• Quality Education

Home school review

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Personalized school reinforcement.
  • Develop your proposal for home workshops.
  • The volunteer will be able to accompany and transmit their knowledge to children of different levels.
  • immersion in culture.
  • enjoy natural and green areas.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups

About the program

The volunteer will be able to accompany and transmit their knowledge to children of different academic levels to reinforce and improve their school performance.

Along with providing guidance in the study process, we are faced with the reality that many of the children we work with face considerable challenges in terms of their knowledge in subjects such as mathematics, Spanish, English, and others. This situation is largely the result of the limitations in ...

About the program

Along with providing guidance in the study process, we are faced with the reality that many of the children we work with face considerable challenges in terms of their knowledge in subjects such as mathematics, Spanish, English, and others. This situation is largely the result of the limitations in basic resources that their families face. The lack of access to quality education is compounded by the economic constraints present in these children's homes, which prevents a developmentally appropriate education.

Our commitment is to provide these children not only with academic support, but also with the tools and resources necessary for them to approach their education with confidence and preparedness, regardless of the economic constraints they face at home. We seek to empower them to overcome these difficulties and reach their full academic and personal potential. Through this work, we aim to break the cycle of disadvantage and provide opportunities that allow them a brighter future.

Activities 

  • At home, we mainly work on the children's homework. In addition, we take advantage of this time to carry out didactic activities that are directly related to the subjects and level of each child. 
  • We prioritise reading, writing and mathematics. 
  • Moreover, it is a space where you can do things that you are good at apart from helping the children in educational matters.
  • Design and develop complementary educational activities that they can use at home.
  • Offer assistance in English, Spanish, mathematics, geography, among other subjects.  
  • Keep in mind: When assisting in the homes (which is your project) you cannot go to the school just to know how it works, remember that you are working with children.

Typical day

Monday to Friday

9:00 to 11:00 a.m. / 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.: This is a space where the volunteer attends to groups of children in their own homes. 

In both spaces we seek for everyone who is part to enjoy and live together in a pleasant and harmonious way.

Please note: The schedules of the homes may vary ...

Typical day

Monday to Friday

9:00 to 11:00 a.m. / 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.: This is a space where the volunteer attends to groups of children in their own homes. 

In both spaces we seek for everyone who is part to enjoy and live together in a pleasant and harmonious way.

Please note: The schedules of the homes may vary depending on the family and the activities that the children have. For this reason there are usually some changes.


Free initiative

It is a space where volunteers can carry out workshops and activities that they are good at and share with the children.

Depending on the number of volunteers we will divide into groups. We want the workshops, activities and school support to be a way of learning, sharing, having fun and getting out of the routine. It is therefore important that every volunteer who is part of the project brings a PROPOSAL FOR AN ACTIVITY OR WORKSHOP.

This proposal can be related to your profession, your talents, hobbit or with themes such as sewing, art, yoga, gardening, recycling and self-knowledge.

Free-time activities

San Blas Islands

Considered the most beautiful islands in all of Latin America.  Visitors choose them for their crystal clear waters and white sand.  These islands are 3 hours from Panama City.  

Bocas del Toro

It is very close to the Costa Rican border. On its beaches you can regularly go surfing, ...

Free-time activities

San Blas Islands

Considered the most beautiful islands in all of Latin America.  Visitors choose them for their crystal clear waters and white sand.  These islands are 3 hours from Panama City.  

Bocas del Toro

It is very close to the Costa Rican border. On its beaches you can regularly go surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, enjoy the sun and the nightlife among many other activities.  

Santa Catalina-Santiago Beach

It is a small coastal town, during the day you can go to the beach and go surfing.  You can also book an excursion to Coiba Island. 

Portobello and Mamey Island-Colón

This beautiful and historic place located in the Caribbean area can be visited in a weekend. 

