Activity/project background
Partner: Public Association Dezvoltare prin Implicare, Cimislia (Local NGO)
Active in Moldova since 2019, Public Association Dezvoltare prin Implicare promotes civic participation, community development, and youth leadership. It is situated in Cimislia and covers the south-east part of Moldova providing access to information and development opportunities in about 15 towns and villages across the region. The majority of the development opportunities are coming from outside of Moldova (regional and international development and donor organizations) and to access them, at least some basic English skills are needed.
Public Association Dezvoltare Implicare is seeking the support of a Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) to engage with is an English language club, created to support both young people and adults (ages 15-55) in learning and practicing English in order to facilitate access to information relevant to their interests.
The VSPP will work with the organization to develop and deliver weekly English lessons, organize online cultural events, and facilitate activities to support club members to improve their language skills. The VSPP will also help assess the needs and interests of club members and will contribute to the ongoing development of the project to appropriately respond to the needs of the community.
The organization has not previously collaborated with Peace Corps. They understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a two-year Volunteer.
Engagement and tasks
The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their Host Country Partners:
- Co-develop session plans for English club meetings
- Co-teach one English lesson each week
- Co-facilitate two online English-themed language learning cultural events per month, such as movie or game nights
- Provide feedback to participants
VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5-15 hours per week. This engagement is estimated to be 5 hours per week (3 hours online).
Online collaboration will generally occur between 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Moldova time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.
The Host Country Counterpart will have access to Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Docs 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
Language: Basic Romanian
Experience: One year of TEFL/TESOL teaching experience in the U.S.A. or abroad
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 education or related field
Language: Basic Russian
Experience
- Experience with virtual engagement and communication
- Experience hosting cultural and/or life skills sessions for youth
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.
