Support Underserved Students to Improve English Language Skills
Activity/project background
Partner: Charnali Public School (Government)
Charnali Public School is a village school in western Georgia, where students have limited access to resources and scarce opportunities to improve their English communication skills. Charnali is a tourist destination and youth are often employed in the hospitality sector during the summertime. Proficient knowledge of English is highly needed for employment opportunities. Therefore, Charnali students are motivated, flexible, and ready to participate in a virtual English language club or other non-formal education activities to improve their English skills.
Charnali Public School English Teachers organized an English language club that met over two years before the pandemic. In the past, a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) supported the school to implement two summer camps, organize an English language club, and arrange American culture days.
Charnali Public School requests the support of a Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP). The VSPP and a Charnali English language teacher will work together to support 15 students (ages 12-16) through online presentations, discussion panels, online quizzes and shows and other interactive online activities for a weekly online English club. Attending the English Club, Charnali students will improve their English speaking and listening skills.
Charnali Public School 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-design at least 10 weekly English club lessons incorporating thematic topics based on students’ interest and needs (2 hours per week, includes synchronous and asynchronous)
• Identify, select, and prepare for presenting online materials and resources aimed at improving speaking and listening skills of students at weekly English club (2 hours per week, asynchronous)
• Co-facilitate weekly English club meeting for 15 students, ages 12-16. The weekday and time for the club will occur between 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Georgia Standard Time (1 hour per week, synchronous)
NOTE: School Spring break falls on March 7-15 and the English language club will pause during this time.
This engagement is expected to be approximately 15 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, 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Georgia Standard time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.
The Host Country Counterpart will have access to Microsoft Teams, Messenger, or any other platforms 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
Experience: Experience teaching students or youth in either formal or non-formal educational setting
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: Bachelor’s degree in any field or relevant certification: TEFL, TESOL, Cambridge, or similar
Technical Skills:
• Familiarity with virtual engagement and communication
• Familiarity with interactive online resources
Experience:
• Experience working with youth
• Experience in co-teaching, co-training, or collaborating with other teachers
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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