My name is Jonathan Heath. I am a retired Deputy Headteacher. I am going to Rwanda with VSO for one year to lead a team of mentors who work alongside teachers in Rwanda to develop learner centred methodologies in Rwandan classrooms.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are my own reflections and are not necessarily representative of the VSO.

Training for VSO

My journey so far has involved:

Selection: 1 hour suitability interview, a 2 hour behavioural competencies interview and a 2 hour ‘incountry’ interview with Rwanda.

Training: Initial online training, 3 day face to face training and 2 week online community training.

I have had injections for:Diphtheria, Tetanus, Poliomyelitis, Typhoid, Hepatitis A,Hepatitis B, Rabies, Measles, meningitis, cholera, yellow fever and Anti malarial tablets.

I now await my medical and my ‘incountry’ briefing (where I find out exactly what I have let myself in for).

I expect my departure date to be put back from 1st to 7th September as my work permit is delayed.

Tough journey already. On the upside I have learnt my first 30 Kiryrwanda words, just need someone to practice on!