Volunteering Opportunity as an Assistant at Schools in Liberia

Free Volunteering invites independent and motivated individuals from all around the world to apply for a volunteering opportunity as an assistant at a school in Liberia. A diverse group of volunteers were previously welcomed, who have helped train teachers, teach kids, and make a lasting impact on the lives of students. Volunteer rosters will depend on the skill set, but schools operate from Monday to Friday from 8am-2:30pm, and there is a great deal of flexibility to arrange a schedule that both allows applicants to be fully involved in life at the school, and a chance to explore other aspects of life in Liberia.

Eligibility criteria:

Ideally volunteers are independent, self-motivated, like working with kids, culturally sensitive, eager to learn, energetic and want to make a positive impact. Singles, couples, and families are welcomed but all individuals under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers should contact the website’s team to discuss their skill set and how they might best help, but they have a choice of working in the following areas:

[1] Assisting regular classroom teachers

[2] Running after-school programs (sport, art, singing, tutoring) 

[3] Assisting in the school vegetable garden

[4] Assisting with general maintenance tasks (painting, grass-cutting, basic carpentry, electrical repairs).

[5] Computer training with the administrative staff

 [6] Covering 32.5 hours per week (weekends are free)

What is covered:

[1] Free accommodation is available on campus with a private bedroom, shared bathroom, kitchen and living facilities. It is clean, comfortable and secure with running water and power 13 hours a day

[2] Free lunches are available from the school cafeteria on weekdays, though volunteers are responsible for all other meals. There are also several local restaurants where meals can be purchased relatively cheaply. Traveling to large supermarkets can be arranged with the project staff, though private taxis and motorbike rides are also available

[3] Volunteers are responsible for their own flights and airfares but will be greeted at the airport by the project staff who will drive them to campus

Benefits of volunteering:

[1] Volunteers are expected to gain experience in teaching, staff coaching/skills transfer or agriculture. They will work with both young children and teenagers, build cross-cultural awareness, and learn to problem-solve

[2] For younger volunteers (particularly under 18), this is a great chance to build confidence, independence and social awareness

[3] The opportunity to be part of a real Liberian community

[4] Walking distance from beaches and lagoon

[5] Close proximity to the river and dense bush with great wildlife

[6] Within Liberia, many goods and services are available locally

About Free Volunteering:

Free Volunteering is a website which provides youth from all around the globe to be part of a volunteering team in many countries around the world.

About Liberia:

Liberia is a country on the West African coast with a population of around 4,700,000 people. English is the official language and over 20 indigenous languages are spoken, representing the numerous ethnic groups who make up more than 95% of the population. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Liberia comes 10th ahead of Spain, Japan, the US and the UK as one of Africa’s cleanest cities. In 2010, the literacy rate of Liberia was estimated at 60.8% (64.8% for males and 56.8% for females), while in some areas primary and secondary education is free and compulsory from the ages of 6 to 16, though enforcement of attendance is lax.