Virtual English Teacher to Refugee Child

What will you be doing?

For over 50 years, the Saharawi people have lived in exile in refugee camps in southwest Algeria, with limited access to quality education. Sandblast, a UK-based charity, launched the Desert Voicebox program to train Sahrawi women to teach fun, creative English and music classes to primary school children in the camps.

We are now extending this learning through our Virtual English Speaking Buddy initiative, which pairs children (ages 10–16) with volunteers for one-on-one online sessions focused on building confidence in spoken English.

As a volunteer, you’ll meet virtually with a Saharawi student—ideally twice a week for 30–45 minutes—to help them strengthen their listening and speaking skills through relaxed, engaging conversation. This is not about grammar perfection, but about empowering students to express themselves and connect across cultures.

Volunteers are expected to spend 10–15 minutes preparing each session, planning conversation topics, new vocabulary, or a short homework activity for the student to complete afterward. The total time commitment is approximately 2 hours per week.

This opportunity is ideal for someone with at least six months of experience in English tutoring or teaching, who is adaptable, creative, and passionate about supporting young learners from diverse backgrounds.  

What are we looking for?

Qualifications: 

3+ years' experience teaching English, preferably on a one-to-one basis

TEFL/TESOL certification highly preferred

Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic teaching environment 

A friendly, patient nature and experience supporting shy or less confident children to express themselves

Expert level fluency in English

What difference will you make?

You will enable Saharawi refugee children to learn English and be prepared to use their English in every day life.  In addition, these skills are indispensable in giving them access to opportunities for further education and job access, in a place where there are very few opportunities for children and families to uplift themselves. 

Before you apply

Please apply via the Reach platform in the first instance.