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak Spanish (intermediate level)

Education Requirements

Flexibility, adaptability, proactive and respect for culture, creative, dynamic, listening skills, empathic at High school level

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

Passport and Travel insurance with civil liability and accident

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Committed Available for other activities Motivated Participative Empathetic Observation skills Enthusiasm Intermediate level of Spanish

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:00 - 17:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by La Escuelita

What is provided to the volunteer

  • Information and accompaniment before and during your incorporation.
  • Accommodation during the induction and your participation as a volunteer.
  • Breakfast in the mornings from Monday to Friday.
  • Lunches from Monday to Friday.
  • Dinners from Monday to Thursday.
  • Orientation to the project and the village (Sundays).
  • On-site coordinator.
  • Volunteer certificate.


Not provided 

  • Airfare, bus, taxi, other.
  • Vaccinations and visas if required.
  • Airport pick-up.
  • Internal transport, including to and from projects.
  • Excursions.
  • Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on the weekend, including Friday dinner.
  • International medical insurance (Compulsory).
  • Cost of criminal and sexual police background check (required for this project).
  • Cost of transportation to and from the project site and accommodation (approximately $1.50 per day).

Accommodation

    Distribution of the house


    • We have 3 rooms with fans, bunk beds with foam mattresses:
    • 8-bed room 
    • 6-bed room 
    • 4-bedded room 
    • We have two bathing areas: No hot water
    • Kitchen for common use
    • Drinking water on tap
    • Lounge (rest area)
    Laundry area: Use of washing machine and dryer at a low cost of 10$ (only on Mondays and Thursdays). In case you do not want this service you have a semi manual washing machine or space to wash by hand.

    It is important to note that the rooms are shared and volunteers are assigned according to their arrival date, thus ensuring an equal and comfortable distribution for everyone. 

    Please note that this is a simple house with the basic comforts of a Panamanian family.

    Food & Beverages

    • Desayuno en las mañanas de lunes a viernes.
    • Almuerzos de lunes a viernes.
    • Cenas de lunes a jueves.
      • Drinks are not included, in Chame which is the area where we are located the water is drinkable.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Tocumen International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City. We assist you to find cheap flights to Panama. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Panama provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Panama you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Panama. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Joining the project and arrival in the country

    • You must arrive on a SATURDAY (see list of arrival days).
    • Induction day on SUNDAY.
    • The first day in the houses is MONDAY.


    The home support project is open during the Panamanian school term.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    4 weeks (min. stay) 915€
    5 weeks 1,094€
    6 weeks 1,272€
    7 weeks 1,451€
    8 weeks 1,630€
    9 weeks 1,809€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 2,346€
    Average fees 212€/week

    Program fees

    212€ per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with La Escuelita during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    Meet your organization

    La Escuelita

    Excellent 4.8 rating (16 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2015

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Good response rate

    Coordinated by

    Evelin

    Spoken languages: English, Spanish

    About the project

    We develop and support projects focused on teaching and conservation of sea turtles and animals.

    Meet your organization

    Who we are? and What we do?
    We are a socio-community project that seeks to contribute to the educational and social growth of several villages in Panama.
    In many parts of Panama, it is common to find children and young people who have educational difficulties due to the limited resources available to them. Based on this problem and the common passion for education of many of the people who fight for the improvement of education in our country, we decided to create a space where we can have an impact with school reinforcement to improve the quality of education for the population.
     
    The sustainability of the project depends on the participation of volunteers, which is why we have been creating learning spaces in the village of Chame and the schools, as well as going to the homes of the children we have on the list (in need of support). These spaces are available for people who have the desire and enthusiasm to accompany us in this experience from 2 weeks.

    Where we work?
    The teaching methodology of the Panamanian education system is often quite traditional. Many of the children have a high rate of absenteeism, failing to pass the exams to enter secondary school (one of the reasons why they drop out).

    Seeing the low indexes in the quality of education that Panama has, the neglect of natural areas and mistreated animals, as well as being the country where I was born and studied, I decided to collaborate and support volunteer projects or projects that were focused on providing educational tools according to the age of the children, to give them within our possibilities a future with better opportunities and adequate social and work possibilities.

