Co-Facilitate Sustainable Development Goals Club for Ukrainian Youth
Eligibility
Open to Ukraine RPCVs only
Activity/project background
Partner: Local Development Agency of Dubno District (Local NGO)
In 2019, President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a decree incorporating the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into Ukraine's state policy to promote inclusive and long-term economic and social development for all citizens, ensuring that no one is left behind. Despite the challenges posed by the full-scale Russian invasion, Ukrainians remain committed to the implementation of the SDGs.
The Pryvilne Amalgamated Community in Dubno District, Rivne Oblast has developed a strategy for implementing sustainable development within their community. This innovative project serves as a pilot initiative for western Ukraine and can be applied to any community in Ukraine, including post-war recovery areas.
Recognizing the potential of young people to contribute to the country's rebuilding efforts, the Local Development Agency of Dubno District has been actively raising awareness about the SDGs among the youth in their community. Through the establishment of the SDGs Club for Youth, young people will acquire a deeper understanding of sustainable development and its local and global implications. They will explore how their own actions can contribute to achieving the SDGs, empowering them to become agents of positive change in Pryvilne.
The Pryvilne Amalgamated Community in Dubno District is requesting a Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) to engage Pryvilne youth, not only enhance their knowledge of sustainable development, but also develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and a sense of responsibility towards creating a better future. The SDGs Club for Youth will empower young people to become active champions of sustainable development during and after the Russian war.
The organization has previously worked with a Peace Corps Volunteer. They understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a two-year Volunteer.
Virtual service engagement and tasks
The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their Host Country Partners:
• Co-assess student club members’ knowledge and priorities in relation to SDGs
• Co-design the virtual club curriculum with a focus on SDGs
• Co-develop session plans and materials (e.g. power point presentations) for at least 12 virtual club meetings
• Co-facilitate weekly 1-hour virtual club meeting for students
• Attend a weekly meeting with the Ukrainian counterpart for feedback and discussion
This engagement is expected to be approximately 17 weeks. VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5-15 hours per week.
Meetings between VSPPs and Host Country Counterparts will take place during normal office hours, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Ukraine standard time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.
The Host Country Counterpart will have access to email, Zoom, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Telegram for regular communication and collaboration.
Per the Child Protection Code of Conduct, when engaging online with minors (0-18), two adults must be present.
Optional additional activities
The Peace Corps mission is to promote world peace and friendship by fulfilling three goals:
- To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
- To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
- To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
Goal 1 will be achieved through the VSPP's engagement and completion of the above tasks. The counterpart and VSPP may also choose to identify an activity that aligns with Goal 2. Additionally, the VSPP may identify a Goal 3 activity to implement during their engagement. See recommendations and tools for Goal 3 activities.
Essential qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in fields such as sustainable development, environmental studies, social sciences, community development, education, or a related field
Language: Basic Ukrainian
Experience:
• Experience working with youth
• Experience with training planning and facilitation
Intercultural skills and motivation: Flexible, strong cross-cultural agility, high tolerance for ambiguity, able to work independently, resourceful, creative, and genuinely motivated and capable to serve virtually
Desired qualifications
Education: Master's degree in fields such as sustainable development, environmental studies, social sciences, community development, education, or a related field
Technical Skills:
• Familiarity with virtual engagement and communication
• Familiarity with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals
Language: Intermediate Ukrainian
Experience:
• Experience designing session plans and engaging activities for students
• Experience living or working in Ukraine or surrounding region
Terms and conditions of engagement
VSPPs will be engaging with the host country partner, in coordination with Peace Corps post staff, remotely from the US. They should have access to a computer, internet, and telephone in order to enable direct engagement with the Peace Corps overseas office and the Host Country Counterpart assigned by the host country partner.
Orientation with the host country partner will be provided, within the designated virtual service hours, during the first week of virtual service via an online presentation and discussion. The host country partner will provide an overview of its organization, the local context, and how they envision collaborating with the VSPP.
The VSPP will have regular check-ins with their counterpart and bi-weekly check-ins with Peace Corps staff. Spending unstructured time with counterparts can be critical to relationship-building and is encouraged through activities such as coffee chats and informal calls within the weekly 5-15 hours.
Engagement-specific safety and security
The VSPP will receive an orientation on Peace Corps’ Child Protection Policy and how it relates to online engagement along with IT security best practices. The VSPP will be expected to follow safety and security guidelines for online engagement to ensure their safety and that of the Host Country Partner and their counterpart, and any beneficiaries of the engagement.
Supervision requirements
The VSPP will report to a designated Peace Corps staff member. The VSPP will be expected to abide by the Virtual Service Pilot Participant and Donation Agreement and Participant Principles of Engagement. The VSPP will also be expected to check in with the designated host country counterpart as assigned by the host county partner.
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