Quality education for both boys and girls is crucial in reducing poverty and promoting gender equality. Schools in Kenya are currently struggling with overcrowded classes and a lack of skilled teachers.

As a volunteer you will help to empower girls and boys by giving them the skills they need to overcome poverty and to make their voice heard. We have opportunities for volunteers to assist with teaching at preschool, primary, and secondary levels.

At primary and secondary levels, volunteer teachers can teach core subjects, such as English, mathematics, science, social sciences and extra-curricular activities.

Volunteer preschool teachers will teach basic English skills and carry out basic childcare duties.

This role is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-directed person. A teaching qualification is not required (except for secondary teaching) but volunteers need to be confident in the above subjects and preferably have or be studying towards a university degree.

It is the goal of Kenyan children to get an education so they have the skills to overcome poverty and advance towards a future where their voice is heard. The Kenyan education system aims to achieve the goal of quality education for all. Since the late 1980s the education system has been modeled on what is called 8.4.4. This means 8 years of primary school, 4 years of high school and 4 years of university/higher education. This system is designed to give students recognized levels of education. It has helped to reduce drop out rates and has given those who will not attend university/higher education a legitimate qualification: the Kenya Certification of Primary Education and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education.

Following a promise made in 1963 the Kenyan government made primary education free in government schools in 2003. Since then enrollment rates have skyrocketed and schools have been left unable to cope. Overcrowding is rampant and there are not enough trained teachers to fulfill all the positions needed. As a result, children are not getting the required attention and grades are slipping. Consequently government schools have capped their enrollment; this has lead to the rise of community run schools (sometimes referred to as harambee schools) where teachers do not need to be qualified or skilled. Today community schools account for about 75% of primary schools in Kenya.

Strategies to achieve basic, quality education for all in Kenya are not succeeding. It is estimated that only 24 percent of Kenya's children advance to secondary school. While only about 2% attend university and other higher education institutions.

The Kenyan education system is plagued by a shortage of skilled teachers providing quality education. Volunteers have an opportunity to help change this by giving their knowledge and skills to classroom teaching and sharing skills with local staff.

Volunteers in the teaching program are placed in community run schools and children's centers and have the opportunity to teach preschool, primary and secondary level students. For preschool level, volunteers can teach basic reading, words and counting, as well as colors and shapes. Other work with preschool involves childcare duties like changing baby diapers, putting children down for nap time, and feeding duties.

Another important role you have as a volunteer is to add to your placement. The budgets of many schools mean there is only enough to provide the basic necessities. We encourage you as a volunteer to bring that little "extra". Ideas don't need to be big or cost any money. Often the most popular ideas for volunteers and amongst the children are arts 'n' craft activities, sports games, and dance and music lessons. Be Creative! Please note: supplies/resources for any kind of activity you may want to introduce will not be supplied by the school or center.

A general note: some schools will be very established in their work and have organized routines and set ways of doing things. Other schools will not. Regardless of the individual situation of each school they will require your help. It is important to join the school with an open mind and be there to help in the way it is needed.

Note: The type of work volunteers will perform is subject to the needs of the particular project they are placed at and their own experience and skills.