International English Language Teacher – 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. Since 2016, the programme has provided Saharawi refugee children with quality English language education while supporting local women to develop as educators. This is a skilled, meaningful role at the heart of that work.

We are looking for an experienced English Language Teacher to lead classes for either Levels 1–2 (ages 8–10, beginners) or Levels 3–4 (ages 11–12, beginner to advanced beginner). Classes typically have 13–15 students. You will deliver engaging, student-centred lessons using the Macmillan Learning Lands curriculum as a core framework, adapting it to meet the needs and context of your class.

This is also a collaborative role. You will work closely with local Saharawi women teachers through co-planning, co-teaching, and modelling strong classroom practice, as part of a longer-term effort to build the programme's sustainability and local leadership.

Teaching takes place for approximately three to four hours per day, five days a week, alongside lesson planning, reflection, and collaboration. You will live with a Saharawi host family in the camp, an immersive experience that is often one of the most memorable parts of the placement.

Placements are available from mid-September 2026 through mid-June 2027. We ask for a minimum commitment of two months, with three months or longer strongly preferred. Longer stays, including up to the full school year, are very welcome if the fit is strong.

Candidate profile

Candidates should have at least three years of substantial experience teaching English to primary-aged children, alongside formal accreditation in English language teaching or education such as a relevant degree, MA TESOL, Applied Linguistics, or a TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA-type qualification. Please note that initial certificates are not sufficient on their own; substantial classroom experience is essential. Experience in non-traditional, low-resource, or non-Western educational settings is important, and some experience of teacher collaboration or co-teaching is highly preferred. Strong lesson planning, curriculum adaptation, and classroom management skills are required, as is cultural sensitivity and the confidence to work with a good degree of independence.

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 for every two months spent in placement. Volunteers traveling from outside Europe may need to cover their own costs to and from Europe.