Volunteer with Us

Group of young saharawi refugee children standing in a room, appearing to be singing or reciting, with a woman partially visible in front of them, likely leading or instructing.

Why Volunteer?

Make a Difference, Build Connections, Change Lives

At Sandblast, volunteers are essential. Your time, talent, and passion help keep our projects running and allow us to continue advocating for the Saharawi people. If you care about human rights, love the arts, and want to contribute your skills toward meaningful change, volunteering with Sandblast is a powerful way to get involved.

We welcome volunteers with diverse levels of experience to support both our UK operations and our flagship project, Desert Voicebox, in the Saharawi refugee camps.

    • Develop professional and creative skills

    • Build meaningful experience in human rights and international development

    • Deepen your understanding of the Saharawi struggle and the region

    • Connect with inspiring people and join a global solidarity network

    • Strengthen your CV with cross-cultural, educational, and leadership experience

    • Give children valuable opportunities to practice English with fluent speakers

    • Create global friendships and promote cultural exchange

    • Bring fresh energy, creativity, and joy to daily camp life

    • Expand our ability to deliver and grow projects like Desert Voicebox

    • Contribute fresh ideas and help us spot critical needs

    • Boost our outreach, advocacy, and fundraising impact

Download Our Volunteer Infopack

“I was treated like a family member from the first moment. The generosity and hospitality is part of who the Saharawis are.”

— Anastasia Oleinik, Art & Music Volunteer

Volunteering for Desert Voicebox

A young saharawi woman in a blue hijab and beige and white clothing sitting on the floor playing with colorful xylophones and mallets, with other people around her also engaged in the activity.
Blue wall with multiple handprint and fingerprint stains, including a large handprint, smaller handprints, and fingerprints, some with smudges and marks.
Saharawi hildren playing with a colorful parachute outdoors, with a girl in the foreground holding the parachute and four girls in the background standing on dirt ground, in front of buildings and small trees.
A painting of a white mug with Arabic writing, a Tidinit, and a blue sky background with a hint of green.

Desert Voicebox is a one-of-a-kind after-school programme providing English and music education to over 60 primary school-aged children. Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting local teachers, developing creative workshops, and expanding the children’s learning horizons.

Volunteering Opportunities

  • Desert landscape with a rainbow in the sky, scattered clouds, a solitary tree, a red shipping container, two trucks, and a white building in the distance.

    Teacher Trainers

    Desert Voicebox is seeking experienced Teacher Trainers to lead or co-lead a teacher training program for local women preparing to become English language teachers in the Saharawi refugee camps.

    This is a full-time in-country role for a highly experienced educator who can help lead a practical, in-person training program over approximately three months. The role includes workshops, observation, feedback, practice teaching, and collaboration with the wider Desert Voicebox team.

    • Time: The exact dates of the training are still being finalized, but it will most likely run for a 3-month period between mid-December and mid-May.

    This is a compensated role.

    Learn more about our Teacher Training Initiative

    Learn More Available Roles
  • Close-up of a circular cutout in a red fabric with white polka dots, revealing a pink fabric underneath.

    Creative Arts Workshop

    Creative Workshops have now become an integral part of the Desert Voicebox after-school programme. From theater and circus arts, to film photography and rap: we are open to all styles of creative expression as well as workshops that promote musicality through singing and instrument learning ukelele, recorder and piano in particular!

    If you have a passion for the cause, a creative talent, and like to work with children, we would love to hear from you.

    • Time: Minimum 4 weeks in person, with longer stays preferred to build trust and connection.

    • Skills: Artistic expertise; experience teaching children or vulnerable groups; adaptability; enthusiasm; preferably native English or Spanish.

    Learn More About Available Roles
  • Close-up of a weathered painted wooden surface with peeling paint in white, green, pink, and dark blue colors.

    Virtual Speaking Buddy

    Take part in our Virtual Speaking Buddies Programme!

    Join one-on-one student sessions in our Speaking Buddies Programme.  Volunteers meet one-on-one with Saharawi students (ages 10–16) for 30–45 minutes, twice a week.

    The goal is building confidence and encouraging them to feel comfortable speaking. Speaking Buddies create a space for our older students to express themselves and give them a chance to connect across cultures. 

    • Time: One to Two 30 to 40 minute sessions weekly

    Learn More about Available Roles
  • Abstract painting with blue sky background and green, pink, and gray strokes resembling foliage at the top.

    Remote Research Assistant

    For those interested in advocacy work, we have created a new role for Research Assistants.

    Passionate, justice driven individuals with relevant experience can join our team. In this role, you can support ongoing research, generate content, and explore topics of interest to help bolster our advocacy network and portfolio of projects. 

    • Time: Flexible hours, with a preferred commitment of 2 months, potential to be project based.

    • Skills: Relevant work or academic experience in areas such as policy studies, Arabic language, History. Strong writing skills are always a plus!

    Check out this article by our Research Assistant Manon!

    Learn More About Available Roles
  • Close-up of a piece of paper with a pink, red, and white tie-dye pattern.

    English Language Training

    • Provide one-to-one or small-group English lessons for local teachers and community members.

    • Focus on conversational English, writing, and reading, tailored to different skill levels.

    • Time: Minimum 2 months online or in person.

    • Skills: TEFL/TESOL certification preferred; experience in adult learning; flexibility; native or near-native English proficiency.

    Learn More About Available Roles

How it Works?

Apply

Send us an email with your CV, cover letter, availability, and (if applicable) a short preliminary proposal (200–300 words) outlining your teaching or training plan.

Approval & Planning

If your application is approved, you’ll work closely with our project manager and founding director to develop a tailored teaching and travel plan (if applicable).

Agreement & Safeguarding

Before starting, you’ll sign our Volunteer Agreement and Safeguarding Policy to ensure everyone’s safety, clarity, and shared expectations.

Volunteer

Enjoy your volunteer experience—whether in the camps, online, or in the UK Summer Programme—knowing you’re making a real difference.

Wrap-Up & Reflection

At the end of your placement, we’ll ask you to submit a short evaluation detailing your experience, key learnings, and recommendations. This helps us improve and helps you reflect on the amazing work you’ve done.

Sign up to Volunteer!

Three saharawi women wearing traditional clothing walking on sandy terrain towards a desert village with small, flat-roofed buildings under a blue sky in Western Sahara

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!