Open position for european volunteers – Summer 2022 (summer camps) and September 2023 (school year)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this project is to offer children a place to grow and develop in a stimulating environment using the Montessori and Freinet approaches combined with outdoors learning in the nature (implementing forest schooling principles). In every initiative we create – sustainable ecologically is a strong part of the project.

Our volunteer will be part of an international educational team (one French/German, one English and two Belgians).

The school welcomes 26 children from 3 to 11 years old. Our volunteers support the implementation of our educational environments and daily activities for the children. In addition to the school (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday), nature and language workshops take place on Wednesday mornings, holiday camps are held during school breaks, and nature birthday activities are offered on Wednesday afternoons.

For the Montessori part, tasks include:

• support our Montessori guides for outdoor and indoor activities with the children.
• actively help our guides to prepare the material and the activities for the children.
• daily assist our guides to clean and tide up the places for children and maintain the prepared learning environments.

For the forest schooling and the creation and maintenance of our pedagogic farm:

• help our nature educator for garden and forest activities.
• support the care of the outdoor environment and animals (rabbits and chicken)

For the Wednesday morning workshops:

• prepare and hold fun language workshops for children (songs, games, stories…)
• help our nature educator for garden and forest activities.

For the birthday activities (Wednesday afternoon):

• assist the nature educator to organize birthday parties in the nature (treasure hunt for example)

For the holiday camps (during the school breaks):

• help with the preparation of nature activities.

Volunteering in our Tzama project:

• You will be offered the opportunity to carry out a personal project. We are more than happy to assist you.
• You will have the opportunity to discuss your ideas/skills and experiences. Together we will consolidate the necessary alignment with our educational values set by Tzama.
• Your tutor will take the time during a weekly appointment to guide & support you in your project within our Tzama community.

ACCOMMODATION, FOOD AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS

Volunteers will have the opportunity to be accommodated on site in the Tzama house with another volunteer as roommate. For food needs, a monthly allowance will be given to the volunteer (7€ per day). This is in addition to the monthly pocket money (6€ per day).

TRAINING DURING THE PROJECT

There will be opportunity to attend personal development training sessions and to follow online French lessons.

Being daily with Montessori guides as well as with a nature educator is already a wonderful training opportunity which might be valuable for the next step in the volunteer career.

At the end of your volunteering time with us, you will receive a certificate called Youthpass attesting to all the skills worked and acquired during the year.

VOLUNTEER PROFILE

We are looking for a 21 to 30 years old volunteer, for a minimum period of 10 months, i.e., the school year.

We expect from our volunteer to love children and to have a level of sensitivity to work with children. Any previous experience of work with children would be valued.

French, English and German are expected to be used in the school. A high English level is an important asset. A native German volunteer would be a good complement to the team.

In addition, we would like to find a volunteer interested in ecological initiatives and in the creation of a pedagogic garden. It would be appreciated for our volunteers to love nature and enjoy being outdoors. We look forward hearing from you!