Under the Hood II is an exceptional European Solidarity Corps (ESC) team volunteering opportunity in Sint Maarten, designed for participants who are interested in social inclusion, non-formal education, prison reform and community-based solidarity work.
Following the experience of the previous Under the Hood ESC team, the new edition will continue its work within the local detention system. Selected volunteers will have the opportunity to work alongside six prison residents who will also be part of the ESC team. Together, they will contribute to creating non-formal learning opportunities for the wider prison community.
The project takes place at Point Blanche Prison and Miss Lalie Juvenile Detention Centre and is implemented within the Detention Sector Reform Programme (DSRP). The initiative receives joint financial support from the European Solidarity Corps, the Ministry of Justice of Sint Maarten and the Government of the Netherlands, with activities delivered in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
A key focus of the project is the Nelson Mandela Rules, the United Nations standards concerning the fair, humane and safe treatment of people in prison.
What Can Participants Contribute?
The project encourages participants to share their existing talents and knowledge while learning from the people they meet throughout the volunteering experience.
Participants with skills in areas such as:
- Art and creative activities
- Photography
- Writing and storytelling
- Sports
- Communication
- Other practical or creative fields
will have opportunities to use their abilities in non-formal learning activities.
The project is based on mutual learning. Volunteers will not only share their own skills but will also learn from other volunteers, prison residents, international participants and trainees involved in the programme.
Accommodation and Daily Life
Participants will stay in a two-bedroom apartment together with two male English trainees who will be working on a parallel sports programme.
The apartment includes two double beds, while additional floor mattresses can be provided if participants prefer not to share a bed. The accommodation is conveniently located close to supermarkets, beaches, everyday amenities and areas where participants can spend their free time.
Transportation around the island will involve a combination of buses, local rides, lifts and walking. Depending on availability, participants may also have the opportunity to use a bicycle. Since Sint Maarten is a relatively small island, getting around is generally manageable.
Training and Learning Opportunities
Participants will receive preparation and guidance before becoming fully involved in the activities.
The training programme includes:
- Project orientation
- Introduction to prison protocols
- Training related to prison reform
- Guidance concerning the project’s working environment
- Support throughout the volunteering period
Participants will also contribute to training and educational activities themselves. Their individual talents can become part of the learning process, allowing them to teach others while gaining new perspectives from fellow volunteers and project participants.
Who Can Apply?
The project is looking for two motivated and open-minded individuals who are comfortable working in a challenging but highly meaningful environment.
The ideal participant is expected to:
- Believe that a person should not be defined solely by their biggest mistake.
- Be interested in working with people within the Sint Maarten justice system.
- Approach others with empathy, respect and an open mind.
- Be willing to contribute without expecting something in return.
- Have the courage to step outside their comfort zone.
- Be comfortable encouraging creative and unconventional activities.
- Be willing to explore topics such as emotions, personal development and self-expression.
- Be open to building genuine friendships and human connections.
- Demonstrate resilience and adaptability when unexpected situations occur.
- Maintain a constructive attitude when transportation, resources or systems do not work as planned.
- Believe in the potential of non-formal education and solidarity to support personal transformation.
The project is particularly suitable for someone who is willing to challenge conventional approaches and bring new ideas to the second edition of Under the Hood.
An Unusual ESC Team Experience
Under the Hood II is not designed as a conventional volunteering placement. It offers participants the opportunity to work in an environment where non-formal education, social inclusion, personal development and solidarity come together.
The experience requires maturity, emotional resilience and the ability to adapt to a different working environment. In return, participants can gain valuable international experience, develop interpersonal skills and contribute to meaningful activities within the local community.
The organisers emphasize that this is not a typical ESC project and that the experience should not be judged solely by its Caribbean location. Participants are expected to understand the nature of the work and the environment before applying.
Important Application Information
- Only volunteers aged 23 and above will be considered.
- Applications must not be submitted through the ESC portal. Applications submitted through the ESC portal will not be considered and will be automatically deleted.
- Applicants should carefully research the nature of the project and understand the environment in which they will live and volunteer.
- The project is looking for two participants.
Project Dates
10 October 2026 – 7 December 2026
Location: Sint Maarten
Project Type: European Solidarity Corps (ESC) Team Volunteering
Number of Participants: 2
Minimum Age: 23+
Main Topics: Non-formal education, social inclusion, prison reform, solidarity and personal development.
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