Sandblast Arts – English Teaching Volunteer in Algeria

About Sandblast Arts

Sandblast Arts is a UK-registered charity supporting the Saharawi people through creative education, cultural exchange and community-led initiatives.

The organisation works with Saharawi communities, particularly those living in refugee camps near Tindouf in southwestern Algeria, to support opportunities for learning, creativity and self-expression.

One of Sandblast Arts’ main initiatives is Desert Voicebox, an after-school education programme combining English language learning, music and creative activities for Saharawi refugee children.

Desert Voicebox is led by local Saharawi women educators, with additional support from international volunteers, teaching specialists and creative practitioners.

The programme aims to help children develop English communication skills, confidence and creative expression while supporting the professional development of local teachers.

English Teaching and Creative Education Volunteer Opportunity

Sandblast Arts has advertised an English Language Teaching Assistant and Creative Education Facilitator opportunity supporting its Desert Voicebox programme in the Saharawi refugee camps near Tindouf, Algeria.

This is an opportunity for someone with English teaching experience who also enjoys creative, child-centred education.

Volunteers support existing English lessons and help organise workshops that encourage children to explore music, storytelling, art, movement, communication and other creative activities.

The role is designed to complement the work of local Saharawi educators rather than replace them.

Recruitment: Ongoing enquiries, with specific placement availability subject to confirmation by Sandblast Arts.

Position Overview

• Position: English Language Teaching Assistant / Creative Education Facilitator
• Organisation: Sandblast Arts
• Programme: Desert Voicebox
• Location: Saharawi refugee camps near Tindouf, Algeria
• Position Type: Unpaid volunteer placement
• Students: Children and teenagers aged approximately 8–16
• Placement Duration: Typically around six weeks for the advertised assistant role, with extensions possible by agreement
• Teaching Qualification: TEFL, TESOL, CELTA or similar qualification required
• Experience: At least one year of experience teaching or supporting children’s English learning
• Accommodation: Host-family accommodation arranged through the programme
• Meals: Supported during the agreed placement under the programme’s arrangements
• Recruitment: Ongoing enquiries, subject to placement availability

About the Desert Voicebox Programme

Desert Voicebox is an after-school education initiative offering English language learning and music activities to Saharawi refugee children.

English is not widely available through the regular primary school curriculum in the camps, making supplementary language education an important part of the programme’s work.

The project combines structured learning with creative activities that encourage students to communicate, experiment and express themselves.

Children develop their English through activities such as reading, conversation, storytelling, games, songs and collaborative learning.

Local Saharawi women teachers lead the programme, supported by visiting educators and volunteers who contribute additional skills and educational perspectives.

The programme also seeks to strengthen local teaching expertise and create opportunities for sustainable, community-led education.

English Teaching Assistant Responsibilities

The selected volunteer will support English lessons alongside local Saharawi teachers and the programme’s experienced English teaching team.

This is a supporting role rather than a lead English teacher position.

Classroom Support

Typical responsibilities may include:

• Assisting local teachers during English language lessons.
• Helping students practise speaking, listening, reading and basic writing skills.
• Supporting individual learners and small groups during classroom activities.
• Preparing appropriate lesson materials and learning resources.
• Helping organise English language games, reading activities and songs.
• Encouraging students to participate confidently in classroom discussions.
• Supporting pair work and collaborative learning activities.
• Helping students with homework and educational projects.
• Assisting with pen-pal letters and other communication activities.
• Working cooperatively with local teachers to create an encouraging learning environment.

Volunteers are expected to follow the programme’s existing teaching approach and respect the knowledge and leadership of the Saharawi education team.

Working with Local Teachers

An important part of the placement is supporting the programme’s local educators.

International volunteers may contribute teaching ideas, classroom resources and practical assistance while also learning from the experiences of the Saharawi teachers.

The programme values collaboration, patience and mutual respect.

Applicants should be comfortable working as part of a team rather than independently directing the English curriculum.

