Jamaica: Kindergarten & Primary School Volunteer

Introduction

Every child deserves the best possible start in life, and education is of primary importance for success. Unfortunately for a variety of reasons, Caribbean children are not getting the necessary quality education they need.  This is where we step in: using your experience and skills to assist in the primary schools in Jamaica that we work with,  qualified teachers and those in training can find teaching opportunities.

Plan your lessons and share your teaching methods and skills with other local teachers. For those with little or no experience you will assist the local teacher or even teach your specialised subject area all while gaining insight into the Caribbean education system.

Our partner schools also need volunteers to lead and participate with students in life-skills and non-academic activities. Volunteers can set up cooking, sewing and sport clubs. It’s all about providing creative spaces for children to learn new skills and explore new hobbies.

Daily Life

Our aims are to provide much needed assistance and support to children who are often overlooked. At times, teachers may find their hands full and are unable to attend to each and every child at the sametime. You are needed to help fill this gap and offer every child the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

Your daily life will consist of;

• Assisting in planning and preparing materials relating to the school’s specific needs
• Providing one-on-one support for children who need extra help with activities
• Teaching activities particularly relating to life skills and enrichment activities under the direction of a teacher
• Coordinating activities and resources relating to the school’s specific needs
• Planning and preparing activities particularly relating to life skills and enrichment activities
• Providing one-on-one support for children who need extra help with activities

Your timetable will be;

7:00 am – Breakfast
8:30 –  Arrive at placement
8:45 – Teaching
12:00 – Lunch
2:30– End of School day
Free afternoon

Travel & Accommodation

Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transported to your chosen accommodation. Each placement also includes a full day orientation and training sessions, making sure you are well acquainted with your new surroundings, aware of health and safety regulations and cross-cultural issues.

Depending on number of volunteers, personal preferences and availability, accommodations are available in either local home stays or guest houses. All accommodations are thoroughly vetted and adhering to safety standards and are clean and comfortable. Whether you stay with a family or a guesthouse, breakfast and dinner is included with your placement. You will have many opportunities to sample and even learn to cook some delicious Caribbean cuisine, however all dietary requirements can be catered for.

Requirements

• Minimum age 18.
• Minimum 1 week commitment.
• Criminal Records check – this is mandatory to work with vulnerable children (see below).
• Basic English language skills.
• Necessary vaccinations.
• Necessary flight & visas.
• Full travel & medical insurance – full assistance provided in arranging everything you will need if you choose our Premium Support

CRB / Police Background Check:

As you will be working with children, you will need to get a Police Background Check (CRB in the UK). This is to ensure you have no prior convictions and are safe to work with children. This is standard procedure and part of our due diligence. You can find details on how to get this check in the UK here. If you are from a different country, please check with your local police services as to how you can obtain your national equivalent of this check.

Costs

* Currency conversions are approximate.
** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee.
*** Places are confirmed with a 20% deposit

What’s Included:

Project Fee includes, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation, in-country support and project activities.

What’s not included:

Food, flights, insurance, visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.

Premium Support Upgrade

We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators.

We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.