Poland: ESC: More than just a school

About the local hosting organization

The association runs Gdynian Social School. This primary school as an initiative of the the group of parents and teachers who were looking for an alternative and qulity education for children with special needs. The school exist since 1990 and concenrates on a work with children sight impaired as well as with other health problems. Healthy children are also wellcome to attand the school and experience school life in a differenet than in public schools athmosphere. The entire building and teaching methods are subordinated to the specific needs of children who would not be satisfied elsewhere. It is a small institution (160 pupils) for children from the 1st till 8th grade (6-15 years old), where we work on the relations between younger and older kids, kids and teachers as well as a triangle of relations between teachers, kids and parents. The school is run as part of an NGO, which is of great importance because apart from the framework program, the teacher and parents join in all the extra classes. All optional classes from 14 to 17 are an additional initiative within the association. Parents share their passions and professional experience after lessons as part of their faculties. Teachers often (aa well as parents) join in by conducting additional classes and taking part in various actions (social campaigns, charity campaigns, school events). The minimum of the school program is implemented, and the rest of the working schedule is filled with the optional classes implemented by trainers and parents. They are focused on development, cooperation and discovering passions. Children with sight impairments are covered by typhlological care, help in educational struggles and supporting visual-auditory coordination. However, these children still need extra time devoted to them, supporting them, playing together and integrating. Therefore, we have a lot of extracurricular activities, like volunteering club, meetings with "interesting people", intercultural education workshops etc.

Presentation of the programme

The Gdynia Social School is the primary school run by the association. The Social School is run by the association to introduce alternative methods of education. It focuses on working with kids also with special needs e.g. children with sight impairment, autism and other disorders or health problems. It is a small institution for 160 pupils 6-15 years old. We work in small groups of max 20 pupils. You will work in a group of 3 volunteers from different countries under the supervision of the school’s pedagogist. You will create integration and energizing games for kids, organize workshops, help teachers during the classes, work with kids with special needs, organize charity events, teach languages etc. All depend on your skills and interests!

About the accomodation

Volunteer will be provided with: - accommodation in a rented flat, in 1-2 persons room shared with other volunteers - monthly pocket money and allowance - monthly budget for bus ticket in Gdynia.

About the leisure activities

Volunteer is obliged to participate in training provided by National Agency (On-arrival training and Mid-term training) as well as trainings run and and organized by supporting organization.

Requirements

The Participant profile: We are looking for volunteers who believe that education is an everyday experience based on fun and being together. They perceive education as a tool for social change and as a way to develop passions. We are searching for people who enjoy close contact with others, are creative, independent and patient, and who are constantly looking for new inspiration and innovative methods in education. Candidates should be residents of the EU or of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. They should not have commitments like work or study. We are looking for a person who can stay with us for a minimum of 10 months, preferably 12. To apply please fill in the application form. All info here: https://cwm.org.pl/wolontariat-miedzynarodowy/556Deadline: