Project Faulu After-school Program Facilitator (Tutor)

Status: Volunteer position, unpaid

Days: Monday-Thursday (choose at least one day a week, preferably two)

Hours: Three hours a day, 4:00pm - 6:30pm

Reports To: K-12 Programs Staff

Commitment Period: January 21 - May 21, 2026

Location: 860 Woodfield E Dr. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508 & 960 Temple St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Summary:

The Refugee Education Center (REC) after-school program is called Project Faulu, which means success in Swahili. Project Faulu volunteers work closely with the K-12 Programs staff and a team of other volunteers to provide a supportive and engaging learning environment for students with a refugee background. Project Faulu is our K-8 program designed specifically for children with a refugee background, focusing on language and culture, creativity and inquiry, academic engagement, and positive social skills. Our goal is to provide students with opportunities to learn in a community of peers and volunteers. Project Faulu Facilitators are responsible for welcoming students in the afterschool program, facilitating games, snack time & discussions, thematic activities designed by program staff, and reading to and with students. The Project Faulu Program runs on Monday-Thursday from 4:00pm-6:30pm. Volunteers must volunteer at least one day a week, preferably two. Initial and ongoing training/check-ins are required.

REC Mission Statement: We support refugees in their journey to become fully participating members of the West Michigan community. We envision a thriving, multicultural West Michigan community where all have an opportunity to pursue a better future!

Volunteer Duties

• Commit to volunteering consistently on a weekly basis, for the duration of at least one full semester
• Review activity plans of session to ensure comprehension of activities and materials in advance
• Facilitate activities with up to three students per session
• Support and engage K-8 students attending the Refugee Education Center by:
• Engaging fully in all elements of the daily schedule, such as games, snack & discussion, thematic activities, reading time, clean up and reporting
• Facilitating thematic activities designed by program staff
• Reading diverse, multicultural books with students
• Engaging students in additional activities such as puzzles, homework support, projects, creative assignments, or any other appropriate activities to support their learning needs
• Willingness and interest in learning about student home languages and cultures
• Complete daily reporting immediately after conclusion of each volunteering session
• Demonstrate teamwork and integrity with staff, fellow volunteers, students, and their families
• Ensure a safe and clean learning environment through assisting with after-program clean up
• Attending all required training courses
• Report issues of concern to K-12 Programs staff

Desired Qualifications:

• Must be age 14 years or older
• Must be a Michigan Resident or have temporary residency in Michigan
• Willingness and ability to pass State and Federal background checks
• Some leadership or support experience

Preferred Skills & Competencies:

• Ability to work with diverse populations and make students feel welcomed and safe
• Self-motivation to identify and support students in their educational and social emotional needs
• Documenting the activities of their assigned level through picture taking and sharing pictures with the K-12 Programs staff
• Ability to communicate to K-12 Programs staff on successes and challenges faced (including what went well and didn’t go well with the various activities)

If interested, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Anna Bundy at: anna@refugeeeducationcenter.org

Or go to our website (refugeeeducationcenter.org) and fill out the volunteer form online.