Special Needs Education – Volunteer Trails

Join iPromise Learning & Development Centre in Brusubi, The Gambia’s first dedicated school for children with learning difficulties and disabilities, as a Classroom Support & Inclusive Education Assistant. Volunteers support small classes (ages 3–11) through activities like circle time, storytelling, arts and crafts, life-skills coaching, and sensory play, always under staff supervision. Founded and led by an Occupational Therapist, iPromise provides individualized, child-centred learning for children with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other developmental challenges. As a volunteer, you’ll bring patience, creativity, and teamwork to help children build confidence, independence, and essential skills, while also offering much-needed encouragement and hope to families. Flexible placements are available year-round, starting from two weeks.

Role

Classroom Support & Inclusive Education Assistant

Partner Organisation

iPromise Learning & Development Centre

Location

Brusubi Phase 1, The Gambia

Language

English (basic local phrases welcome)

Age Limits

18+ (solo). Under 18s may participate with a responsible adult (18+). Families welcome.

Type of Travel

Study Visit / Voluntary Work / Group Expedition

Availability

Open year-round (closed during public/school holidays per national calendar)

Dates

Flexible start and end dates

Duration

Minimum 2 weeks; maximum duration is not limited.

Schedule

Mon–Fri, 08:00–16:00; typical volunteer shift 3–5 hours/day

About iPromise

iPromise Learning & Development Centre is The Gambia’s first dedicated school for children with learning difficulties and disabilities, founded and led by Doreen Dia, an Occupational Therapist. The team provides child-centred, adapted learning with small classes, a calming room for regulation, and individualized academic and life-skills targets. Conditions supported include autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and general intellectual delays.

Ages served: 3–11 years | ~50 learners across 5 classrooms | ≈1:4 support ratio

What is Occupational Therapy (OT) at iPromise?
OT helps children build everyday skills—sensory regulation, fine and gross motor control, communication, self-care (feeding, dressing, hygiene), play, and social-emotional skills—so they can participate more independently at school, at home, and in the community.

Why your help matters

Many families have been told these children are “unteachable.” iPromise proves otherwise—progress happens with time, patience, and adapted methods. As a volunteer, you’ll help deliver individualized learning and model professionalism (punctuality, reliability, positive communication) in a context where specialized training and resources are limited.

Role overview (what you’ll do) — under staff supervision

Circle time & routines: greetings, songs, movement, calendar, transitions
Storytelling & language games: read-alouds, turn-taking, vocabulary; AAC as guided
Arts, crafts & sensory play: set up stations, guide fine-motor tasks, tidy/reset
1:1 or small-group learning: practise letters, numbers, matching, sequencing at each child’s pace
Life-skills coaching: handwashing, dressing practice; assist with feeding plans (after training)
Movement & motor activities: gross-motor play, balance, coordination games
Calming room support: help children regulate and re-join class per protocol
Classroom prep: photocopying, laminating, organizing visuals/PECS/schedules, tidying
Observation notes: brief notes using the school template; contribute to developmental reports
Playground & transitions: inclusive play; arrival/dismissal support; positive behaviour reinforcement

Volunteers can attend anytime between 08:00 and 16:00; schedules are arranged with the head teacher. Lessons end 15:15. A simple staff meal is provided for staff; volunteer inclusion is arranged with the team.

Who we’re looking for

Patient, calm, and consistent; enjoys working with children.
Punctual and professional—models good work ethics (on time, prepared, respectful)
Comfortable following individualized plans and teacher/OT guidance.
Background in education, psychology, OT, ST, SEN—or eagerness to learn.
Cultural sensitivity and strong teamwork.

Safeguarding & boundaries (pre-arrival agreement)

Always supervised with children; no independent therapy sessions
No medical procedures or medication administration
No physical restraint; follow de-escalation and calming-room protocols
No photos or social media featuring children without written consent
Confidentiality and data protection are mandatory
Reference checks and a basic background check may be required before placement

Training & supervision

Before arrival, you’ll receive a brief handbook and complete an online orientation. On arrival, a coordinator meets you and accompanies you to the placement. Day one includes a safeguarding briefing, site tour, and introductions to your named supervisor. You’ll shadow for the first day or two, then gradually lead short activities with feedback. Expect brief daily check-ins, a quick review after week one, and ongoing support from the coordination team. The placement ends with a short debrief and, on request, a certificate/reference.

How to prepare

Prepare two simple workshops per day (morning and late morning), co-planned with local teachers
Focus areas: creativity, sensory play, dancing, nursery rhymes, storytelling, early literacy/numeracy

Program Goals

Children communicating more, tolerating routines better, and gaining confidence.
Improved self-care skills (especially feeding and hygiene).
Families experiencing hope and inclusion.
Class teams better resourced and supported day-to-day.

Wish list

Storybooks, laminated visuals, sensory toys, fine-motor tools, adaptive cutlery, craft supplies

Logistics

Accommodation

We recommend accommodation in shared rooms for volunteers.

Meals

Local breakfast/self-preparation/supermarket; lunch with the team; self-catering/ordering/restaurants

Distance from work

10 km

Transportation to work

• Public transport + walk (≈ 30 min), approx. GMD 24
• Taxi (≈ 10 min), approx. GMD 400

Free time

Travel/sightseeing—we can help arrange

How it works?

Click HERE to learn everything you need to know—in one place—about how volunteering with us works and how to prepare.

Stories of Our Volunteers

Zala Košir

This can’t be started differently than to say that the experience was amazing, and it truly warmed my heart. If you are thinking of going to The Gambia as a volunteer, don’t wait any longer – just go for it. You won’t regret it. I know I should start at the beginning, so I’ll go back now.