Co-Host Life Skills, Culture, and Leadership Workshops for Youth
Activity/project background
Partner: American Corner Moroni (Government)
American Coroner Moroni was established in 2006 and is located on the Campus of IFERE University of Comoros. The American Corner Moroni is a partnership program between the University of Comoros and the U.S. Embassy in Madagascar that provides free and open access for communities worldwide interested in learning about American culture, history, current events, and government.
American Corner Moroni is seeking support of two (2) Virtual Service Pilot Participants (VSPPs) to co-facilitate a series of formal and informal activities and workshops that would support education advising and discussion on a range of topics that may include career skills for English language learning, U.S. culture, history, and values, entrepreneurship, leadership, current events, and international affairs. VSPPs will work primarily with youth (ages 18-24) in small groups (15-20 participants).
The American Corner Moroni 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 VSPPs will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their Host Country Partners:
• Co-determine the needs of the American Corner learners
• Co-host a weekly activity/discussion/workshop on topic(s) of interest
• Facilitate specific activities with high school students or high school English teachers
• Provide support and guidance for a professional development skills program
In addition, the following optional tasks might be included based on the skills and availability of the VSPP(s):
• Organize program speakers/experts to speak on the topics related to the calendar of days and events of the American spaces program
• Support the creation of program materials and promotional and social media content
This engagement is expected to be approximately 22 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, in the afternoon or early morning Comoros time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.
The Host Country Counterpart will have access to Zoom, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp 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 any field OR Relevant certification: TEFL, TESOL, Cambridge, or similar
Experience:
• Experience conducting virtual working groups, lessons, or meetings
• Experience conducting life skills sessions and/or facilitating empowerment groups
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
Technical Skills: Familiarity with virtual engagement and communication
Experience:
• Experience developing online teaching resources
• Experience hosting online program engaging youth and professionals
• Experience teaching U.S. history (with special attention to the history of minority groups in the U.S.), women’s’ rights, equality, milestones in American music, trends in American filmmaking, information about the presidential election, and other current issues
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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