(South America) Volunteer ESL Teacher for Refugees

About Voices GY

Voices GY is a registered Guyanese non-profit organisation, active since April 2018. Our mission is to strengthen social cohesion, cultural integration and human rights in the country through targeted interventions and partnerships. As an organisation, we are founded on a community-based approach towards a more cohesive and inclusive Guyana. Previous projects have included English tuition for migrants and refugees; support through training and grants to migrant entrepreneurs; regional needs assessments on education and social integration; psycho-social orientation; social cohesion events; and multimedia production on minority rights and cultures.

Learn more at facebook.com/voicesgy or www.voicesgy.org 

Context

According to 2018 data from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Guyana is a destination country for many refugees and migrants originating from Venezuela. These migrants and refugees suffer high unemployment rates (33% in the capital region), low access to health services (34%) and experiences of discrimination within host communities (23%). Similar challenges are faced by other large populations of vulnerable migrants, including Cuban and Haitian nationals. Language barriers present an additional obstacle to these at-risk demographics and inhibit access to a range of services and opportunities. 

About the Role

In collaboration with the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Voices GY will be delivering nine online English courses for migrants and refugees in Guyana, from early August to late December 2020. Classes will follow a pre-designed curriculum and each teacher will be responsible for delivering two, 1-hour classes per week to their course group. Additional support and communication will be given through chat forums to the students.

Teachers will be provided with an initial orientation from Voices GY, in addition to a further training session from the Pan American Development Foundation aimed at reinforcing and complementing knowledge of topics ranging from online ESL skills to teaching migrants and refugees.

This position is for an initial period of ten weeks, with the option of extension upon the completion of this term.

Main Duties and Roles

• Provision of two, one-hour group classes per week to up to 15 students.
• Provide brief written feedback to students after each class
• Attend training and orientation sessions where relevant.
• Be attentive to group whatsapp; create and share lesson links
• Attend monthly meetings with PC
• Share relevant materials and advice on student whatsapp groups

Requirements

• Native English speaker or demonstrable fluency
• Completed 120-hour TEFL certificate or equivalent
• Access to an appropriately quiet and private teaching space
• Good interpersonal skills, accountability, punctuality and integrity
• Online ESL experience is considered an advantage
• Conversational Spanish Skills are considered an advantage

To apply, the following documents must be sent to voicesgy@gmail.com:

• Cover letter (stating availability)
• CV

The closing date for submissions is Monday 27th July at midday

Voices GY is not only an Equal Opportunities Employer – diversity is at the root of all that we do and strive for. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply and enrich the work we undertake.