Volunteer With Us

Volunteers are at the heart of carrying Sandblast’s mission forward, especially the Desert Voicebox project on the ground. Thanks to the dedication, creativity, and care of our past and present volunteers, the programme has grown into a dynamic and transformative learning space for Saharawi children and teachers.

Whether supporting our work on the ground in the refugee camps or offering your skills remotely, volunteering in the UK, getting involved as a volunteer is a powerful way to help shape our work while gaining valuable professional and personal experience.

A group of saharawi children and a woman smiling and posing with peace signs outdoors during sunset, with a pink and purple sky, crescent moon, and radio towers in the background.

“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

Four young Saharawi girls participating in an activity, with some raising their hands and others making gestures, in a colorful classroom setting.

Volunteering in the Refugee Camps

  • Our on-the-ground volunteers often spend between two to four weeks in the Saharawi refugee camps, working directly with students and teachers.

  • Volunteering may include:

    • Delivering creative, stimulating workshops for students

    • Training teachers in English, music, classroom management, and pedagogy.

    • Volunteering your skills and time in different sectors in the refugee camp. (Eg. teaching IT skills to women, running sports activities, project management and development.)

Saharawi Children smiling and holding up colorful, handmade puppets on sticks during outdoor activity.

Volunteering Virtually

  • Not everyone can travel to the camps, but virtual volunteers are just as essential.

  • Volunteering online may include:

    • Delivering training sessions over WhatsApp or Zoom

    • Designing lesson plans or creative activity guides

    • Supporting curriculum development or programme evaluation

    • Providing pro bono consulting services for financial management, communications, and charity development.

Volunteering in the UK

  • Not everyone can travel to the camps, but virtual volunteers are just as essential.

  • Volunteering in the UK may include:

    • Supporting our events.

    • Providing support for our UK Summer Programme 2025 (cooking, venues, translators, Arabic to English, logistics)

    • Providing pro bono consulting services for financial management, communications, and charity development.

Ready To Join Us?

A woman and a young girl sitting on the floor indoors. The woman is wearing a floral hijab and dark clothing, smiling and looking to the side. The girl, wearing a light-colored jacket with fluffy sleeves, has her hands up and is making a grimace. They are seated close together on a patterned fabric, with a green door and peach-colored walls in the background.

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