The program collaborates with government-run kindergartens to provide essential support for low-income families in need of quality childcare. While placements may vary based on community needs, you can expect to work with a lively classroom of 10-15 young learners.

Your role will be both dynamic and rewarding, combining childcare with interactive learning. You will help ensure the well-being of the children, manage classroom activities, and work alongside local staff to create engaging learning experiences. Through play-based lessons and creative activities, you will introduce basic English skills while fostering a love for learning.

In addition to teaching, you will assist with daily caregiving tasks, including meal preparation, feeding, supervising nap time, and maintaining a clean and safe environment.

General Tasks

• Engage with young learners by supporting preschool-aged children (2-5 years old) in underserved communities.
• Work in partnership with local government-run kindergartens to provide vital childcare and early education.
• Introduce basic English skills through fun and interactive learning methods.
• Assist with caregiving tasks such as meal preparation, feeding, and nap time supervision.
• Use songs, games, storytelling, and art to create an engaging and stimulating classroom experience.
• Immerse yourself in Colombian culture by working closely with local teachers, children, and families.
• Gain valuable teaching experience, develop leadership and communication skills, and make a meaningful impact.

Your Role

As a kindergarten educator in Cartagena, Colombia, you will play a key role in the early development of children aged 3 to 5. This stage is critical for building cognitive, social, and emotional skills that lay the foundation for future academic success.

Before starting, it is important to understand your key responsibilities, which include:

• Curriculum Implementation – Work alongside local educators to deliver age-appropriate lessons aligned with the national curriculum.
• Personalized Support – Provide one-on-one assistance to children with special needs or those who require additional help.
• Language Development – Introduce basic English phrases and communication skills in a fun and engaging way.
• Play-Based Learning – Encourage learning through hands-on activities that promote cognitive and social development.
• Classroom Management – Create a structured, safe, and positive learning environment.
• Progress Monitoring – Track each child’s development, maintain records, and provide feedback to parents or guardians.
• Extracurricular Activities – Engage children in activities such as music, dance, sports, and creative arts to support their overall growth.
• Community Engagement – Build strong relationships with students, families, and fellow educators to become an integral part of the local community.

Note: Participants should be proactive and prepared for language barriers, as local teachers may not speak English.

Location

Cartagena, a vibrant coastal city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is renowned for its rich history, colourful colonial architecture, and lively cultural scene. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cartagena’s walled city is filled with cobblestone streets, historic forts, and charming plazas that offer a glimpse into its colonial past. The city is also known for its beautiful beaches, such as Playa Blanca and Bocagrande, where visitors can relax and enjoy the tropical climate. Cartagena’s bustling markets, vibrant street art, and delicious local cuisine reflect its diverse cultural heritage.

Project Tasks

• Strengthen children’s confidence while improving their English skills, preparing them for future opportunities.
• Promote early childhood education and cognitive development by fostering a strong foundation for learning.
• Encourage cultural exchange and broaden children’s perspectives through meaningful interactions.
• Support holistic development by engaging children in creative and physical activities that nurture their talents and well-being.