technology), Chemistry, and EDPM (Electronic Document Preparation and Management). Only EDPM is at the 5th form (11th grade), meaning the students can take the CXC exam at the end of the year. The other two classes are taught at the 4th form (10th grade), so there isn’t as much pressure to be ready for the exams. This doesn’t mean that the students will slack off in Chemistry and IT, since the curriculums for both are two years, and the second year will be a continuation of the first.

Weekends have been nice and relaxing, spent in town, and going to the beach. I really enjoy the vibe, which isn’t hurried, rushed, or anything of that sort – rather, it’s just easy going and nice.

One of the high points of the week is the weekly trip to a Brazilian restaurant in town. This place has become my Chipotle replacement, and (dare I even say….) surpasses at times it in both quality and quantity of food. It’s grown on me that much and it’s only been a little over a month. Who knows how I’ll be when the time comes around to leave.

Applications for our Guyana are being accepted on a rolling basis until May 15, 2012. We do have spots left, however, so if you need a little more time email us and we can certainly work something out. Don't miss the opportunity to teach in Guyana!

If I Could Change The World...

Kids may say the darndest things, but sometimes they are simply spot on. Lauren, a WorldTeach Chile volunteer, asked her students to finish the sentence "If I could change the world..." and got some inspiring responses. Read on to see what her 6th-12th graders answered.

This is a list compiled from my 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th graders. I explained the prompt: “If I could change the world…” and here’s what they came up with:

- I would turn the sky orange and purple.
- everyone would have a home.
- no one would go to bed hungry.
- there would be more beautiful boys and less ugly ones.
- there would be more respect for women.
- everyone would have health care.
- there would be less drugs and more peace.
- I would have Miss Lauren stay in Chile forever.
- there would be less reggaeton and more heavy metal.
- there would be education for everyone.
- there would be less robbery and violence.
- there would be more respect for nature.

Here are a few from my 11th and 12 graders:

- there would be less violence and more communication.
- there would be less discrimination and more respect.
- there would be more wine for everyone!
- there would be more conscience in the people.
- 2Pac and Eazy-E would be reborn.

Their dreams and visions are humbling, reviving, and wise beyond their years. I also included a few that I thought were pretty creative and funny. I feel very blessed to spend each day with such beautiful young souls who give me hope for a more peaceful and just future.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world”- Gandhi.

Are you interested in helping at least one of Lauren's students change the world by providing education for everyone? Join WorldTeach's new Chile Semester program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until May 15- click here for more information and to apply!

We're Hiring! Thailand Field Director Position Available

You could be here!

We are currently accepting applications for the Thailand Field Director position. The FD position is a full-time commitment through the end of the 2012 Thailand academic year with responsibilities for the day-to-day management of the WorldTeach program in Thailand, the ongoing support and oversight of WorldTeach volunteers, and the coordination with the Thailand Ministry of Education and local educational host institutions.

The Field Director salary starts at US $1000 a month, and an additional housing allowance will be provided. Health insurance (through the WorldTeach group insurance policy) will be provided for the term of the position. The Field Director will receive 15 days of paid leave per year in addition to 11 paid holidays (local and/or American). WorldTeach will cover a one-way air ticket from a gateway city in the US to Thailand and a one-way return air ticket from Thailand to the US upon successful completion of contract. In-country travel for program purposes will be covered by WorldTeach. The incoming Field Director will receive training from the current Field Director.

As this position is set to start in early July, we are looking to fill it immediately. For more information, please click here:http://www.worldteach.org/atf/cf/%7B55FE7C07-383F-412C-943D-2504B0396475%7D/THAILAND%20FD%202012.PDF 
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@worldteach.org by June 1, 2012 with "Thailand FD application" in the subject line.

Sea Breeze: Quarter 3

Click here to check out the latest updates from our volunteers in the Marshall Islands!