Zanzibar Teaching Assistant Program

This experience takes place in and around Stone Town, Zanzibar, where volunteers assist local teachers in primary and secondary schools and support evening education programs at a community centre.

The role is designed as a teaching assistant position, not independent teaching. Volunteers work alongside local staff, follow existing lesson plans, and support students through structured classroom activities, games, and creative learning.

This experience focuses on consistency, preparation, and cultural exchange rather than short-term teaching or unsupervised classroom work.

What a Typical Day Looks Like

While schedules may vary slightly, a normal weekday follows a clear routine:

• Breakfast and preparation

• Travel to local schools with the group

• Classroom support during morning lessons

• Return to accommodation for lunch and rest

• Lesson planning with coordinators

• Evening teaching sessions on selected days

• Dinner and downtime

Some evenings include free time in Stone Town, allowing volunteers to explore the local area independently.

Role of the Volunteer

Volunteers support learning rather than lead classrooms independently.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Assisting teachers during English, Math, and Science lessons

• Helping students through games, group work, and creative activities

• Supporting reading, writing, and basic exercises

• Assisting with lesson preparation alongside coordinators

• Participating in structured evening teaching sessions

Volunteers do not replace qualified teachers and are not expected to design full curricula.

In the neighborhoods beyond Stone Town, classrooms are often full. Curious faces. Limited resources. Teachers doing their best with what they have.

This program places you inside those classrooms, not as a lead teacher, but as steady support.

You’ll work alongside local educators in primary and secondary schools, most of them outside the city. Subjects are familiar. English. Math. Science. What changes is how they’re taught. Lessons come alive through games, drawing, movement, and simple creativity that keeps young students engaged and present.

Most of the children are between five and fourteen. Energetic. Direct. Eager to connect. Your role is to help teachers manage the room, explain concepts, and create space for learning that feels active rather than rigid.

In the afternoons and evenings, the work shifts. A community center opens its doors to students as young as four and as old as twenty. Here, teaching continues in a quieter way. Smaller groups. Slower pacing. Shared focus. You’ll help prepare lessons and guide sessions with support from the local team.

The days follow a rhythm. Mornings in schools. Afternoons for rest and lesson planning. Several evenings each week dedicated to the community program. Midweek and Friday evenings are free to explore Stone Town on your own.

The program runs year-round and begins every week. Participants must be at least eighteen, with basic English and a genuine interest in working with children. No formal teaching qualification is required. Patience matters more.

This experience is simple in design. Show up. Be consistent. Offer attention and effort where it’s needed.

Over time, that consistency adds up.
For the students.
And quietly, for you.

Supervision and Support

This program operates with clear oversight:

• Experienced local coordinators guide daily activities

• Lesson planning is done together with the local team

• Volunteers work within established school and community structures

• Support is available throughout the program

This supervision protects students, teachers, and volunteers alike.

Who This Experience Is For

This experience is a good fit if you:

• Enjoy working with children in a structured environment

• Are patient, adaptable, and comfortable supporting others

• Want classroom exposure without full teaching responsibility

• Value cultural exchange and guidance

It may not be suitable if you are looking for:

• Independent teaching roles

• Short-term drop-in volunteering

• Unstructured or informal placements

Where This Experience Is Available

This teaching assistant experience is part of our Zanzibar volunteer programs and is based in and around Stone Town.

Availability and suitability are confirmed during the application review process.