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This kindergarten assistance project provides local children, ages 4 to 5, with the chance to learn English in a fun and informal way through educational games and activities. The children are mainly from poor villages near Kuching, and their opportunities are limited. Learning English from native speakers at a young age provides them with a vital foundation from which they can build their language skills in the future, opening their doors to greater opportunities.
What’s Included
What’s not Included
Flights, personal expenses, travel health insurance, transit to airport for departure, visa (if required)
Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak, one of two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo, and is renowned for its natural wonders and cultural riches. The city of Kuching is simply unique, and functions in a relaxed manner which hasn’t changed in 160 years. The city boasts a number of tourist attractions including parks, historical sites and the famous Kuching Cat Museum, but arguably one of its biggest draws is the city’s booming food culture. No other city in Malaysia has such a romantic and unlikely history, nor displays its charms with such an easy grace.
The core aims and objectives of this project are to help the school children build their confidence and improve their level of English. Like most kindergartens, the structure of the school day is informal and therefore many of the activities involve playing games and learning language through creative lessons. By having fun and connecting with the children in English, you’ll contribute to a fun and engaging learning environment where the children pick up the language in a natural way.
While volunteering you may be involved in:
A typical day: You will leave the volunteer house between 8:00-9:00, depending on the schedule of the school where you are placed. You can expect to spend between 3-6 hours teaching throughout the day. Lunch will be served at the school and you will leave each day at around 3:00 or 4:00pm.
You will be expected to work five days a week, and will have the weekends off, giving you plenty of time to go on excursions around the country or to relax and unwind.
Holidays: During many public holidays and/or school holidays, classes will not be in session. During these times, you will be involved in painting or renovation work at the school. There may also be an option to join special classes and/or English camps based on the local community’s needs.
2018 School Vacations:
March 12-16
May 28- June 12
September 10-18
November 26- December 31
Volunteer work also does not take place during national holidays, but you are always welcome to join in the local celebration.
Please note these consecutive holidays, which may impact short-term placements, before registering:
Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:
Orientation (Included): Following your arrival, a transfer coordinator will take you to the center for a week of orientation to begin your immersion into the local Malaysian culture. During this week, you will be introduced to the best of Sarawak through a number of exciting activities which may include a walking/cycling tour of Kuching, a boat trip along the river, a visit to the local bazaar, an opportunity to taste the rich Malaysian cuisine, and even a trip to a local nature reserve and ancient caves. You will also be given an introduction to Bahasa, the local language.
Travel Extras (Not Included):
Explore Borneo: For an additional fee you can extend your stay with an exciting trip around Borneo. Embark on a two-week journey into Sarawak and Borneo. This unforgettable journey will introduce to you the wonderful art and culture of Sarawak and the greater Borneo region. The sights and surroundings, as well as the Malaysian spirit, will mesmerize you. You will get to visit a famous Orangutan conservation site, be thrilled by the flora and fauna which is only found in Borneo, go on jungle trekking tours, and taste the natural organic ingredients sourced from the lush forests of the region
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