Project overview
This is a private school but not one (as you would imagine) with rich kids and fancy facilities. Actually, it is set up and run by a catholic priest (although he doesn’t impose his religion at all) and poor inhabitants of the shanty town called “Ramón Castilla”, just 10 minutes by local bus from Huanchaco. All together decided not to take destiny for granted but, instead, using their own little resources and strong hands to give children the chance to pursue at least primary and (early) high school studies.
This schooling project started in 2005 with a dusty land and lots of dreams. It has been built with the blood, sweat and tears of everyone involved: the priest, population, parents, staff, volunteers and donors; as they don’t get any public funding. Nowadays, the 4000 square-meter fenced area has 11 classrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 playgrounds, 1 library, 1 office, 1 garden, 1 kitchen, 1 small bakery and 1 canteen. In 2015, they expect the shanty town to be self-sustaining, intercultural and ecologically sustainable so the school will be able to offer entrepreneurship workshops and/or technical majors. The main goal of the school is to give children an enhanced humanistic and ecological education to light their academic path so they will access to better opportunities in life.
Currently, they offer 100% free education, school supplies and (some times) meals to around 250 students (3 to 13 years old). However, the school’s tiny budget only affords its operations and running so there are not enough teachers for all the students. So, they need volunteers to teach English, Arts and Sports to help provide a good quality and comprehensive study program.
The main goal of the school is to give children an enhanced humanistic and ecological education to light their academic patch so they will access to better opportunities in life. If you want to help these kids with their education and give them a better chance in life as well as spending some time with poor but loving children, volunteer now!
Volunteer Roles/ Working Hours
The main task of the volunteers is to give clases in one or more of the above subjects and to help out organizing extra activities to reinforce classes. Specific tasks include a combination of the activities listed below :-
• Giving English, Arts or Sports lessons to children.
• Bringing new ideas to improve the project and expanding the donors’ network.
• Preparing lesson plans or even a syllabus or study program for your subject, considering what’s been done in the past and what can be improved now.
• Guaranteeing that all the materials used during each session are stored and put back into place afterwards.
• Setting-up extra activities and afterschool sessions related to reading and writing skills.
The school is open most of the year (from March to mid-December). Volunteers can get there from Monday to Friday- in the morning (07:30am till 12:30pm). However, it might vary according to the subject(s) you will be teaching. Do not forget you’ll need some time for planning activities and staff meetings!
Volunteer Requirements
- Age 18+ on arrival
- Basic to Intermediate Spanish level when you start working - we can arrange Spanish courses for you to start on arrival, which can boost your Spanish before you start volunteering.
- Minimum commitment: normally 4 weeks – could be less in exceptional circumstances or for exceptional candidate.
- Empathetic, responsible, pro-active and strong enough personality to deal with unexpected situations and ask for help when necessary.
- Relevant skills in English, Arts/Crafts or Sports.
- Some experience teaching or working with children in some way.
- Empathetic, responsible, pro-active and strong enough personality to deal with unexpected situations and ask for help when necessary.
- Good team player.
- Ability and/or confidence to deal with streetwise children
- This school only accepts female volunteers.
Check out past volunteer teaching experience!