Creative Education and Children’s Workshops

In addition to assisting with English classes, volunteers are expected to contribute creative or child-centred workshops.

The advertised assistant position includes planning and facilitating workshops on approximately two days each week.

These activities should offer something different from ordinary English lessons, helping children develop creativity, imagination, communication and confidence.

Examples of Suitable Workshop Activities

• Storytelling: Creative stories, drama activities and collaborative writing.
• Music: Singing, rhythm, percussion and introductory musical activities.
• Visual Arts: Drawing, painting, collage, photography and creative crafts.
• Drama and Theatre: Role-play, movement, improvisation and performance.
• Sport and Physical Activities: Team games, coordination exercises and movement-based learning.
• Literacy: Reading clubs, storytelling sessions and activities encouraging self-expression.
• Wellbeing: Appropriate creative activities supporting emotional awareness, confidence and communication.
• Inclusive Education: SEND-informed activities adapted to different learning needs.
• Youth Development: Group projects, cooperation, leadership and student participation.
• Environmental Creativity: Art and practical activities using safe recycled or locally available materials.

Applicants should bring a particular skill or area of experience that can be developed into meaningful workshops.

Activities must be appropriate for the students’ ages, the programme’s educational goals and the resources available in the refugee camps.

Volunteer Requirements and Eligibility

Sandblast Arts’ advertised Teaching Assistant / Creative Education Facilitator position requires applicants to have relevant English teaching experience and a clear interest in creative education.

Essential Requirements

• A TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, or similar English language teaching qualification.
• At least one year of experience teaching or supporting English learning with children, preferably primary school-aged learners.
• Experience working with children in a classroom, workshop or group setting.
• Practical experience in a creative, educational or child-centred activity that could be developed into workshops.
• Strong communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills.
• A patient, respectful and adaptable approach to working with children.
• Willingness to support the existing teaching programme rather than act as the lead teacher.
• Ability to work effectively in a culturally different and resource-limited environment.
• Sensitivity towards Saharawi culture, community values and local knowledge.
• Willingness to live with a Saharawi host family during the placement.
• Ability to follow the organisation’s safeguarding policies and volunteer arrangements.

Desirable Experience and Skills

The following experience may strengthen an application:

• Teaching in community education programmes.
• Working with refugees, migrants or displaced communities.
• Previous volunteering in low-resource educational environments.
• Experience supporting children with special educational needs or disabilities.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed or wellbeing-focused educational approaches.
• Experience organising art, music, drama, sport or youth workshops.
• Experience in literacy development and reading activities.
• Previous participation in international volunteer programmes.
• Arabic, Spanish or French language skills.

Arabic, Spanish and French language skills are helpful but are not listed as essential requirements.

Volunteer Accommodation and Support

Sandblast Arts provides support to help selected volunteers prepare for their placement in the Saharawi refugee camps.

Support Provided by Sandblast Arts

For the advertised Teaching Assistant / Creative Education Facilitator role, the organisation describes the following support:

• Host-Family Accommodation: Living with a Saharawi host family during the agreed placement.
• Meals: Food provided through the host-family arrangement.
• Accommodation and Food Costs: Support of approximately £630 for a six-week placement under the published arrangements.
• Local Transport: Transport from Tindouf airport to the refugee camps.
• Programme Orientation: Introduction to Desert Voicebox and the local teaching environment.
• Educational Support: Guidance from the Desert Voicebox programme team.
• Travel Preparation: Advice regarding visa arrangements and preparation for the placement.
• Workshop Planning: Support adapting creative activities to the local educational context.

The accommodation and food support described above is not a salary or an unrestricted cash allowance. Volunteers should confirm exactly what costs are covered by the organisation.

Living and Volunteering in the Saharawi Refugee Camps

The Saharawi refugee camps are located near Tindouf in southwestern Algeria.

The camps are home to displaced Saharawi communities, many of whom have lived in the region for generations.

Living conditions differ considerably from those in major cities and established international teaching destinations.

