August 19th I'm leaving for Rwanda! (But I need your help...)

As most of you know, I have just finished my teaching qualification within an SEN (Special Educational Needs) school, and to 'relax' over the Summer thought I would put myself forward to go to Rwanda with Handicap International, as part of a team of 12 SEN specialists, to promote inclusion of disabled children within education.

I've had my briefing day, I've met the rest of the team and I know what I'm doing...

The teachers in Rwanda have requested several 'training topics' or areas for discussions - these include how to include specific students with disabilities and how to promote children working and learning together.

As part of the trip I will be attached to a mainstream school for four days, and will be expected to observe lessons and provide constructive feedback, to teach myself (!) and to collaboratively plan with the Rwandan teachers.

It's going to be a tough challenge - class sizes are often up to 40+ pupils (although there is no limit as such!) within one room with one teacher...

I've been told there is absolutely no point in preparing or planning any lessons before I get there, as I will not fully comprehend the extent of how little the schools have until I arrive. The schools do not have any resources to use, group work and child discussion is practically unheard of (hence why the Rwandan teachers are particularly interested in it) and in some classes if it rains the children will not be able to hear me anyway because of the noise on the corrugated iron roofs...

The Rwandan government are intent upon improving their education system and Handicap International's project to promote Inclusion is carried out in conjunction with the Rwandan Ministry of Education.

We (the UK teachers) will be going to share and exchange teaching ideas and strategies with the Rwandan teachers and amongst our selves. As well as hopefully sharing useful ideas to be used in the classroom, I am certain that I am going to learn huge amounts myself...

I'm really excited to be part of this trip, however I need your help...

To pay for the trip each participant is asked to raise £1500. If we are lucky enough to raise any more then every penny will be given to Handicap International to continue their hard work.

So please, anything that you can spare would be such a huge help, every £1 is £1 more towards my target! 

Thank you for reading the (huge amounts of!) information above. If you think anyone you know might also be interested in helping me, then please do send them the link to this page.

Thank you!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.