STEM ADVENTURES AT SEGA
Come join us in Tanzania!
Trip Dates: July 22 - August 3, 2023
Nurturing Minds and SEGA Girls School are seeking volunteers to help with an 8-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 enrolled in STEM. In Tanzania, students are required to 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 develop emotional connections and personal relevance to impact their STEM learning.
Role Models are very important in showing students where they might fit in the STEM world. Volunteers are role models for our SEGA students that 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 in a timely manner
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 hiking day, and a weekend safari!
Location: SEGA Girls Secondary School in Morogoro, Tanzania
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:
Highschool 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 or 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 have a discussion on 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, prior to 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 get settled 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 we are settled at SEGA we will have a volunteer orientation, co-teacher planning sessions, and time to organize all of the lesson materials.
Every evening we will have debriefing sessions and preparation for the following days activities.
Supervision:
Nurturing Minds Board Member, Dr. Rukia Mchumo and Nurturing Minds Cultural Exchange Coordinator will be co-leading this year's STEM Program at the SEGA Girls School. They will work in partnership with Mr. Shadrack Mwakalinga, Biology Teacher at SEGA, and with the support of the Hospitality Coordinator Ms. Isabella Nshubemuki and Communications Coordinator, Ms. Rhona Mtega. All individuals are supervised by SEGA School Headmistress Mrs. Elly Sarakikya.
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, photographs, and many return to SEGA for their graduation.
How to Apply:
“Volunteers motivated us to love Science subjects. They taught us how to work in Science and now I love Science so much.”
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 lively 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.
IN-COUNTRY STAFF
Nurturing Minds and SEGA is excited about our partnership with our dedicated, passionate, and motivated volunteers. The SEGA Staff and SEGA School teachers are welcoming you to join them to enrich girls' lives and help end the cycle of poverty by educating a girl through the STEM Adventures at SEGA program.
CULTURAL IMMERSION ACTIVITIES
Upon arrival, volunteers will be welcomed with the SEGA School Welcome Song special for SEGA Visitors and Volunteers. Volunteers will then be led around the campus by Form 3 Hosting Students on a school tour to learn about the girl's daily life, school activities, and campus.
In addition to exploring Morogoro's natural wonders, volunteers will take a visit to local markets, learn about traditional batik fabric dyeing, learn how to make chapatti, engage in football competitions and movie nights with students, and volunteers will have an incredible opportunity to meet SEGA graduates, staff, and the Executive Director and Headmistress.
WEEKEND ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
On the weekends, our expert staff will guide your group on local cultural and learning activities including hiking through the Uluguru Mountains to visit and swim in the Choma Waterfall, being included in a soil cake-making demonstration, and exploring a local Universities Botanical Gardens with SEGA students.
TEACHERS, JOIN US IN EDUCATING GIRLS!
Experienced educators help support our SEGA teachers and students by providing additional support, teacher resources, materials, and additional hands-on learning that open the door to potential STEM majors and career paths for SEGA students.
An Education Volunteer is anyone with a passion for educating students and finding ways to enrich students' lives through STEM subject learning. Educators can get started as solo volunteers or recruit a team of colleagues to join them! Education Volunteers help bring hands-on activities and STEM experiments to our youngest learners!
CORPORATE VOLUNTEER GROUPS, GIVE BACK THROUGH OUR PROGRAM!
Experienced professionals in STEM fields help support our SEGA teachers by providing real-world perspectives that open the door to potential STEM majors and career paths for SEGA students.
A Corporate Volunteer is anyone with a passion for supporting students and building excitement about STEM subjects. Employees can get started as solo volunteers or recruit a team of colleagues to join them! Corporate Volunteers help bring STEM to life for our youngest learners!
STUDENT VOLUNTEERS, WE WELCOME YOU!
Any high school or college student with a passion for working with others in their community is invited to volunteer with our youngest learners who are participating in the STEM Adventure at SEGA Program. Every student volunteer can find an impactful way to give back in the classroom. Students have the opportunity to connect with SEGA students and share STEM concepts and ideas, igniting that same spark they have in themselves.
To learn more email us today at myranda@nurturingmindsinafrica.org
FAQ
Do I need to have a STEM background to apply?
No, and several current and past members of the team didn’t have any background in STEM before joining! There are a few roles where a STEM background is important, but for most roles, we’re keen to welcome students, professionals, or educators with all academic interests!
Do I need to have previous experience to apply?
For most roles, no! If you’re wanting to join as a Program Lead or to lead certain program lessons, you’ll need some general science or math understanding and experience. Generally, we’re not worried about whether you’ve done something like this before if you’re applying to be a volunteer.
I don't have every skill listed - can I still apply?
Yes! Though having at least some of the listed skills will help you have a good foundation for your chosen role, enthusiasm to learn and grow is more important to us than past experience, and you’ll develop many of the skills you need during your time in the team. Remember though, you can tell us about what skills you have through anything you’ve done before or been previously involved in, whether through school, clubs, work, action in your community, or your personal experiences.
How does the team work together and communicate with each other?
We mainly work through email and WhatsApp. We will have several Zoom orientation meetings to meet everyone prior to traveling, and we will have a welcome dinner on our first night together in Dar es Salaam!
What makes an ideal applicant to join the STEM Adventures at SEGA Program?
There’s no one thing that makes someone an ideal applicant - everyone on the team has different backgrounds, skillsets, interests, and levels of previous experience in making a difference through STEM education!
There are a few things every member of the STEM Adventures at SEGA team has in common though…
Passion for the Nurturing Minds mission - to transform lives and communities by educating and empowering Tanzanian girls.
Enthusiastic to learn and grow - your enthusiasm to get involved is much more important to us than your previous experience or qualifications.
Commitment to getting involved in all aspects of the volunteer program - both for your own development and the team’s collective progress toward our mission.
When is the booking deadline?
Interested volunteers have until April 30, 2023, to book. Still undecided, and want more time to discuss? Email myranda@nurturingmindsinafrica.org to chat!
None of these FAQs answer my question - who can I contact?
We’re happy to hear from you! Please email your questions to our Cultural Exchange Coordinator, Myranda at myranda@nurturingmindsinafrica.org.
“My life has forever been changed by my experience after visiting and volunteering at SEGA Girls School. Honestly, I venture to say the same is true for the students I had the pleasure of meeting and connecting with. I was blown away by the connection the girls have with the natural world. With the opportunity given to them by Nurturing Minds, those young ladies are the future generation of leaders needed for a better world.”