International Teacher Trainer – Desert Voicebox, Saharawi Refugee Camps

Desert Voicebox is an after-school English and creative arts programme run by Sandblast, a UK human rights and arts charity, in the Boujdour refugee camp in southwest Algeria. One of Sandblast's core long-term goals is for Desert Voicebox to become fully locally led. This role sits at the heart of that mission.

We are seeking one or two highly experienced Teacher Trainers to lead or co-lead a three-month in-person teacher training programme for local Saharawi women who are preparing to become English language teachers. The programme will include morning training sessions, afternoon classroom observation, practice teaching, and feedback and reflection sessions. It is expected to run for approximately three months during the second half of the school year, most likely between mid-December 2026 and mid-May 2027, with exact dates still being finalised.

You will facilitate sessions on pedagogy, lesson planning, classroom management, and English language teaching methodology, observe trainees, and provide structured feedback over time. You will also work closely with the international classroom teachers in the programme so that trainees can observe and engage with live teaching as part of their development.

Training runs approximately five days a week for four to five hours per day, alongside preparation, observation, and feedback. Volunteers should be available for the full training period and are asked to arrive around two weeks before the programme begins. Total in-country commitment will therefore be approximately 3.5 months. You will live with a Saharawi host family in the camp throughout.

Candidate profile

Candidates should have at least ten years of experience teaching English language, alongside substantial experience mentoring, observing, or training other teachers. A relevant degree or master's in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, Education, or a similar field is highly preferred. Strong knowledge of pedagogy, language learning, classroom management, and teacher development methodology is essential, as is experience working in low-resource or non-traditional classroom environments. Some experience teaching primary-aged children is preferred. We are looking for someone who combines professional rigour with warmth, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to supporting local women to become skilled, independent educators.

What we offer

Sandblast covers international flights to and from Europe and the refugee camps, accommodation and food in the camps, visa and logistical support, pre-departure preparation, and a stipend of approximately £500 to £1,000 for every two months spent in placement. Volunteers traveling from outside Europe may need to cover their own costs to and from Europe.