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Co-facilitate Youth Club to Build Communication and Life Skills
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Activity/project background
Five lyceums in Ukraine seek the support of one Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) each to co-develop after-school clubs that equip students with the life skills and knowledge needed for resilient conflict resolution, goal setting, decision-making and communication. The lyceums aim to establish after-school clubs that provide a safe and supportive learning environment where students can build confidence, enhance teamwork, unlock leadership potential, and improve collaboration. Under the VSPPs’ guidance, students will engage in practical exercises and collaborative projects designed to strengthen their communication skills, including self-presentation, problem-solving abilities, decision-making, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and adaptability.
The clubs will equip students from grades 8–11 (aged 13–17) with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to become effective, competitive youth and community changemakers, whose involvement and leadership will be essential to create a sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for post-war Ukraine. Club topics may include the following: building a clear sense of direction, integrating technology and innovation, and supporting service-learning projects. Students will also learn communication skills and techniques for effective leadership, such as active listening, providing feedback, and overcoming communication barriers.
The organizations have previously collaborated with the Peace Corps through the Virtual Service Pilot. They understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a Peace Corps Volunteer or Peace Corps Response Volunteer.
Engagement and tasks
The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their host country partners:
• Co-assess current skills and priorities of club members
• Co-design the virtual after-school club curriculum with a focus on communication and life skills
• Co-develop 13 session plans for virtual club meetings
• Co-facilitate a 1-hour weekly virtual club meeting for groups of 15–20 students (aged 13–17)
• Co-host cultural events devoted to American and Ukrainian holidays or historical events
• Attend a weekly meeting with the Ukrainian counterparts for feedback and planning
VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5–15 hours per week. This engagement is estimated to be five hours per week.
Online collaboration will generally occur between 4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Kyiv time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.
The host country counterpart will have access to Zoom, Telegram, WhatsApp, and email 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:
• Working with youth, aged 13–17, in some capacity, such as a teacher, counselor, mentor, coach, or volunteer
• Facilitating virtual educational sessions
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
Language: Basic Ukrainian
Experience:
• Virtual engagement and communication
• Working with youth to develop critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and communication skills
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 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.
