Welcome! Tongasoa!
We are grateful you are considering being a volunteer at Tots Haven, an English-medium Christian preschool located at Androhibe, in Antananarivo – the capital city of Madagascar 🇲🇬.
We are a family-sized community where we thrive to create a haven, a safe place, for children, volunteers and staff alike to grow in the knowledge and love of God, but also to grow in service, in the love of learning, and in character – through ongoing equipping, loving shepherding and our live-and-learn environment.
Over the years, we have had the privilege of having volunteers and staff from different walks of life come, support our work, and pour out their energy and love in the lives of children and families: we are grateful for each one of them, and for the ones God is currently prompting to join our committed team.
We invite you to take few minutes to hear our heart and check out some testimonials from former volunteers to help you in your decision making (is this a match?)
What does a volunteer do at Tots Haven?
As an extension to the Christian home, we are committed to walking alongside parents to provide quality Christian education to preschoolers, allowing them to grow at their own pace, and prepare them for primary school (or primary-level homeschool).
Volunteers basically help our loving teachers and staff make sure that children are seen, heard and taken care of. There are no bad jobs, and depending on the needs of the day and the skills and interests of the volunteers, they are placed either as a “permanent” class staff or as a “migrating” staff moving from the office, to the classroom to the cantine or also as an “extra curricular activity” leader.
Volunteers attend our staff morning devotion and our weekly staff trainings, and are equipped and coached to do what we ask them to do, under the care of a teacher. They are held to the same standards as our staff, while having more flexibility regarding their commitment and the expectations.
In the past, we had volunteers lead speech therapy programs, arts programs, staff a family camp, help in kindergarten or in nursery, help with office work, help with errands and cantine (for part-time volunteers who wanted to contribute specific gifts), or replace a teacher for a (short) (certain) period of time so the teacher could be released for training.
Besides, local volunteers have benefited from training in early childhood education that allowed them to further their career in education after they leave us, and we help international volunteers find accommodation and food options, as well as connect them with our trusted international English-medium local church to build connections with people outside the school.
Whether you are looking for an opportunity to serve and grow in (self) leadership or to get some experiences in a safe family-sized work place (and prepare your college application), or you have been blessed abundantly, and you would like to give back to the community through your time and your skills, or maybe you are in-between seasons, and while waiting for clarity, you would like to occupy yourself intentionally and be in a community that loves God and values trust and obedience to Him,
Tots Haven might be the place for you for a season!
- We would love to know you more and chat with you to know where you would bloom and contribute best.
👉🏽 Local volunteers are encouraged to get in touch with Onisoa, our Founder,
👉🏽 International volunteers are encouraged to get in touch with our partners 4africa, located in Switzerland, who over the years recommended Tots Haven to young volunteers looking for volunteering opportunities in Africa.
Testimonial from Jacques M, a local volunteer
Tots Haven is more than just a school to me; it’s a place where one can grow with the wisdom of God.
The first time I heard about it, I was inspired by its mission and the leaders who embody God’s teachings. Being a leader at the scout at that time, I have always enjoyed being around kids, so volunteering there felt like a blessing.
The environment is safe, and the people are smart, gentle, kind, and very generous.
Since Aina, one of my favorite mentors, introduced me to the school, I dreamed of being part of the team. In 2017, when Aina called me to join, I eagerly accepted. Before becoming a volunteer, I prayed for God’s guidance, and when the opportunity arose, I knew it was His will. So, I started volunteering from the beginning of the school year at that time and continued until 2020.
Volunteering at Tots Haven was a transformative experience. Besides academic learning, we delved into God’s teachings, which enriched my spiritual journey. I learned invaluable life skills and how to deal with challenges, which significantly changed my character for the better.
The inspiring leaders showed me the greatness of God through their lives. The time spent there holds a special place in my heart, and I deeply miss it. I also learned the importance of saying yes and no in life, and every moment there was an opportunity for personal growth.
Tots Haven brought me inner peace, and I continue to apply the lessons learned there in my daily life, especially at work and in the scout. I will never forget all those precious moments I spent there and loyal people who brought me up there.
Testimonial from Lara, an international volunteer
I became a volunteer at Tots Haven because I have a passion for working with children, and I wanted to make a positive impact on their lives.
I volunteered at Tots Haven for two months.
One memorable experience was how open and loving the children were towards me, and how warmly I was welcomed by the entire team.
Volunteering at Tots Haven is incredibly rewarding.
It’s very fulfilling to see the children happy and to teach them something while contributing to their growth and development.
It’s a valuable experience that benefits not only the children but also yourself.
I took so many beautiful memories back home ❤️
Testimonial from Fanilo, a local volunteer
My experience at Tots Haven has been absolutely remarkable both professionally and personally.
As my first volunteering experience, it has been enriching beyond my expectations! Not only have I honed my leadership and service skills, but I’ve also been impressed by the continuous support and quality training provided by the Tots Haven team. Their commitment to helping us grow in maturity and spirituality has been truly inspiring. The training offered at Tots Haven has been invaluable.
Although I faced the challenge of changing some habits, every day was an opportunity to put into practice what I was learning.
Through my time at Tots Haven, I have deeply internalized values such as excellence, quality, and respect, which have truly enriched my personal journey.
Spending three years at Tots Haven has been an extraordinary adventure. Each day brought new opportunities to learn and grow, especially as I discovered my passion for teaching and spending time with children.
Finding the balance between being a caring teacher and having the necessary authority was a challenge that I embraced with enthusiasm. Additionally, the special activities organized on Wednesdays and Fridays, whether practical work or games, added an extra touch of excitement to our routine.
I chose to volunteer at Tots Haven with the goal of learning to serve, and this experience has taught me that listening is a key component to learning and growing.
I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this inspiring and transformative community.
Testimonial from Selin,
an international volunteer
After I finished my studies as a speech therapist I wanted to go abroad and discover a new culture and country. Then came across the Tots Haven preschool through the 4africa association.
I was immediately captivated by the open and warm-hearted team and the vision of sharing God’s love & grace with the kids.
Tots Haven creates a loving environment for the kids to learn and to grow personally and spiritually.
I was able to work as a volunteer at Tots Haven for 4.5 months, supporting the teachers as a teaching assistant and taking on small tasks myself (for example telling stories).
In addition, I was also able to lead a speech therapy workshop for teachers and provide therapy to some of the children.
This time was life changing for me and I can warmly recommend it to anyone to volunteer at Tots Haven.
Interested in joining us as a volunteer?
- Our school year is from September to June, and we are closed during school vacations. However, we are sometimes running vacation programs in July or August, if that would be the time you would like to join us and contribute your specific skills. 👉🏽 Let us know the period you’d like to volunteer and the duration (from 1 week to a full school year!)
- Fill up our volunteer form, send it with your curriculum vitae, and schedule an interview for us to get to know each other and see if it’s a match.
- For international volunteers, check with us accommodation and food options during the process.