In Sierra Leone, the schools are overflowing, and volunteers are needed to help increase the school’s capacity to teach and care for children. After a longstanding war, thousands of children are eager to learn, and our partner is providing an education. It is a feat with many challenges. The area in which we work is poverty stricken. Furthermore, children and their families suffer from the after-effects of war; many are now amputees, and everyone carries memories of the past as they try to move forward. Sierra Leone is now peaceful, and as communities rebuild, we are seeking compassionate individuals to help build a brighter future for Sierra Leone's children.

This is a phenomenal placement in so many ways. It is an excellent opportunity for anyone wishing to learn about post-conflict community development. Social work and psychology students and professionals will be challenged to adapt their skills to a cross-cultural environment. No matter what your background or experience, in even just a short amount of time, you will see how much your involvement helps local children.

Our partner is the Makama Amputee Primary School, which has approximately 150 children in attendance. 80% of the children are amputees, and many of their parents are amputees also. Children are divided according to knowledge level, rather than age. This contrasts what most of us are used to, but reflects local needs.

We work primarily in Makeni, but also work with a school on the outskirts of Freetown. While in Sierra Leone, your Exchange Manager may arrange for you to spend some time helping in Tissana Community Primary School.

Positions Available for this Project

Teach Amputee & War Affected Children

Volunteers are needed to teach various elementary level subjects including English, math, science, physical activity, and art. Classrooms have thirty or more children.

Duration:
2 weeks +

When:
Mid-January to Mid-June (may be long break for Easter, varies by year)
July
Mid-September to Mid December

Language:
English

Who:
Everyone with basic experience working with children or teaching. Patience is an absolute must.

Description of Activities:

• Learn about the social and economic factors affecting education in Sierra Leone
• Teach English, math, science, physical activity, and/or art
• Assist children with homework
• Assist in running extra-curricular activities for children

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Teacher Trainer

Interns with an educational background are needed to share knowledge and pedagogical resources with local teachers. The purpose of this position is to increase the capacity of the school in the long term. In Sierra Leone, the schools are overflowing, and volunteers are needed to help increase the school’s capacity to share best practices with local staff.

Please note: This position is classified as an internship due to the background and skills that the intern must have. But unlike other internships, we do not require a minimum of two months. In a short amount of time, qualified professionals can deliver training and workshops to local teachers. Training takes place after school, on weekends, and during school holidays.

Duration:
2 weeks +

When:
Year round

Language:
English

Who:
Teachers who are willing and able to share their expertise

Description of Activities:

• Learn about the social and economic factors affecting education in Sierra Leone
• Learn how teachers conduct their work in Sierra Leone
• Share best practices based on your experience
• Share pedagogical knowledge based on your experience
• Develop educational materials in partnership with local staff

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NGO Fundraiser for Post-Conflict Community Development

Our partners run an elementary school and a high school. They are dedicated to providing an education, nutrition, extracurricular programming, and moral support for children and youth. By diversifying and strengthening the funding base, our partners will be better able to realize their mission.

Duration:
1 month +

When:
Year round

Language:
English

Who:
Everyone. Grant-writing and marketing experience are considered assets.

Description of Activities:

• Research grant and donor opportunities
• Develop database of potential funding sources
• Write grant proposals
• Network with relevant government bodies, aid agencies, potential funders and partners

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Please note:

THEX' volunteer program is operating in Makeni. We work with an extensive network of schools throughout Sierra Leone. Schools in the interior and in small villages struggle considerably more than those in the cities. If you are an experienced and independent volunteer with a month or more to commit, and would like to teach in one of these schools, please indicate this on your application. We will consider this, and a resume and interview are required.

We also work with a clinic in Freetown. If you are a healthcare professional, or are a student wanting to learn more about international health, please contact us to enquire. Healthcare volunteers must be patient and independent. Previous overseas experience is desirable. Resume and interview are required.