As a teacher, you know how to communicate with people. You know how to plan, schedule, set up assignments, give lessons and deal with everything that comes your way. You also have the people skils necessary to deal with everything from front-office politics to the kid who is crying over his first broken heart. With skills like that, charities around the world would be happy to have you around for a summer or two!
There are countless charities out there, and they are all in need of funds and help. You can give them what they need by taking a summer to devote to the charity of your choice. Here are a few options for those who want to do something good for others and get away for a while, all at the same time.
Set up Schools. Many countries torn by war and civil unrest are struggling to get back on their feet. One of the first things that falls to the wayside during the rough times are the schools. In fact, some countries are working to rebuild their schools after rockets tore apart the buildings. You can aid in the effort by collecting school supplies throughout the year and then spending the summer months on the site, providing support for the teachers who will be handling the classes once the school begins again.
Feed the Children. There are countless children going hungry every day. You can put your teaching skills to use and join with a charity that helps villages learn new ways to grow their own foods. You can also help to distribute much needed supplies. If you are fluent in a foreign language, that’s another bonus.
Provide Medical Care. For some charities, there are just too many people to help and not enough hands to do it. If you aren’t squeamish about blood and you are open to learning the basics of field nursing, you can help innoculate children against diseases, provide medications for health problems and teach individuals about proper hygiene and wound care.
Be a translator. If you are fluent in a foreign language, your skills are needed to help charity workers cross the language barrier. Be prepared to speak to anyone about anything – you never know what will be needed.
Work to Create Sustainable Systems. Digging a well during your summer break might not seem like the coolest job in the world, but when you see how you will be helping hundreds of people, suddenly that well becomes a beautiful thing, indeed. There is a real need for sustainable systems in less fortunate countries, and your education background gives you the skills to be a fast learner. If you are skilled in the sciences, that’s even better.
It might not be a money-making position, but helping out with charity work can be more rewarding than any paycheck. If you have a free summer and you want to make a difference, charity work is the answer.