Valuing volunteer teachers
Aug 06, 2005
MANY schools have foreign volunteer students, academicians and professionals as teaching staff.
MANY schools have foreign volunteer students, academicians and professionals as teaching staff.
Some of them who are working with schools, religious institutions, NGOs and charity organisations volunteer to teach various disciplines. They save money and travel to other countries.
So, what is your attitude towards them? Their lifestyle explains who they are. They usually learn the indigenous languages and people’s backgrounds. Their dress code may differ, but they try to imitate the different cultures and travel in commuter taxis. This is commendable. They come from places with different lifestyles, dine with the locals and even do the household chores.
They may lack experience, but the time spent in the country means a new experience. Let this be your opportunity, accommodate them, accept them for who they are and respect them for having chosen our country. People usually call them ‘Bazungu’ (whites), but they should be viewed as equals, mentors, colleagues and global relatives.
Befriending them is a way of learning, sharing experiences and gaining expertise. To a large extent, there is a difference in skills development and confidence, which leads to proper personal development.
Students get more cultural exchanges and learn to appreciate other people. The more visitors a school receives, the more opportunities they have to expand their knowledge. This quickens the students’ work in different fields.
Draw out the best from their lifestyle and expertise. One should be suspicious of volunteers who try to be too nice, but behave strangely. However, it has nothing to do with their colour, race, nationality, education, religion and origin. there are good and bad people everywhere.
Some of them who have been accorded a good reception have settled in Uganda and their performance has earned them good jobs.
Educate them on the pre-conceived ideas and myths, which are irrelevant to the current trends of political, economic, social/cultural and religious life.
Volunteer to take them to places and educate them about your culture. Be kind enough not to bad mouth other tribes.
Look at life positively and work at building the community. Always tell the truth so as to build credibility.
Exchange views on the ties between countries and learn from it.
QUESTION:
Of what benefits are foreign volunteers to your school, college or society?
Some of them who are working with schools, religious institutions, NGOs and charity organisations volunteer to teach various disciplines. They save money and travel to other countries.
So, what is your attitude towards them? Their lifestyle explains who they are. They usually learn the indigenous languages and people’s backgrounds. Their dress code may differ, but they try to imitate the different cultures and travel in commuter taxis. This is commendable. They come from places with different lifestyles, dine with the locals and even do the household chores.
They may lack experience, but the time spent in the country means a new experience. Let this be your opportunity, accommodate them, accept them for who they are and respect them for having chosen our country. People usually call them ‘Bazungu’ (whites), but they should be viewed as equals, mentors, colleagues and global relatives.
Befriending them is a way of learning, sharing experiences and gaining expertise. To a large extent, there is a difference in skills development and confidence, which leads to proper personal development.
Students get more cultural exchanges and learn to appreciate other people. The more visitors a school receives, the more opportunities they have to expand their knowledge. This quickens the students’ work in different fields.
Draw out the best from their lifestyle and expertise. One should be suspicious of volunteers who try to be too nice, but behave strangely. However, it has nothing to do with their colour, race, nationality, education, religion and origin. there are good and bad people everywhere.
Some of them who have been accorded a good reception have settled in Uganda and their performance has earned them good jobs.
Educate them on the pre-conceived ideas and myths, which are irrelevant to the current trends of political, economic, social/cultural and religious life.
Volunteer to take them to places and educate them about your culture. Be kind enough not to bad mouth other tribes.
Look at life positively and work at building the community. Always tell the truth so as to build credibility.
Exchange views on the ties between countries and learn from it.
QUESTION:
Of what benefits are foreign volunteers to your school, college or society?