The
Dhaka Project School and The Catalyst
Pre-departure
Information
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Project
Location: Gawair,
a suburb of the capital and largest city in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The
population is around 13 million people in Dhaka, making it one of the
most densely populated cities and is also known as the rickshaw capital
of the world (over 400,000 cycle rickshaws run everyday!)
Project
Age Limit: 17-65
Project
Highlights:
- Assistant
teaching at The Dhaka Project school, forming close bonds with grade
1-7 children, whom you will see almost every day
- Gaining
an insight to the teaching methods used and implementing your own ideas
in order to make learning as fun as possible!
- Teaching
English to adults at The Catalyst to equip them with the tools to seek
employment and better their lives
- Assistant
teaching English, Religion, Music, Reading, IT and lots more to
children in The Dhaka Project School and watching them develop into
inspirational young adults
- Play
therapy and informal lessons with children at nursery and pre-school
- Assisting
school medical staff carry out medical checks and encourage
self-hygiene and health
- Help
Dhaka get tidy, clean up days physically removing the rubbish that
lines the streets of Dhaka, an informal task with the children that
encourages them to take responsibility of their city
- Providing
the community with clothes and toys by helping at our garage sale every
week
- Sampling
the infamous Bangoli tea and other delights such as spicy curries and
vegetables!
- Getting
to know the amazing Bangolis who are our neighbours and colleagues
- Optional
visits to the childrens homes, getting feedback from their parents and
and insight to the day-to-day life in the slums
Further
Information on The Dhaka Project School and The Catalyst:
The
Dhaka Project was set up in 2005 by Maria Conceicao, a flight attendant
for Emirates. Since then a phenomenal amount of progess has been made
and the lives of so many people have been transformed. Our
projects
are not only improving the education and therefore future of the 500
children enrolled at the school but it is also providing over 100 jobs
for their parents and other adult members of the community.
The
Catalyst is a branch of The Dhaka Project which reaches out to the
educational development of the adults in the community with the aid of
our students as their teachers. This enables them to seek better
employment giving their family a more enjoyable existence.
The
projects are always evolving so are likely to be at different stages
upon your arrival. Volunteers should be prepared to be
involved in a
wide spectrum of project work, all of which help move the projects and
the people of Dhaka towards a more positive tomorrow.
For
everyone to get the most out of project work a large amount of planning
and organisation is required. When a project runs smoothly
everyone is
happy, not to mention the children and all of the people we are working
with. This is a very rewarding feeling for volunteers and it
is
generally affirmed that the more you put in to projects with planning
and preparation, the more you get out of it! It can be chaotic and
disastrous when things are not planned or organised, this can be very
dissatisfying for volunteers and is not fair on our project
members.
The people who attend our projects (school children, staff, catalyst
students etc…) deserve our dedicated preparation time.
We
therefore ask that you contribute to the planning and running of each
project. You will be assigned responsibilities for the
planning of
lessons, the organisation of arts and craft sessions and preparation of
resources. Please be prepared to undertake these
responsibilities and
the project staff will always be around to help in any way if you have
any questions at all!
We
manage the responsibilities and schedule of projects via a Weekly
Project Schedule which will be shown to you upon your
arrival. Your
time on projects will be split between the projects that are listed
next.
You
will assist with the teaching of The Dhaka Project School that provides
free education to approximately 500 children. The children
are taught
in both English and Bangla following the Bangoli curriculum, guided by
textbooks in each subject. Our teaching staff are all qualified
teachers but learning techniques in Bangladesh are somewhat different
to those that we may be used to in the western world. While assisting
the teachers and planning the lessons, encourage them use the textbooks
as a guide and make the lessons as creative and engaging as possible. A
lot of our children are dictated to you and are taught the material as
though it is gospel, subsequently the children never challenge the
information or form their own opinion.
Our
short-term aim is to provide a safe and happy learning environment for
children from 2 years old. Our oldest children are 17 years of age,
however, the classes are mixed due to ability and not age.
There are
very mixed standards throughout the grades but each are coming along
better than could be expected. The children will tell you
themselves
that before The Dhaka Project their standard of education was extremely
poor and they didn’t speak a word of English.
All
schools in Bangladesh are subject to school fees, in particular
international schools or those that teach English. Schools
are thus
not readily available to all children living in the slums; our school
provides the opportunity for the children to be in a stimulating and
positive environment rather than forced to stay at home performing
chores or working to earn a wage for their family. We provide
free
education, free school uniform and bags, free books and free food
packages; in return we expect the children to work to their best
ability and achieve good marks. It is important that the
children
realize that they have to be the ones working to their future and that
not everything will get handed to them on a plate. Our long-term aim of
the school is for it to become a self-sufficient and sustainable
community school run by Bangoli teachers who utilize interactive
teaching techniques in their lessons and stress the children’s holistic
development. We also hope to expand the school in order to
allow more
entrants and spread these opportunities to more families living in the
slums.
