Teaching In South Africa : A Volunteer Project

Hi, My name is Samantha Khoo and I am currently a sixth form student in Malaysia. Before heading off to university, I would love to take part in a volunteer project coordinated by International Volunteers Headquarters ( https://www.volunteerhq.org/ ) teaching English and other subjects in South Africa. A new study by the Central Connecticut State University shows that South Africa is ranked as one of the most illiterate countries in the world. I’ve always loved helping others, from volunteer projects under AFS Malaysia, to participating in charity projects with my schools. My passion for such volunteer opportunities has driven me to now undertake this new project in South Africa.

Volunteers on the Teaching project are placed in one of three public schools in Muizenberg, where, over 5 weeks, they tutor struggling students and work alongside local teachers and other volunteers following a set timetable and curriculum whilst using specific work books.

Coming from a big city, I often forget about how much I take my own lifestyle for granted. I live in such a big bubble where many people I know are oblivious to the world around them. I want to make a difference, to see the world in the eyes of those who are less fortunate. It is also my love for learning from new cultures that inspired me to chose to volunteer in South Africa.

I would be teaching children vital life skills that can strongly improve their lives. We have the ability to sympathise with these children when we read about their situations, however, we rarely have the opportunity to empathise with them.

In order to participate I need you to help me in raising an estimated RM15000 -- equivalent to USD 3362, AUD 4501, SGD 4802, EURO 3176 and CANADIAN DOLLAR 4426. I would be raising this money through this fundraising page. In the event that you are unable to donate via this page, I will also be providing my bank account number if anyone would love to transfer the money. Maybank: 164801118930 Samantha Khoo Su-Yen

No amount is too small and all donations are greatly appreciated. This RM15000 would include my:

• Registration Fee (inclusive necessary training) = USD 279
• Programme Fee (inclusive of in country support, airport pickup, programme orientation, accommodation, placement and meals) = USD 800
• Visa = est. USD 50
• Mandatory Travel Insurance = USD 174
• Criminal Background Check = Uncertain
• Flights = est. USD 950
• All required vaccinations = Uncertain
• Return transfer = Uncertain
• Miscellaneous = USD 100+

I will be setting up an email address to send weekly updates to donors about the people that I hope to inspire and the change that I hope I can make. I will also be writing about my experiences which I will upload onto my wordpress account whenever internet is available, to give personal insight on the progress of my volunteer experience. Let me be your agent in bringing in light to their lives, and help me further increase their potential and capabilities in this world, to help break the illiteracy cycle and make a change in this world.

Thank you so much for all your support.

Sincerely,

Samantha