The Maldives is in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s flattest and lowest country, with the average height above sea level being only 1.5 metres. Despite this the Maldives is also one of the most mountainous countries in the world courtesy of its volcanic origins. This may not be obvious unless you take the plunge beneath the surface of the Indian Ocean as most of the volcanic mountains are submarine creating an incredibly diverse and thriving marine ecosystem.
The waters around the Maldives are abundant in rare marine species of biological and commercial value, with the tuna fishing industry being one of the main sources of income for the country. The Maldives has an amazing array of sea life, with stunning corals and over 2,000 species of fish, ranging from Reef Sharks, Moray Eels, and a wide variety of rays; Manta Ray, Stingray and Eagle Ray.
The Maldives consists of approximately 1,190 stunning coral islands and atolls stretching in a north-south direction. The pristine white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters make the country a popular tourist destination but the many islands have not seen development at the same pace. Local islands still have inadequate infrastructure and poverty is widespread. In the past infrastructure development was focused on the capital island Male, forcing islanders to travel to the capital for health care and other important services such as schools, banks and shops.
WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?
By participating in the Maldives teaching programme, you’ll be helping your students improve their level of English and bringing a fresh approach to teaching styles and lesson types.
Teaching is not just about transferring knowledge; it is about building confidence and trust and about forging friendships. Before long, you’ll find that your students become more like a family to you and you’ll enjoy attending local festivals and exploring the island paradise.
You will be based in a local school, helping to give the children a sense of confidence, encourage their enthusiasm and ambition, and even improve their opportunities for the future. To teach, you will need to be patient, flexible, a confident communicator and able to use your initiative and imagination.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
Teaching is a skill that really makes a difference to lives, equipping children with the abilities they’ll need for the future. As a teacher you will be assigned a class of pupils of either primary (6-10 years old) or high school age (11-16 years old).
In this role you will be responsible for assisting the teacher in various subjects, with focus on developing solid foundations in numeracy and literacy. Lessons will be fun and interactive, developing the children's confidence and conversational skills. The level of responsibility you are given will depend on your own skills, experience and length of stay.
The children are incredibly friendly and eager to learn, making your teaching experience as rewarding for you as it is for them. You will be encouraged to formulate ideas and develop your teaching skills and techniques. Volunteers need endeavour to be committed and enthusiastic at all times and always be conscious of how impressionable young minds are.
During your time on this project, there may also be the possibility of linking up with our conservation or sport and fitness coaching programmes which will welcome anyone wishing to get involved!