We
work together with the teachers and the RFS to produce a school routine
that meets the Bangoli curriculum. In the average week the children
study English, Maths, Science, Religion, Bangla, Music, IT, Reading and
Art.
You
will perhaps notice that the range of ability at the school is quite
vast. One of the great benefits of having volunteers at the
school is
that extra help and one-to-one teaching is now a possibility for
children with learning differences. If this is something that
interests you and with which you feel comfortable, please approach the
project managers and say so as it is a wonderful help for these
children. Similarly you may notice a lack of Physical
Education in
the school routine, after lesson time and at the weekends feel free to
organize a sports session or cricket game – the children will be more
than willing to participate!
Volunteer
involvement at the pre-school
- Assistant
teaching to children in all grades, encouraging the teachers to be as
creative as possible
- Developing
the children’s imagination and creative skills through crafts such as
painting, drawing and coloring
- Teaching
basic lessons about English, IT, Maths, Science
- Showcasing
the children’s work on the notice boards in each classroom. The
children strive to be the best if they know their work will be
presented to all staff and visitors.
- General
upkeep of the school to keep it a pleasant environment in which to learn
The
Catalyst was set up as a side project to The Dhaka Project School when
it occurred to us that the parents of our students were in need of a
better education too. By providing them with the same opportunities
they were able to find work in order to gain an income for the families
so the children didn’t have to. Despite numerious efforts
from
teachers and volunteers some of the adults still struggled grasping the
English language and so we thought what better way to teach them than
to get the students of the Dhaka School to do it. it has
worked
fantastically, not only are the children getting invaluable practice
the adult students get huge satisfaction from learning from their
children. It also means the projects are sustainable, the
community is
doing the work and they are working together to make their future a
brighter one.
With
that said there is still ample opportunity for volunteers to
help. The
students always appreciate a helping hand, and holding discussions
about volunteers and the lives they lead away from the projects
provides an invaluable insight to the outside world. Additionally as
the project is run in the evenings there are plenty of children that
come to play and practice English, meaning there is always something to
do. it is an ideal opportunity for some creational activities
outside
or some one-to-one tuition practising weaknesses or helping with
homework.
All
students of all ages are all so incredible eager to learn and their
enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge is second to none. With this is
mind we have set up the Catalyst to eventually provide job
opportunities for the local community. With the support from staff and
volunteers we can prepare the children and their parents for the job
application process; interview skills, writing their CVs and covering
letters and it will eventually become a form of recruitment centre.
The
Catalyst lessons are held Saturday-Thursday evenings from 5pm-8pm,
although the offices are open during the day and there are always
people around to help and play with. It is also home to our weekly
garage sale on Saturday afternoons.
Returning
to the idea of sustainability, it is important to us that the community
take responsibility for their learning and all the help we are
providing they don’t take for granted. It is for this reason
that we
do not believe in donation handouts. It seems like the
charitable
thing to do to give away unwanted clothes and toys but in fact it just
makes the community depend on us for free materials, thus making them
less willing to work for themselves. It also promotes the idea of white
people being wealthy people and strengthens any divide there is between
the classes. Instead, we use donations of unwanted to clothing and toys
to sell to the community at a minimal price, generating funds for the
Catalyst and learning materials
Specific
Volunteer involvement in teaching English
- Assisting
English lessons, making the lessons interactive and fun with the use of
flash cards, games, objects, songs
- Getting
to know the students and holding discussions and about your life and
country
- You
may decide to hold extra lessons for other students, whether it be
English, Portuguese or a specific skill that you practice and can teach
our children. Business, health and safety, hygiene…tailor your
qualifications and experience into a course for our children
- Holding
sports activities or game sessions, simple ball games to encourage
coordination and team playing skills
- One-to-one
work with weak students or homework support
Project
Typical Day:
A
day in the life of The Dhaka Project and The Catalyst
9:00-12:30-
Spend the morning at The Dhaka Project School assisting the local
teachers and making the lessons as interactive and imaginative as
possible
12:30-13:30- Lunch at
The Dhaka Project, local food cooked by our chef. Enjoy getting to know
the staff that make The Dhaka Project possible, head back to the guest
house for a rest or explore the market for local treats.
14:00-17:00- Head
back to school and meet with the teachers after lessons to assess the
day and plan how to improve the next lesson/prepare materials for the
next day.
17:00- Head
to the Catalyst to meet the children there and assist with the lessons
and game playing! Get to know the children in a less formal set up.
9:00-12:30-
Spend the morning at The Dhaka Project School nursery, playing with the
children and help serve their lunch. Sing some songs or read a story
before nap time
12:30-13:30- Lunch
at The Dhaka Project, local food cooked by our chef. Enjoy getting to
know the staff that make The Dhaka Project possible, head back to the
guest house for a rest or explore the market for local treats.
