Pat Spillane urges Irish teachers to volunteer

GAA legend and retired school principal, Pat Spillane, is urging other Irish teachers who have taken early retirement to consider sharing their experience and skills with VSO.

"Early retirement teachers can have a massive impact in Africa" – Pat Spillane

Five reasons to get active

VSO has five amazing fundraising treks to chose from in 2013 – ever wanted to climb Machu Picchu or Kilimanjaro, or cycle across Cuba? Find out more on our treks website.

Volunteer in Ethiopia

Twelve years ago there were only two public universities in Ethiopia. Now there are almost 30 and Ethiopia has a serious shortage of trained educationalists.

Are you an experienced higher education professional? VSO currently has a range of roles in Ethiopia starting in September 2012. For example, we need lecturers and professors in a range of subjects.

See the full list of roles available in Ethiopia.

Retired teachers in demand

VSO is calling on the large numbers of teachers who have taken early retirement to consider volunteering overseas.

VSO recruit experienced educational professionals to work in over 30 developing countries worldwide by sharing their skills with local partners.

Retired teacher Maria Rafferty tells about her volunteering experience with VSO.

Challenge

Poorly paid and inadequately trained, Namibian teachers are lacking motivation and the profession is in decline.

Catalyst

VSO volunteer Susan Somers brings new skills and a systematic approach to Namibia’s National Institute for Education Development.

Result

Less bureaucracy and the motivating effects of practical training gives Susan, and her Namibian counterparts, optimism.

A question of motivation: training teachers in Namibia

Teaching is not a popular career choice in Namibia, as teachers are inadequately trained and poorly paid. VSO volunteer Susan Somers is eager to change this situation by boosting skill levels and bringing much-needed organisation to the country’s education sector.