Volunteer Teaching English in Bolivia

Project Summary: We have teaching projects at two schools in the Santa Cruz area. Most of the children in these schools come from very low resource families and a local orphanage. In general the schools have roughly 500-600 students of primary and secondary level that are ages 6 - 18 years old. The schools are supported from donations and from low payments made by some of the students families. Volunteers working at these schools assist teachers and depending on their experience can have the opportunity to run their own classes. Volunteers can teach English, Music, Math, Art, History and Dance.

Why the placement needs volunteers

The schools we work with in Santa Cruz are severely understaffed and under-funded. Many of the school's teachers are under resourced so by assisting these teachers and students, you provide a much needed and appreciated resource to these schools.

Program Requirements

If you would like to teach English, there is no Spanish language requirement, but if you would like to become involved in other subjects listed above, a basic to intermediate level of Spanish is recommended. More importantly, volunteers need to be open-minded, have initiative, be creative and patient, enjoy teaching and enjoy the opportunity to work with children. Self-motivation is very important as well, as your attitude gets ingrained into the students attitude towards school and their education.

Your role as a volunteer

As a volunteer teacher, your role will be to either lead a class of your own or assist a teacher in his/her daily lessons. You will only be allowed to lead a class on your own if you have prior experience in teaching or if you are confident in your abilities and would like to gain such experience.

Program Schedule

Your teaching schedule will be from Monday to Friday, working 4 to 5 hours per day with a lunch break which is usually 1.5 to 2 hours.

Project dress code

You will be expected to conform to the dress code of Bolivian teachers. When attending after school sessions, evening classes or extra curricular activities you will be expected to wear suitable and acceptable clothing.

Suggested resources to be brought to project

Donations of books, pens, pencils, notebooks games are always welcomed. If you are considering large quantity donations please confirm this with uVolunteer so that we can ensure that it is the right kind of donation for the school you will be working in.