Women’s empowerment in India is still a relatively recent concept, and many women live very traditional lives. By taking free classes for local women, volunteers can help to teach English, and educate them on contemporary social issues to help build independence and confidence, and enable them to combat conservative inequalities.
English is an official language in the city of Kochi, and women who can speak it are much more likely to find jobs. However, lessons are often expensive and inaccessible. Volunteers provide an alternative by hosting small classes with women from 20 to over 70, to increase their confidence and chances of finding jobs. By also focusing on social issues, you can add to the value of the class by empowering women.
It’s important to recognize that the context around women’s equality in India is far different than in other parts of the world, so volunteers should have realistic expectations around what you will achieve. The main focus is on speaking conversational English using contemporary topics.
This project is run with the help of a dedicated local co-ordinator, who can help to prepare lessons and provide resources. This means you don’t need prior teaching experience, but it is important you have a good grasp of the English language. We encourage volunteers to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) course. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally-recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.
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