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 (sometimes) meals to around 250 students (3 to 13 years old). However, the school’s tiny budget only affords its operations and running so there’s not enough money for fully paid staff.
At times, there are 40 students in one classroom and only one teacher. It can be chaotic and dramatic. They need volunteers to assist the main teacher and give extra attention to children and keep an eye on them to help get some worthwhile learning done.
If you want to see what’s like to work with children, volunteer now - in the end, you’ll learn a lot and have a memorable experience!
Volunteer Roles/ Working Hours
The main task of our volunteers is assisting the main teacher and also looking after some children. Tasks include some combination of:-
• Assisting the main teacher as required and help making sure the children are focused on their classes.
• Managing the library and preparing resources for the children, promoting the importance of reading for the children’s benefit.
• Looking after small groups of kids and preventing any issues when children go to the bathroom or to play outside.
• Helping out in preparing free meals for the kids.
The school is open most of the year (from March to mid-December). Volunteers can get there from Monday to Friday- in the morning (08:20am till 13:30pm). Do not forget you should fully attend classes and support any extra initiative required by the staff.
Volunteer Requirements
• Age 18+ on arrival
• No Spanish required but some always useful. We can arrange Spanish courses for you on arrival, if you wish, which can boost your Spanish before you start volunteering.
• Minimum commitment: 2 weeks – although 4+ weeks is better.
• Empathetic, responsible, pro-active and strong enough personality to deal with unexpected situations and ask for help when necessary.
• Good team player.
• Genuine interest in working with children.
• Some experience of teaching or working with or looking after children, but teaching is not a necessary requirement.
• Able to deal with streetwise children.
