Many of our volunteers find that their teaching schedules and highly-respected standing in local communities allow them to commit themselves to undertakings far beyond the classroom. We encourage you, in consultation with WorldTeach guidelines for community projects, to seek and create these opportunities, which often lead to a deeper cross-cultural experience.
Below are several projects developed by WorldTeach volunteers around the globe. Feel free to use their stories as your inspiration, or transform your own passion into a special project!
Books & Libraries | Building Improvements | Technology | Communication
Educational Empowerment | Environment | Arts & Music | Public Health | Sports
Building Improvements
Mollie Wright, Costa Rica Summer volunteer
Provided with what she deemed an ideal placement in the small rural pueblo of El Consuelo in Costa Rica's northwestern "cowboy country", Mollie had large classes full of eager students, though with just one rather significant problem: they had no classroom. Her students would sit at desks placed under either of two large trees, with all the accompanying distractions. Seeing that El Consuelo was building a community center that would feature all the needs of a classroom except electricity, Mollie appealed to friends and family, and successfully raised just over $2,000 towards electrical wiring and paint. As Mollie's funds saw it to completion, the center is now available as a space for not only bailes and bingo, but also learning.
Kyle Fishman, Costa Rica Summer volunteer
Upon arriving at his placement site, Kyle realized that the town and school had such insufficient resources that there were any number of community projects he could pursue. At the suggestion of his host mother, he decided that one of the most productive ways to be of assistance would be to varnish and restore old school desks, which had been discarded in a back room and thus unavailable for classroom use. After meeting with and receiving support from the junta, or local school board, Kyle set a date and worked that day with students, teachers, and junta members to bring the desks back and demonstrate that even small contributions matter.
Craig Hurvitz, Costa Rica Year volunteer
In the small town of Marbella, Costa Rica
, the schoolchildren only had one place to play during recess: a washed-out soccer field only usable in the short dry season. Craig recognized that his students needed a safe space for recreation—away from from looming pressures such as drugs or violence—and decided to do something about it. He launched a fundraising campaign through contacts back in the States, and then organized members of the community and school to help put together the playground set.
Taruna Sadhoo, Guyana Year volunteer
After months of working at Soesdyke Community High School, Taruna was awarded a $1,000 grant from her college in New York to cover the costs of rebuilding a crumbling wall at her school. There were sufficient funds not only to fix the wall, but to cement the front and side of the school as well, and to put up fencing in front. The school now uses the area to conduct morning assemblies, and for children to play during recess.
Erin Wafer, Costa Rica Year volunteer
Before Erin began her renovation project, her kindergarten students had to gather on a dirty mat atop an unfinished cement floor. Now, thanks to Erin's dedicated fundraising efforts and personal involvement on her hands and knees, they have a clean new tile floor!
Adam Robinson, Marshall Islands Year volunteer
Adam offered his creative expertise to brighten his school's building. In doing so he managed to make the whole neighborhood more attractive, cause many community members to pay more attention to the school and most importantly, bond with his school and students in a unique way.
