Why This Project Matters
In Puerto Escondido, schools play an important role not only in education, but also in giving children a safe and supportive environment in which to learn, develop, and spend their day. Local teachers care for children with different needs and personalities, and additional hands can make a meaningful difference in giving individual children more attention and creating varied activities.
As a volunteer, you support a local primary school and work with children between six and twelve years old, from first to sixth grade. Your role is to support the teachers rather than replace them: bringing time, energy, creativity, and new ideas into the children's everyday school life.
Your Project
Your main role is to support the local teachers in caring for and engaging the children. The aim is to create a positive environment where children can learn, be creative, play, and receive additional individual attention.
Your activities may include:
Supporting teachers with children from first to sixth grade
Playing and organising activities with the children
Arts & crafts and painting
Educational games and creative activities
Outdoor games and physical activities
Helping keep children engaged and motivated
Bringing your own ideas and initiative into the daily programme
The project usually runs Monday to Friday until midday, leaving your afternoons free. Tasks can vary according to the school's current needs and schedule.
Our child protection guidelines apply throughout the project.
Your Spanish Course
Before your social project begins, you'll complete an included Spanish course in Puerto Escondido. During your language-course week, you don't volunteer, allowing you to focus completely on improving your Spanish before working with the children. Classes take place Monday to Friday in the mornings and are adapted to your current language level.
The standard course includes 25 lessons of 50 minutes per week. Classes are taught in small groups, and your Spanish textbook is included as well.
The language school is located in the same building as the wayers Home, making it easy to meet other participants. Workshops and activities such as salsa and Mexican cooking give you another opportunity to practise your Spanish and experience local culture.
Who You Will Be Working With
At the project, you'll work alongside local teachers and staff. You'll become part of the existing school routine, supporting rather than replacing the local team.
You're also surrounded by the wayers community. Other participants live with you in the exclusive wayers Home or apartments, and our local team is there to support you throughout your stay. The language school being directly inside the wayers Home makes it especially easy to connect with others from the beginning.
What We Except From You
You don't need professional teaching or childcare experience. What matters most is that you enjoy working with children and bring patience, tolerance, confidence, and a sense of responsibility.
Creativity and initiative are especially valuable. Whether you come up with a new game, organise a creative activity, or find a way to engage a quieter child, you should be willing to get involved rather than simply observe. Basic Spanish is helpful for communicating with the children and local team, and your included language course prepares you further for the project.
What Can You Except From Us
Before departure, we'll prepare you with an online preparation seminar, access to the wayers Lounge, our digital wayers Workbook, detailed travel information, and the opportunity to connect with other participants before you leave.
Once in Mexico, your package includes airport transfers in Puerto Escondido, a local welcome and orientation, your Spanish course and textbook, contacts at your project, personal support from our local team, and a 24-hour emergency line in Germany and Mexico. After returning home, you'll receive a certificate of participation.
Life at the wayers Home
The wayers Home is right in the heart of Puerto Escondido and less than 500 metres from the beach. Spend your afternoons by the pool, relax in the garden, or head to the beach with other wayers participants. The language school is located in the same building, creating a lively wayers community where it's easy to meet people and make plans together.
Travel with Confidence
With wayers, you're not travelling alone. From preparation before departure to your arrival and everyday life in Mexico, our teams support you throughout your experience. You'll have personal contacts on site, assistance with your project and language course, and access to our 24-hour emergency support in both Germany and Mexico.
