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

“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 Trainer

    • Train local Saharawi women in English, music, lesson planning, and classroom management. Can be done both in-person, and online.

    • Share teaching strategies adapted to the refugee camp context and introduce new games, activities, and techniques.

    • Time: 2–6 weeks in person (September–April) or year-round online.

    • Skills: Experience in teacher training, curriculum design, working in under-resourced settings; primary education focus; native or near-native English proficiency.

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  • Close-up of a piece of paper with a pink, red, and white tie-dye pattern.

    English Language Training (In-person or online)

    • 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 2 weeks in person.

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

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  • Abstract painting with blue sky background and green, pink, and gray strokes resembling foliage at the top.

    Creative English Workshops for Children

    • Lead interactive, imaginative English workshops using storytelling, role-play, games, or theatre.

    • Help improve students’ English while boosting their creativity and confidence.

    • Time: Minimum 2 weeks in person (September–May); longer stays highly encouraged.

    • Skills: Experience working with children; TEFL/TESOL helpful; creative teaching methods; adaptability; native or near-native English proficiency.

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

    Visual and Performing Arts Workshops

    • Offer hands-on workshops in music, visual arts, movement, or theatre.

    • Teach children how to explore creativity with limited resources and help preserve Saharawi cultural traditions.

    • Time: Minimum 2 weeks in person; longer stays preferred to build trust and connection.

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

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

    General Volunteering

    • Assisting at public and fundraising events

    • Supporting the UK Summer Programme 2025 (e.g. cooking, venue hosting, translation between Arabic and English, logistics)

    • Offering pro bono consulting in areas such as financial management, communications, and charity development

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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!