Activity/project background
Partner: NGO “VilnOsvita” (Local NGO)
NGO VilnOsvita, located in Vinnytsia, central Ukraine, has been a driving force in innovative education since its founding as an initiative in 2017. Officially registered as an NGO in 2023, VilnOsvita now oversees more than 10 active projects, impacting thousands of individuals. The organization offers free courses and trainings, manages a democratic learning space for homeschoolers, and hosts both virtual and in-person conferences and festivals centered on democratic and alternative education. While some projects are focused locally in the Vinnytsia region, many are accessible to families across Ukraine.
In response to the ongoing war and its impact on Ukrainian youth, VilnOsvita conducted a series of in-depth interviews with homeschoolers to identify their learning and self-development needs. The research showed that young people are eager to engage with complex global issues, particularly in areas like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI); gender and sexual orientation; social justice; activism; and freedom of speech. These youth seek a space where they can explore and discuss the critical social challenges facing both Ukraine and the world today.
VilnOsvita is excited to invite a Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) to co-facilitate an online "DEI and Social Issues Discussion Club." This initiative will connect teenage homeschoolers from various cities in Ukraine, fostering meaningful discussions and building bridges between communities through shared exploration of pressing social issues. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact by helping shape the next generation of socially conscious and engaged Ukrainian youth.
The organization has not previously collaborated with the 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-assess students’ current knowledge and interests to establish priority areas and topics for club sessions
- Co-develop a curriculum on topics related to diversity, equity, inclusion, freedom of speech, and other social issues
- Co-develop teaching resources for at least 9 training sessions (session plans, presentations, handouts, videos, and podcasts)
- Co-host a 1.5-hour online session each week with the group of participants (the average number of participants is 10-20, ages 13-16)
- Attend a meeting every week with the Ukrainian counterpart for feedback and discussion
VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5-15 hours per week. This engagement is estimated to be 5-7 hours per week.
Online collaboration will generally occur between 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Kyiv time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.
The Host Country Counterpart will have access to WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram 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:
- 1 year experience working with youth (ages 13-16) or related experience
- 2 years of experience teaching, training and/or facilitating learning on diversity, equity, and inclusion
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 any field
Experience:
- Experience with virtual engagement and communication
- Experience with curriculum and workshop development
- 5 years of experience teaching, training and/or facilitating learning on diversity, equity, and inclusion
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.
