Experiential Learning
Teaching at Rural Schools in Sri Lanka
Background of Community Partner
Service Civil International Hong Kong China is a not-for-profit peace organization based in Hong Kong with attachments to a global network of peace-building organisations. Through its network various projects are organised and this program is one of the main programs offered to Hong Kong residents.
Inspire Village is the host in Sri Lanka who will host the program and place participants in various schools as well as make all the logistical arrangements such as accommodation, food and transportation as well as any other support needed in Sri Lanka.
Inspire Exchange Ltd provide services on international travel arrangements and program supervision and coordination.
Project Keywords
English teaching, Cross-cultural education, Sustainability, Rural education, International development, Solidarity.
Work Details
This project aims at enhancing cultural understanding and strengthening teaching skills among PDGE students whilst providing much-needed English education to rural schools in Sri Lanka.
Students will be teaching at selected rural schools (mostly primary) six hours a day for five days a week following a lesson plan created by students with the help of guidelines provided to them. In the case of school holidays during the program period, students will be taught at Inspire Village where local children come to study English.
The primary schools located in remote villages get very little attention hence they lack basic resources. The government provides teachers but there is a shortage of English teachers. Although everyone deserves a quality education, rural village schools in Sri Lanka are isolated in many ways and fail to get attention from the outside world.
This project will provide such schools an opportunity to learn from teachers from Hong Kong and especially improve their English-speaking skills.
Date
Three sessions of “Teaching at Rural Schools in Ski Lanka” project will be organised in 2024 (no. of places: 5-8 students per project):
- Easter Holiday: 30 March to 6 April 2024 (7-8 days)
- Summer Holiday: 20 July to 11 August 2024 (7-8 days)
- Christmas Holiday: 23 to 30 December 2024 (7-8 days)
(Exact date and time to be confirmed for PGDE students)
- 8.00 to 14.00 school teaching time; 14.00 to 16.00 preparation time
- There will be study sessions, cultural activities as well as reflection and supervision meetings during the program.
- Weekends are reserved for recreational activities such as elephant safari and visiting places of interest.
Students are required to take part in compulsory preparation meetings with the SCI team in Hong Kong (meetings to be held on weekends or weekday evenings).
Location
Sri Lanka, North Central Province near the ancient city of Anuradhapura
Eligibility
- PGDE (part-time) students majoring in English, Mathematics, Chinese, Science and Early Childhood Education are preferred but not limited as long as there is an interest in education
- An entry visa to Sri Lanka is required
Remarks
Students should be flexible and skilled in adapting to changing environments and situations. The project can be challenging unless you are skilled in facing unexpected situations and open-minded to accept cultural differences.
Total Cost:
- Program Fee: 3,800 HKD (including accommodation, airport pick-up, local travel, food and coordination)
- Air ticket: 4,800 to 5,800 HKD
- Travel insurance: 160 – 210 HKD
(Extra sightseeing tour, e.g. elephant safari, is optional)
Application
Interested students please submit your application with the following documents through the HKU online application platform no later than 31 January 2024:
- Your CV
- A letter of motivation explaining why you are interested in taking part in an international program outside of Hong Kong, including your previous experience in service learning projects or voluntary programs
- Please indicate which session of the project (Easter, Summer or Christmas) you are applying for in your letter of motivation.
If your application meets SCI Hong Kong China's requirements, you will be selected for an interview with SCI Hong Kong China. Details regarding the interview will be provided at a later time.
Enquiries
Ms. Pat Huang, Global Education Officer (SCI Hong Kong China) [Email: [javascript protected email address]]