Involvement at school

This opportunity is aimed at older people who enjoy spending time with children and would like to get involved on a regular basis in school life or in a day centre. Life experience, an open-minded attitude, patience and reliability are important. No professional background in education is required. 

No prior teaching experience is required. You will support the teacher or carer and contribute your own personal experiences, interests and skills. 

The roles are as varied as the people who get involved. They spend time with individual children or small groups, read aloud, play, do crafts, help with projects or contribute their own skills and life experiences. The specific details are arranged in consultation with the teacher or carer.

No. Responsibility for teaching and supervision always lies with the teacher or supervisor. As a volunteer, you enrich everyday school life, but do not take on any managerial or teaching role.

The time commitment is agreed on an individual basis. As a rule, volunteers commit to working regularly throughout a semester or school year. The placement is limited to a maximum of six hours per week.  

Every collaboration begins with a three-session trial period. This allows you and the school to work out together whether the arrangement is suitable for everyone involved.

Our aim is to organise regular meetings so that trust and relationships can develop. That is why placements are usually arranged for at least one semester. 

Once you have registered via our website (LINK), we will invite you to a face-to-face interview. Together, we will discuss your interests and potential roles, and look for a suitable school or day centre. This is followed by an induction period and, provided all parties agree, the start of your voluntary work.  

The teachers and educational staff at the centres, as well as the project manager, will support you throughout your placement. They are your points of contact should you have any questions or concerns. In addition, there are networking meetings and a training session twice a year, where volunteers can share their experiences and support one another.  

This role is voluntary and unpaid. We are also unable to reimburse any expenses. However, as a token of our appreciation, you will enjoy a range of benefits: you will be invited to staff events, receive a Christmas present, and enjoy discounts on sports classes, strength training and the purchase of assistive devices.

Yes. Whilst we naturally hope that you will not need to make use of these benefits, you are covered by accident insurance through Pro Senectute beider Basel during your placement, in addition to your own health insurance. There is also a public liability insurance policy which covers any damage caused during your placement.

We appreciate your interest. Please feel free to get in touch with us using the form, by email at generationen@bb.prosenectute.ch or by telephone (061 206 44 66). We’ll be happy to answer your questions and let you know what the next steps are.