Posts tagged volunteer program
The Reality of Teaching as a TYO Intern - Connie, International Intern

Hi, I'm Connie, an international intern at Tomorrow's Youth Organization. As part of the International Internship Program, I was fortunate to engage in the joy-filled journey of my first summer camp. Initially, the process was a whirlwind of excitement and nervousness, with the daunting task of familiarizing myself with 30 new names and providing quality education to my first grade students.

There was a cultural interplay in our classroom, the students quickly acclimating to my British accent, and our warm welcomes often accompanied by the cheerful rendition of a song and dance routine. The curiosity of my students was an everyday source of joy, their enthusiasm tangible when learning about numbers, colours, or new animals.

Perhaps the most rewarding experience was our arts and crafts time, especially the color mixing lesson. Witnessing their fascination and delight when new colors emerged from their mixtures was a precious moment. The peaceful silence during this session was an unusual occurrence, but it demonstrated their concentration and absorption in this novel task.

A major part of my summer camp journey involved conversations with Fawz, their primary teacher. Our discussions revolved around the inconsistencies and deficiencies in the education provided to these children. Together, we endeavored to bridge this gap with fun, interactive English classes that offered a balance of learning and enjoyment. I have witnessed remarkable progress in my students, their burgeoning confidence in expressing themselves in English being a testament to this.

As an intern, my initial fears revolved around whether I could provide the education these children deserved. But as the days unfolded, those fears transformed into a deep bond with my students. It's hard to imagine not seeing their excited faces and sharing in their learning journey each day.

My time at TYO has given me confidence in my teaching abilities and reinforced my belief in interactive, fun-filled education. The experiences with my exuberant first grade students have prepared me in the best way possible for the next summer camp. No matter where I go, I'll always carry the fond memories of my first summer camp at TYO.

Read More