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Where we do it > Maldives - Angela Norman
Angela Norman is a principal lecturer and course director in London South Bank University’s education department. She has 15 years’ experience in primary teaching, as well as substantial teacher-training and management experience.
When Angela requested a 6-month sabbatical to volunteer with VSO, her employers were very supportive and agreed to it immediately. She’s now working in the Maldives as a Curriculum Development Adviser at the Education Development Centre (EDC). Based on the capital island Male’, Angela is working towards improving the quality of primary education in a country where 33% of teachers are untrained and non-participatory rote learning is common.
‘The EDC is responsible for the curriculum and the professional development of teachers in the Maldives,’ says Angela. ‘But it faces many challenges. Funds are lacking and transport to small island communities is expensive. As a result, communication with those communities is limited. There’s a great disparity between the teaching and resources found here in Male’ and in the island schools, where there are very few qualified local teachers.’
Angela is supporting EDC colleagues in designing a new primary curriculum. Its aim is to promote active, child centred learning in schools all over the Maldives, including those on more remote islands.
Angela’s days are varied. ‘I might be with working with the curriculum developers, working by myself on the IT programme, or observing classes. Others days I’ll be attending meetings in the local language or overseeing research sessions. My hours are 7.30am until 2.30pm, and everyone in my office is friendly and supportive.’
Working effectively with colleagues is key to success in a volunteer placement. Angela is enjoying collaborating with her new team. ‘Being accepted by the team of developers so that we can work together has been my greatest achievement. This is particularly important because of the short duration of the placement - I really needed to quickly become part of the team’.
Angela’s job isn’t about producing an end product. Rather, it’s about building the confidence and skills of her team. ‘I’m a sounding board for ideas, and I provide positive support in discussing and solving problems.’
VSO’s briefing on the cultural context of the Maldives ensured that logistical problems haven’t fazed Angela. ‘I was expecting to have my own computer when I first arrived, though it didn’t arrive until a month later. But it wasn’t a big issue – having worked in schools, I learnt to be flexible early in my career.’ Outside of work, Angela has a surprisingly active social life. ‘I thought I’d be much lonelier than I am. But the other volunteers are very friendly and inclusive.’
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