TEFL and Charity Fundraising

Being a TEFL teacher isn’t just about teaching English. Yes, we realise that’s a very weighty opening line for a blog post, but it’s true. Being a TEFL teacher is about being a range of different things. You need to be an educator, first and foremost. However, it can also be about providing inspiration, being a role model people can learn from, and being a global citizen.

What is a global citizen? Simply put, it’s someone who understands the world’s challenges and takes action to make a difference. In TEFL, that means more than just teaching English. It’s about sparking conversations, raising awareness of global issues, and helping students connect across cultures through language.

Charity is a core part of becoming a global citizen. Fundraising for various charities is a great way to build morale and energise a classroom. At school, you were probably involved in some exciting fundraising activities. You can do the same as a teacher, but you’re running the show now.

So, how do you combine language learning with doing great work for charity? How do you incorporate fundraising into English classes? Let’s take a look!

Approaches to charity and considerations

Before we dive into how TEFL and fundraising can go hand-in-hand, some important factors must be considered. 

Fundraising isn’t a one-size-fits-all matter. Different cultures and regions have different approaches to charity fundraising and will demonstrate generosity differently. Studying and understanding local culture and demonstrating cultural sensitivity during your pre-fundraiser research is essential.

It’s important to consider what’s appropriate. If you work in an area of poverty and low income, fundraising can be an ethical dilemma. Studies have shown that people on lower incomes can be, in relative terms, more charitable - but as a teacher, the last thing you want to do is put added pressure on your students or their families.

It’s also important to consider the timing of your fundraising efforts. Religious holidays often include almsgiving - the process of donating to charity. It could be inappropriate to ask for more from your students. Fundraising can be difficult for parents around religious holidays. It’s about picking the right moment.

Fancy dress and performances

Around the world, non-uniform days and dress-up days are common at schools. If you work with young learners, there are almost always reasons to dress up as something , and if you focus on characters from English-language media, your students will undoubtedly be keen to get involved.

In exchange for a donation, each of your students can wear a costume for the day. As a teacher, you can encourage each pupil to give a presentation on who they’ve dressed as - in English - or even set up performances. Your students can perform songs, sketches, scenes from films or poems relating to their character choice.

The options are endless. Your students will get to be creative, work on their vocabulary, and study English phrases relevant to their interests. What’s more, you can raise loads of money for charity! Everyone’s a winner!

The "non-English jar"

A fun classroom idea for adults is to have a “non-English jar.”

How does that work? You might be aware of a “s w ear jar” , especially if you’ve watched American films or television shows. If not, imagine a jar where “fines” are paid whenever anyone in a family setting or workplace uses profanity.

This rule can be adopted for a language learning class. If your students have the skills to talk in at least basic English, you can “fine” students for using a different language. This incentivises thinking in English and using different phrases and words to communicate.

At a certain point, you can count up the “fines” in the non-English jar and donate it to charity. Your school may be keen to match what’s in the jar and send a bigger donation.

Sponsored challenges

Sponsored challenges are a more traditional and well-understood fundraising option. Perhaps you’ve participated in a sponsored walk or cycle, for example.

Your students can test themselves and their English abilities through a sponsored challenge. For example, they could be sponsored by friends and family only to speak English for a day. 

Or you can ask your students to read several English books over a month. You can ask for short reviews or book reports to ensure they've comprehended the material

Let students be creative with their sponsored challenge ideas. As long as they contribute to the study of English and are safe and relevant, allow your students some flexibility. They could surprise you with how much they raise and their proficiency level. Of course, teachers can also take part - every penny counts, after all!

Scrabble tournament

Ah, Scrabble . Since the late 40s, it’s simultaneously enraged and empowered word nerds worldwide, and it’s as big a deal now as it ever was. 

When it comes to charity fundraising, Scrabble can be very useful. Test your students with a Scrabble tournament, with an entry fee that goes straight to charity. As a teacher, you’ll need to sort a prize for the tournament winner to give the tournament prestige. If you’re working with a big charity, perhaps they could provide a medal? Or, a book token would make for a great reward!

Once you’ve finished a charity Scrabble tournament, it doesn’t mean your students never get to play it again. Who knows what kinds of rivalries you’ve inadvertently set off? Perhaps the losing finalist wants another shot at glory? Either way, Scrabble can reward your students who complete coursework to a high standard. 

So much you can do!

As a TEFL teacher, you can educate, build rapport and give students confidence. Just as excitingly, you can also encourage your pupils to be global citizens with empathy and awareness of broader societal issues.

No matter the age of your students, instilling the importance of charity and fundraising is essential. Your role as a teacher isn’t just teaching a subject, whether it’s TEFL or anything else. It’s about being a role model and a positive influence. 

Fundraising can be fun, creative and deeply meaningful. It can bond students in a way that little else can and empower them to think about their place in the world. That’s powerful stuff, whether it stems from dressing up as a character in a book, a game tournament or anything else!

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