After School Program Volunteer

Description of the Organization: Unidas Para Vivir Mejor (translated, United to Live Better) is a women's cooperative located in a former squatter settlement in Zone 12 of Guatemala City. The women support themselves and UPAVIM through the production and sale of fair trade handicrafts. UPAVIM works to improve the quality of life for the women and children of La Esperanza.With the profits from its fair trade craft sales UPAVIM supports an alternative elementary school, an early childhood learning center, free tutoring program, a medical clinic, a soy milk factory and a bakery.

Overview: UPAVIM seeks a highly motivated after school program coordinator to co-facilitate our after school program with our Guatemalan teacher. Currently our program services over 60 Children from kindergarten to 6th. Our program works in conjunction with the UPAVIM School and other schools in the area to provide individualized tutoring services and lessons that enhance the public school curriculum of Guatemala.

Responsibilities:

Co-teach a class for students five and six years old to introduce pre-reading and pre-math skills.

Independently teach three reinforcement classes a day to 1st-6th graders to re-teach and enforce math and language topics learned in school.

Develop curriculum and materials for the reinforcement classes in creative and engaging ways.

Monitor and evaluate students' progress and needs and adapt lessons to these needs.

Facilitate group and one-on-one tutoring sessions with students who are in need of additional help or are not attending school.

Collaborate with the Guatemalan teacher regarding classes, schedule, and students' needs.

Visit and follow up with schools to encourage students who need additional help to attend the after school program.

Qualifications:

Experience working with children of multiple ages, especially elementary school aged.

Intermediate Spanish

Experience working in an after school program a plus

Ability to work in a multicultural setting.

Well organized and able to adapt quickly

Able to commit for 4 months to a year, preferably from June to early November 2013.

Compensation: Free housing in the UPAVIM building or low-cost housing in the community, and lunch from the UPAVIM kitchen Monday through Friday. Additionally the volunteer may use their time with UPAVIM for academic credit, fieldwork and research.