Volunteers should be prepared for a desert environment, limited local resources and a lifestyle shaped by the circumstances of the host community.

Cultural Sensitivity and Community Participation

Living with a local host family offers an opportunity to learn about Saharawi traditions, language, hospitality and everyday life.

Applicants should approach this experience with humility, openness and respect for local customs.

Volunteers are joining a community-led educational initiative, not directing an externally managed programme.

Personal Preparation and Wellbeing

Before travelling, prospective volunteers should discuss accommodation, living conditions, healthcare access, travel arrangements and personal safety with Sandblast Arts.

Applicants should also review official travel advice relevant to their nationality and the region.

The organisation’s safeguarding and volunteer policies must be followed throughout the placement.

What Can Volunteers Gain From the Experience?

Although this is an unpaid role, it offers opportunities for professional learning, cultural exchange and meaningful educational involvement.

Volunteers may gain:

• Experience supporting English language education in an international community setting.
• Practical classroom experience alongside local educators.
• Opportunities to develop creative educational workshops.
• Experience adapting teaching resources to a low-resource environment.
• Greater understanding of community-led education and cultural exchange.
• Experience collaborating with teachers and children from different backgrounds.
• Opportunities to develop adaptability, teamwork and communication skills.
• A deeper understanding of Saharawi culture and the Desert Voicebox programme.

The experience may be valuable for educators interested in community education, international volunteering, creative learning or educational development.

However, it should be approached primarily as an opportunity to support the programme and its students rather than as a route to paid employment.

How to Apply to Sandblast Arts

Sandblast Arts has advertised applications for the English Language Teaching Assistant / Creative Education Facilitator role through its recruitment contact.

Applicants should first confirm that suitable placements are currently available.

Application Documents

For the advertised role, applicants are asked to prepare:

• CV or Résumé: Details of relevant education, qualifications and teaching experience.
• Teaching Qualification: Information about their TEFL, TESOL, CELTA or equivalent qualification.
• Creative Workshop Proposal: A short outline explaining the activities or workshops they could offer children.
• Availability: Their preferred placement duration and general availability, without assuming a placement has been confirmed.
• Relevant Experience: Examples of working with children, teaching English or facilitating creative activities.

Application Process

1. Review the Requirements: Confirm you meet the teaching qualification, experience and creative workshop criteria.
2. Prepare Your Documents: Update your CV and develop a brief workshop proposal.
3. Contact Sandblast Arts: Email the recruitment contact to enquire about ongoing volunteer opportunities.
4. Discuss Your Experience: Explain your teaching background, creative skills and interest in Desert Voicebox.
5. Confirm Placement Availability: Ask the organisation about suitable openings, placement duration and practical arrangements.
6. Complete Screening: Follow any interviews, safeguarding checks or volunteer procedures required by Sandblast Arts.
7. Review the Arrangements: Confirm accommodation, meals, local transport, personal expenses and travel requirements.
8. Prepare for Volunteering: Complete the required orientation and preparation if selected.

Click the Apply for Job button on this page to open an email addressed to Sandblast Arts.

Use the subject line Desert Voicebox Teaching Assistant Volunteer Enquiry and briefly explain your interest in the role.

Applicants can also visit the official Sandblast Arts volunteer information page to learn more about Desert Voicebox and the organisation’s other volunteering opportunities.

Recruitment: Ongoing enquiries. The availability of this specific teaching-assistant placement must be confirmed directly with Sandblast Arts.

Important Information for Applicants

This volunteer opportunity is independently listed by TEFL Globe to help qualified English teachers discover international education and community volunteering opportunities.

TEFL Globe does not manage its volunteer placements and does not make selection decisions on the organisation’s behalf.

This is an unpaid volunteering opportunity, not salaried employment.

The placement requirements, support arrangements and responsibilities described above are based on published recruitment information. Details may change according to programme needs and volunteer availability.

Applicants should verify the organisation’s current recruitment status, safeguarding requirements, travel arrangements, expenses and placement conditions before committing to travel.