Searching for one outstanding volunteer to join an international team of six for a truly transformative volunteering experience.
The project will be implemented at Point Blanche Prison and the MLC Juvenile Centre in Sint Maarten (Dutch side). International volunteers will work alongside an equal number of detainees to create a publication titled “Beneath the Cover.”
This collaborative book will give people from the wider prison community the opportunity to share their personal stories, whether reflecting on their past, expressing hopes for the future, or combining both perspectives.
Throughout the project, participants will work together on creative writing, poetry, spoken word, photography, and illustration to produce a publication ready for release.
Volunteers will collaborate with individuals who are committed to changing the direction of their lives, making this not only a creative project but also a deeply meaningful human experience. The organisers believe this opportunity has the potential to leave a lasting impact on everyone involved.
For this reason, they are looking for someone with experience in creative writing, poetry, spoken word, and facilitating group-based creative activities.
Accommodation, Meals and Transportation
Accommodation will be provided in shared rooms. Applicants who prefer not to share a room with a volunteer of a different gender should indicate this during the application process.
Daily transportation between the accommodation and project venue will be organised by the host organisation.
Weekday meals will be shared with detainees at the prison, while participants will receive a food allowance for weekends and additional meals.
Please note: Although the recruitment webpage may mention Aruba, this volunteering activity will take place in Sint Maarten. The project is implemented in partnership with the Sint Maarten Development Fund and co-funded by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Training and Support
Participants will receive introductory training on the Nelson Mandela Rules as well as an on-arrival orientation after reaching Sint Maarten.
Continuous guidance and training will be provided throughout the project by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Point Blanche Prison, the MLC Centre, and Tur Cos Ta Posibel.
The selected volunteer will also help train fellow volunteers so they can effectively contribute to activities involving the wider prison population.
Participant Profile
The organisers are looking for an exceptional individual who can make a meaningful contribution to this unique initiative.
Applicants should ideally have:
- Strong creative writing skills capable of contributing to a publication-ready book;
- The ability to inspire creativity in others and facilitate collaborative activities;
- Experience in transferring knowledge so the local team can continue the project after the volunteer’s departure;
- Confidence in leading group discussions, such as book clubs or film discussion groups;
- Emotional resilience, self-confidence, and the ability to work in challenging environments;
- An age of 23 years or older;
- Good command of English (knowledge of French and Spanish is considered an advantage).
Important Information
Applications from individuals who do not possess the required skills are not encouraged.
Candidates requiring a visa are not eligible for this opportunity.
Submitting the official application form together with a motivation letter is mandatory. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
If applicants do not receive any communication within one week after the application deadline, they should assume that they have not been selected.
Applications that fail to meet the stated eligibility requirements will not be reviewed.
Activity Dates
📅 1 August – 30 September 2026
Click here more details and to apply
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