Description

This is a great way to share your expertise or develop new skills. Roatan is a 30-mile long, 3-mile wide island in the western Caribbean, and a department (State) of Honduras. Until the mid-1950's the island was predominantly English-speaking, the men were seafarers, and the woman cared for the children. The primary language in schools is Spanish, but islanders speak English. Tourism is redefining the island, and islanders need skills to compete in this new economy. Education is the key.

As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to not just be part of this exciting change on our island, but to develop personally by living in and studying our five major cultural groups, practicing your Spanish or English, testing yourself in your area of expertise, and making life-long changes for a group of fantastic people. In your free time you can explore the island's hillsides or dive and snorkel on Roatan's natural barrier reef that surrounds the island. The Bay Islands Beach Resort (that sponsors this project) offers discounted dive & snorkel packages and classes, as well as discounts on meals for PIER volunteers.

Volunteer opportunities include: working as a librarian in the New Sandcastle Library; tutoring children & youth in reading and math; overseeing children as they use computers to practice reading and math skills; reading to kids; leading sports, art, drama, music and other activities; assisting the e-learning center's specialist with clerical activities; and/or assisting with marketing projects. Volunteers may create and request a personalized volunteer program specific to their interests, skills, or school requirements.

Once you are accepted as a volunteer, PIER will set up your work schedule (a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer work per week required), and provide travel and housing information. As a volunteer you will be expected to pay your own expenses while working with the project.

Once you arrive on the island, we will meet you at the airport and provide transportation to your lodgings. There will be a full orientation to the island, the project, and your volunteer job. When your term ends, PIER will provide you a letter of recommendation with detailed information about the services you provided and skills you developed.

NOTE: If you are a student, please provide PIER with a detail list of what you expect to achieve while on the island, so we can make sure your experiences meet your needs.

Highlights

On Roatan only 1 in 4 children attend school, and 50% drop out by 6th grade. Fewer than 11% of these chldren complete high school. To help increase academic success, Partners in Education - Roatan (PIER) operates two (2) E-Learning Centers in 2008. These centers were designed to increase the number of children completing school.

Each center matches students' needs with the appropriate educational web sites and software. A small library complements the program. We focus on Spanish and English reading and mathematics, and provide lots of personal attention and small rewards for progress. All Center services are free. Currently we serve kids in school who need tutoring help, kids who have dropped out, gifted kids, and adults who want to learn English.

Qualifications

All volunteers will need:

* Interest in education
* Ability to work independently
* Must speak Spanish or English, bilingual preferred.
* Excellent references
* Police report

Qualifications: will be based on the job decription to be filled.

Volunteer Options
Sand Castle LIbrary
1) Helping children and adults find books; reading to library visitors; teaching English; leading science, math, arts & crafts, and reading activities.

E-Learning Center:
1) Student Mentor -- Assisting students with educational computer software; tutoring; tracking daily results; encouraging success
2) Project Assistant -- Organizing a project to complement the curriculum (science fair, play, music, art, health, carpentry, etc.)

Bilingual Public Schools
1) Tutors, teacher assistants, coaches special project coordinators
2) English language teachers -- work with kids in school to learn English language. Spanish language skills not required.

Partners in Education - Roatan
1) Public Relations, Marketing, and Fundraising
Web site updates, creating and manning an Education Hotline, maintaining the donor database, grant writing, community presentations, brochure design, etc.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

50 USD registration

Cost Includes:

• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical services
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Orientation to the project; supervision and support; training, as needed. Emergency evacuation services will be coordinated by PIER, but volunteer must have DAN or other insurance which includes this benefit. Medical care is provided by Clinic Esperanza. Volunteers are encouraged to become of the PIER family during their stay on the island.

Parents of high school and college students mut approve their child's participation in theis program. PIER has discounted rates at the Bay Islands Beach Resort for parents prefering their children to be more closely supervised.

Salary/Pay

There is no salary available for these volunteer placements. PIER will assist volunteer's spouse with finding volunteer placement. Bay Islands Beach Resort does offer discounted rates for room, food, and diving.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Our volunteers believe education is a life-long gift to be provided to all. Their age, sex, religious beliefs are diverse. They are creative and task-oriented with a commitment to personal growth while serving others.

Age Range

16 or older

This Program is open to

American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 weeks

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Partners in Education - Roatan's Mission Statement

Roatan's goal is to provide quality bilingual education for every child.

Year Founded

2006