Volunteer Teaching in the Philippines

Education is one of the most effective ways to support the under served communities of the Philippines which are poverty stricken. As a volunteer in the Teaching Program in the Philippines, volunteers will get to assist local teachers in developing students’ reading, writing and speaking skills in English. Additional classes are also facilitated for Mathematics and Science. Placements are also offered in Special Education (SPED) schools to assist teachers in mentoring students with physical and mental challenges. Special schools that coach and mentor deaf, mute, and autistic children also need enthusiastic volunteers. A fulfilling and impactful way to help rural communities, volunteering for Filipinos will certainly be a learning experience for all.

The Teaching Project was initiated in response to the call of public schools for foreign volunteers who can render service. The schools believe that foreign volunteers have a positive impact on the pupils,serving as role models and inspiration. They also help the children improve their English language skill.The project may take you out of your comfort zone as it will require you to actively deliver lessons every day in front of many children. The first week is important. It will allow you to know your pupils and see how you can better cater to their needs. We encourage you to take the initiative and be proactive, that way the school will know that you are ready to take on tasks that you are capable of performing. You will observe how things are done and can ask questions about things that you don’t fully understand. The classroom teacher is readily available to support you throughout your program.

Sample Placement Profile : Tugop Elementary School
Tugop Elementary School is located in the rural village of Barangay Tugop in the municipality of Tanauan, Leyte. The school can be reached via jeepney and motorcycle. Travel time is between 45-60 minutes depending on the pace of the vehicles. This is a public school under the supervision of the Department of Education. It is in place to serve the community of Tugop.  

The school staff is composed of the head teacher and grade school teachers including the kindergarten teacher, with a total of 207 pupils. For concerns while on the project, it is recommended that the volunteer speak with any of the teachers, in particular the homeroom teacher of the class he/she is handling. 
The local program coordinators opened the teaching project to provide support to the school. There is only one teacher per class handling several subjects in a day. Class population varies but usually between 25-35 in rural areas. The subjects the teacher handles include Math, Science, English, Physical Education, History, Music. Class is open from Monday to Friday except during holidays and school activities. Class starts at around 8AM, pauses for a break at 12 noon and resumes at 1PM to close at 4PM.  

As a placement, the school benefits from having an extra teacher who can help in teaching English, Math, Science, or Music depending on the preference of the volunteer. Having a foreign volunteer who speaks English is useful as it gives the children the chance to learn and practise the language. In the Philippines, a good grasp of the English language is an advantage in employment. At the same time, the volunteer serves as a role model and inspires these children to study for a better future.  

Want to see other ways to make an impact? Check out our Volunteer in Asia programs.

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Given the poor condition of the rural elementary schools, volunteers will be providing valuable and important support to teachers. Volunteer duties in the program depend on the participants experience and skill level. Some of the major roles and responsibilities of the volunteers in the Teaching program include :

• Teach any of the following preferred subjects: English, Maths, Science, Geography, Arts, Computer

•  Literacy, Music, Dance, Programming, Carpentry, Sports etc.

• Conduct classes on your own or assist teachers

• Teaching special education classes

• Making the teacher student sessions more interactive, engaging and challenging

• May conduct after- school tutorials
   

Requirements & eligibility

Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the time of joining the project. You need to have an open mind and a flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference and have a passion for working with children. Participants must be fit and healthy at the time of joining the program. Participants should have no criminal convictions and should provide a clean criminal background check report. A parental consent form shall be required for Under 18 participants joining the program. Any student or professional with a passion to teach young minds, who loves working with children and teenagers, including children with special needs are eligible to join the project.