Various Schools, in the Northwest Territories, Canada

Length of Placement 5 Months

Language Requirements English   

Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada only

The Volunteer’s Role

The primary objective is to improve education outcomes for children in the far north of Canada. Volunteers will work in schools, at the request of local communities, in the Northwest Territories. Education volunteers support students in many different ways, depending on the specific skills and experience of a volunteer.

The volunteer placement may include the opportunity to:

• Work in schools as a tutor, primarily in math, science and English, from grades four through twelve;
• Help in many other capacities (including computer instruction, art, music, sports) depending on the skills and training of the volunteer and the needs of the school;
• Support students as an eLearning classroom monitor by actively working with the online host teacher to manage classroom routines, protocols and academic expectations;
• Assist in both local and school library staffing;
• Assist with teaching music, drama, public speaking, and radio and television communication;
• Assist with chaperoning students during field trips;
• Work in a student residence assisting the "house parents" in the day-to-day operation of the residence. This would include preparing meals, helping with social and recreational activities, and being prepared to do a wide variety of tasks.

Candidates Must:

• Be at least 18 years of age;
• Be able to pass a vulnerable sector police check;
• Have post-secondary level education experience.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience in teaching or tutoring, particularly with special needs students and teaching English as a second language (TESL).

Essential Background:

• Basic familiarity with Canada's history of colonialism and the resulting effects upon Indigenous people and communities

Desirable Background:

• Previous volunteer work experience, in any area, either in Canada or in other countries;
• Previous experience working with Indigenous peoples and Indigenous issues in Canada, will be considered an asset.

Support Package

• Modest monthly living allowance
• Accommodation while in placement
• Return airfare and visa/work permit costs
• Cost of required vaccinations, antimalarial medication and emergency medical insurance
• Pre-departure training  
• Access to Employee Assistance Program while in placement and upon return
• Cuso International assessment day (Candidates must cover the first $200 of the most cost-effective travel expenses and all accommodation costs).
• Travel and accommodation for the five-day pre-departure training course, if required