17:00- Head
to the Catalyst to meet the children and assist with some colouring and
story writing. Get to know the children in a less formal set up.
Volunteer
Expectations – Please read carefully
All
third world countries, Bangladesh and the slums of Dhaka included,
provide an ever-changing environment with power failures, water
shortages, temperature fluctuations and other uncontrollable
situations. You will need to remain flexible, understanding and in good
humour. Systems and routines are slowly being introduced but you will
find the urgency and organization we expect at home lacking in some
areas of Dhaka. This can be difficult and frustrating for
those used
to a very structured life so remember that there is no desperate rush,
we are all working together!
We
are not at liberty to advise which medical vaccinations or precautions
you should take so please consult your doctor for more
advice. What we
can tell you is bring lots of anti-mosquito repellant and long sleeved
tops and trousers (mosquitoes are not malarial however). Remember also
this is a Muslim country so it is disrespectful to show too much flesh.
Once
you arrive in Dhaka, your care is the responsibility of The Dhaka
Project and our project managers. We always aim to provide you with all
your daily needs, keep you out of harm's way and support you in your
volunteer work. In exchange, we ask you to attend work punctually and
to behave consistently in ways that reflect well upon The Dhaka Project
and our project managers.
The
Dhaka Project rely on networks, and those networks are held together by
good relations. If a case should arrive in which our staff feels that
volunteers have repeatedly behaved in ways that contradict the basic
spirit of this agreement, we reserve the right to remove you from the
program.
We view the
volunteer experience as a commitment that includes a willingness to
overcome challenges of various sorts. In cases where volunteers are
experiencing difficulties, we strongly encourage creative,
collaborative solutions. At the same time, we respect the ability and
freedom of our volunteers to make their own judgments and understand
that volunteer work only functions well when volunteers retain the will
to participate fully and energetically.
Project
Cost Includes:
- Project
Acomodation fee : this is financing that goes back into the project
with which you are involved. This project fee facilitates funding for
items such as teaching materials, sports equipment, supplies,
etc. as
well as the development of the actual programme.
- Transfer
from Dhaka Zia International Airport to the project accommodation in
town
- Orientation
and introductions to project work upon your arrival
- All daily
transportation to and from the projects
- Full board and lodging which includes breakfast,
lunch and dinner at The Dhaka Project office dining area.
- Assistance
in your projects by various staff and project managers
- Full
support from The Dhaka Project and your coordinator throughout your
time at your placement including help with booking extra activities and
excursions
- Internet
connection at the Dhaka Project guesthouse (two cords provided, please
bring personal laptop at your own risk)
- A
local sim for you to put into your phone to allow local calls and free
incoming international calls. Please return this sim at the
end of
your stay for the next volunteer to use.
- Use of
television and DVD player at guesthouse. We have a small collection of
DVDs but please feel free to bring your own.
Project
Cost Excludes:
- Personal
travel insurance for the duration of your placement (expected to
include cover for repatriation)
- All items
of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing (work and other)
- Soft
drinks, wines and spirits
- Telephone
credit, it is your responsibility to load credit onto the phones
- All visas
for border crossings
- Any
excursions over and above your planned itinerary with us in Dhaka
Project
Orientation:
Upon
your arrival in Dhaka you will be met by a Dhaka Project representative
who will take you to your new ‘home’. Once you have settled
in, you
will receive further information on the current status of our programme
in the local community. You will be given a detailed Welcome Pack,
which will contain all the important information you may
need. You
will also receive a local SIM card to help get in touch with family and
friends back home.
Over
the first few days you will receive an extensive introduction to all of
the projects, including their history, goals, and the expectations for
the role you will play.
Project
Support:
Throughout
your placement you will have the support and guidance of our
experienced volunteer coordinators. They are part of our support team,
which will provide you with competent 24-hour field support and
assistance.
Project
Accommodation:
Volunteer
accommodation includes:
- Comfortable
two-bedroom apartments that sleep between 1-2 people in each bedroom.
- One
bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with shower, flushing toilet and sink
that is available for all residents to use.
- A second
bathroom with shower, sink and local toilet
- Bedrooms
are single sex unless otherwise requested
- Housekeeping
service daily
- Laundry?
- A
kitchen for you to store and prepare snacks. If you would prefer to
arrange your own meals please inform staff in advance and we will take
you to the local supermarket and exclude you from The Dhaka Project
meals
- A dining
area for sitting and socializing/eating/marking school work!
- A living
area with television, DVD and internet access.
Project
Meals:
Volunteers
will be provided with three meals at The Dhaka Project
office.
Breakfast is.... Lunch and dinner are cooked by staff
on-site. On
Fridays we ask you to prepare your meals at home to allow our staff a
day off, or as many volunteers opt to spend the day exploring the town
you are welcome to eat out. Meals are basic and depend on
what is in
season and available, but always plentiful and spicy! Vegans
and
vegetarians can be catered for, please advise any dietary requirements
in advance.