    Despite this need, Panama is often a country: 
    • For sure
    • With a good economy (although it does not reach all its citizens).
    • Culture and traditions that are maintained in the different provinces. 
    • Places such as beaches, volcanoes, biodiversity of fauna and flora.
    • Experiences that you can only live in a country that is considered to be a "tri-race country" because of its cultural diversity.
    Because of the above mentioned, it is an ideal destination for a volunteer, both young and old, as you can walk around in peace and quiet and visit the unique places that Panama has and support education.

    Mission
    To promote the growth and development of the skills of children and young people with educational difficulties from vulnerable communities through teaching, educational and leisure games, in order to provide more targeted support to ensure personal and professional growth.

    Vision
    To create opportunities to achieve skills development for children and young people from vulnerable communities.

    Values
    • Strength: Strength, balance and prudence in working with the children and young people who attend our after-school space are the best guarantees of the work and growth we do, as well as creating long-term value for them.
    • Respect: We strive for self-respect, respect for the rights and dignity of all people and respect for children.
    • Honesty: It is necessary to create an honest environment within the school review space where we work with the children, as well as the people who work directly with them, the teachers.
    • Social Responsibility: We know that to involve the children and the community where they live in the activities we do, it is necessary and vital, the participation of families, teachers, coordinators and volunteers, seeking the intermediation between all social actors through the collaboration and work of volunteers in the projects and activities that we develop.
    Why volunteer in Panama and why volunteer with us?
    • Many of the children have a high rate of absenteeism, they do not manage to pass the exams to enter secondary school, (one of the reasons why they drop out of school). 
    • Not to mention the lack of environmental awareness in the communities that are located near protected areas where sea turtles and other species live and live there.  
    • Another much-needed project is the protection and care of wild animals in Central America, which due to deforestation, illegal trafficking, attempted domestication or mistreatment suffer a decline of the species year after year.
    • The escuelita has also been involved in preserving the customs and cultures of indigenous communities that have been largely rejected by society.
    Seeing the low rates in the quality of education that Panama has, the neglect of natural areas and mistreated animals, besides being the country where I was born and studied, I decided to collaborate and support volunteer projects or those that were focused on providing educational tools according to the age of the children, to give them within our possibilities a future with better opportunities and adequate social and work possibilities.

    Through projects such as Donate your voice, one child, one backpack, donations of school materials, food and transport, we have reached more than 3,000 children in the community where we work.

    We try to generate the greatest positive impact in the areas and places where we collaborate. 

    16 reviews · rating4.8

    Nora Zang rating5

    2024 at Supporter at a Workshop for Women

    My husband and me had a wonderful time as volunteers at La Escuelita! We came as volunteers and felt like family from the first moment. Evelin and her team are really doing their best to make everyone feel comfortable. Also all the children and women we met in the project were kind, funny, ...
    Alfredo Caranna rating5

    2023 at Help in Construction

    Traveling, meeting new people and lending a helping hand to those in need is one of the most fulfilling experiences in life. Our volunteer experience at Escuelita, located in the heart of Chame, Panama, offered all of this and so much more. From the very beginning, we were welcomed like family and ...
    Melissa Levy rating5

    2023 at Local Sea Turtle Conservation

    We learned so much about the challenges facing sea turtles and the efforts of the local community to monitor and protect them. We participated in nightly patrols and various daytime projects to support the project. We had a fabulous sightseeing nature cruise to local islands to snorkel and see ...
    Alexandre Ichiro Ide Shimohira rating4.4

    2023 at Help in Construction

    La pasé muy bien, conocí mucha gente, aprendí un poco lo relacionado con mi carrera y pude ejercerla en este voluntariado. Encontré mucho más de lo que había pensando en un ...
    Lisa Rass rating4.2

    2023 at Help in Construction

    I only stayed one week in La Escuelita, but it felt like home. People there are very welcoming and appreciate your help and support. I loved to live not only with other volunteers but also with a local family (monther + her daughters), that gave me a special insight about the real panamenian ...
    Google Translator: La escuelita school review. Through this project, I have been able to support children from the school in Chame. Most of them have difficulties with reading, writing and mathematics. The days I stayed there, I went to the village school and supported them in the classroom. I ...

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Panama > Chame

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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Education  >  Youth Teaching in Panama
    Contact Evelin
      Good response rate
    English, Spanish

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