STEM Adventures at SEGA Volunteer

Trip Dates: June 20th - July 2, 2024

Nurturing Minds and SEGA Girls’ School are seeking volunteers to help with a 5-day STEM Adventures at SEGA Program in Morogoro, Tanzania. 

Position Title: STEM Adventures at SEGA Volunteer 

Goals of the Role: To engage diverse students in conversations around STEM and introduce them to STEM professionals.

Impact of the Role: In Tanzania, the participation of female students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines in Higher Education is low. According to UNESCO, women in Tanzania represent 40 percent of university enrollment, but only about 24 percent are in STEM. In Tanzania, students must select a track to study in high school after Form 2. This track could be either Science, Arts, or Business. To achieve higher levels of girls’ participation in STEM subjects, Nurturing Minds and SEGA launched a pilot STEM extracurricular program that reinforced concepts learned in class, made STEM learning interactive and accessible, and emphasized the myriad possibilities of careers in STEM for women.

Volunteers will become STEM Role Models and Story Tellers to foster a sense of belonging in STEM among SEGA students by exposing them to experience motivation, excitement, and interest, and to learn about phenomena in the natural and physical world and think of themselves as science learners to develop an identity as someone who knows about, uses, and sometimes contributes to science. Through the program, students will create emotional connections and personal relevance to impact their STEM learning. 

Role Models are crucial in showing students where they might fit in STEM. Volunteers are role models for our SEGA students who are available to students for questions and interactions throughout the program and after.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Follow a pre-designed curriculum to implement a STEM program and science-sharing project 
• Assess and document student skill level and progress
• Submit all required paperwork promptly
• Develop strong, positive relationships with students to promote personal and academic growth
• Ensure consistent attendance and learning outcomes for the class are met
• Document and review student learning progress to share with staff
• Fulfill all other duties deemed vital to the function of the organizations

Time Requirements: STEM Volunteers will be engaged in lessons from 8 AM until 3:30 PM during the 5 days of program lessons. It is roughly 6-7 hours of teaching per day. There are breaks for tea, rest, and lunch. Our schedule includes a field trip day, a science share day, a cultural exchange day, and a weekend safari!

CLICK HERE FOR PROGRAM AGENDA

Location: SEGA Girls’ School in Morogoro, Tanzania

Land Cost:

Single Accommodation Land Cost: $2,344 (single hotel room options in Dar es Salaam)

Double Accommodation Land Cost: $2,288

Not included in Land Cost: International airfare, carbon off-setting for flight, travel health insurance, any medical-related costs, visa, and souvenirs.

Work Environment: You should expect to be very active and on your feet throughout your volunteer time. You will need to listen to your body on when to sit down, find shade, or find a cool area or fan. Please note the Visitor House and the classrooms where the program will take place are not air-conditioned. There are fans in the classrooms, but with the temperatures, you can still expect it to be pretty hot. The average temperature fluctuates throughout the year from 82-90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Skills & Qualifications:

• High school or University Student who studies or is interested in STEM subjects
• Teacher of STEM subjects or has an interest in STEM subjects 
• STEM Field or Corporate professional or has an interest in STEM subjects 
• Creative, solution-oriented, and adaptable 
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Ability to build supportive and professional relationships with high school youth and staff
• Ability and willingness to have fun in the classroom!

Orientation & Training:

Prior to traveling and volunteering with Nurturing Minds and the SEGA Girls’ School, there will be a series of Zoom orientation calls and emails to help prepare you for your destination and job responsibilities. 

Prior to traveling: 

• We will have a series of weekly Zoom orientation meetings to discuss the STEM Curriculum, meet volunteers, and answer questions.
• We will have an orientation to discuss all travel, volunteering, and teaching at SEGA, health, and safety logistics.
• We will discuss cultural humility, Tanzanian culture, and what it means to be a foreign volunteer in Tanzania. 
• You will have an opportunity to meet with SEGA’s Communication Coordinator and Hospitality Coordinator, who will help you get settled in once you arrive, before arriving. 
• We share with you via email visiting manuals, emergency contact lists, COVID-19 protocols, and more. 

Arriving at SEGA: 

• Once you arrive at SEGA, the Communications and Hospitality Coordinators will greet you and help you settle into your home for the week. They will discuss safety, transportation, ways to explore Morogoro and Tanzania, culture, food, and health, and give you a tour of SEGA’s Campus. They will help introduce and welcome you to SEGA’s staff and students. 
• Once settled at SEGA, we will have a volunteer orientation, co-teacher planning sessions, and time to organize all lesson materials. 
• Every evening, we will have debriefing sessions and preparation for the following day’s activities.

Supervision:

The Nurturing Minds Cultural Exchange Coordinator will co-lead this year's STEM Program at the SEGA Girls’ School. Volunteers will partner with Mr. Shadrack, Head Teacher for the Science and Math Department at SEGA, Mr. Mwakalinga, a Biology Teacher at SEGA, and with the support of the Hospitality Coordinator Isabella and Communications Coordinator, Rhona. SEGA School Headmistress Madam Elly supervises all individuals. 

Volunteer Benefits:

Volunteering with SEGA is a unique opportunity to foster life-long friendships and become a mentor for a SEGA girl. Most of our volunteers stay connected with their student groups well into their university-level studies and exchange letters and photographs, and many return to SEGA for their graduation. 

How to Apply:

Complete the form below and Nurturing Minds Cultural Exchange Coordinator will contact you!

https://forms.gle/BwTqPkCnfNboMUwF8

MOROGORO REGION, TANZANIA

Lying at the base of the magnificent Uluguru Mountains, the Morogoro region is the agricultural land of Tanzania. The region supports the vegetation of tobacco along with the complete processing before being transported to market areas. Along with agriculture, the city is known for its educational centers and hospitals. The short distance from the city of Dar es Salaam makes Morogoro popular among travelers. The region exhibits its beauty with its culture and art. Adventure and leisure can be best here with less chaos and amazing food. One can even enjoy a Safari at the closely nestled Mikumi National Park and Selous Game Reserve.

FIND YOUR HOME AT SEGA 

Nestled near the base of the beautiful Uluguru Mountains, the SEGA Girls School is located 7 miles north of Morogoro, which is located approximately 5 hours west of Dar es Salaam by car. Experience the school in person and relax in our comfortable visitor house while enjoying delicious dishes from your private cook and experiencing the vitality of our vibrant school and nearby cultural immersion activities. 

The SEGA Visitor House includes 3 daily meals, fans, solar power, a private bathroom, toiletries, free wifi, daily housekeeping, mosquito netting, and a private chef. 

 All bookings from the SEGA Visitor House go to supporting scholarships for SEGA students.