English Teacher Trainer in Saharawi Refugee Camps

Sandblast Arts Background

Founded in 2005, Sandblast is a volunteer-led London-based charity committed to empowering and uplifting the voices of the Saharawi refugees of Western Sahara. Our mission is to raise global awareness of their struggle for self-determination through skills-training, educational programmes, and the arts. We envision a world where the Saharawi story is recognized, and their culture preserved and celebrated.

What We Do

At Sandblast, we believe in the transformative power of creativity and community engagement. Our primary project, Desert Voicebox, is located in the Boudjour refugee camp in Algeria. Launched in 2016, it is a pioneering after-school programme where local teachers are trained by our volunteers to provide English and music education to primary school children. Desert Voicebox remains the only programme in the camps offering extracurricular learning that fosters self-expression, language skills, and educational growth.

Why work with Sandblast?

Volunteering with Sandblast offers a meaningful opportunity to work within underserved communities, gain hands-on experience, and directly impact the lives of Saharawi children and educators in challenging environments. Our volunteers bring creativity, dedication, and a passion for social change to every role, helping to foster a sense of empowerment and cultural pride in the refugee camps. We support you in acquiring a visa, traveling to the refugee camps, and setting up accommodation and meals with a local host family during your time volunteering. We are also able to offer payments and stipends to those who are highly qualified. Join us to be part of a mission that harnesses creativity and solidarity to uplift the Saharawi people.

Teacher Trainer Role Overview

We are seeking qualified English and music educators to support Saharawi teachers through impactful teacher training workshops, designed to improve pedagogical skills, foster adaptability, and promote lesson plan effectiveness when teaching in a resource-limited setting.

As a Teacher Trainer with our Desert Voicebox programme, you will design and lead training sessions for groups of Saharawi teachers, enhancing their ability to deliver engaging, culturally responsive education in refugee camps. This role is ideal for experienced educators eager to contribute their skills in an underserved, resource-limited setting. Experienced trainers may be eligible for a payment or stipend.

Key Responsibilities:

• Adapt curriculum materials to meet diverse classroom needs.
• Introduce innovative classroom management techniques.
• Develop and share interactive games and activities for children.
• Guide teachers on effective lesson planning, preparation, and classroom management.

Qualifications:

• Direct experience teaching and training others to deliver educational programs
• Experience working in underserved communities with limited resources
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic teaching environment
• Fluency in English; native proficiency preferred
• Proficiency in Spanish (preferred)

Time Commitment:

• In-person workshops in the refugee camps for 3-6 weeks, working 3-4 days per week any time between September 2025 to April 2026
• July/August 2025: virtually working with our London-based time to prepare materials and lesson plans for the teacher training.

How to Apply:

Please email us at sandblast.outreach@gmail.com with your CV/resume and a few sentences about why you think you'd be a good fit for this role, as well as the time of year and length of time you are looking to volunteer. We look forward to hearing from you!