Long-Term Volunteer Service Corps
Project Background: The Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV) is a safe and structured residential community for orphaned and vulnerable youth in Rwanda. The Village, which opened its doors to its first class of students in December 2008, is a place of hope, where traumatized youth can “dry their tears” (Agahozo) and “live in peace” (Shalom). In December 2011, the fourth class will enter the Village, for a total of 500 students.
Within this caring environment, the rhythm of life is restored, so that youth who have been through great trauma find a home and a community, as well as a place to learn and prepare for the future. The youth who come to live and learn in the ASYV will grow into healthy adults who are not only able to care for themselves and their families, but who are also committed to making their community, their country, and indeed the world a better place. A unique and ambitious project, ASYV serves as a model for caring for the disrupted lives of youth across Rwanda, Africa, and beyond.
ASYV is currently recruiting dedicated volunteers to spend one year working in Rwanda. Volunteers directly engage with ASYV students and staff, using their skills and talents to contribute to this blossoming community.
Location: Eastern Province, Rwanda
Duration: December 2011 – November 2012
Service Corps: Volunteers spend one year living and working in the Village in collaboration with permanent Village staff. Volunteer fellowship covers the cost of the flight to Rwanda, health insurance, emergency evacuation insurance, room and board, and a small monthly stipend. Volunteers are expected to integrate into the community and build close relationships with both students and staff. Most volunteers will be assigned to a family of incoming youth to mentor throughout the year.
Volunteers will be asked to spend at least 10 hours speaking on behalf of the village upon their departure.
Open Positions:
ELL Consultant–Offers staff development workshops and assistance to high school teachers providing instruction in English. Coordinates English Language Learning activities in the informal Village setting. Coordinates English instruction for interested staff. Must have 5+ years ELL teaching experience.
Master Teacher/Pedagogical Advisor–Offers professional development for all teachers. Advises principal and assistant principal. Areas of expertise should include learning disabilities and special education. Must have 10+ years teaching experience. Prior teacher training/supervisory experience preferred.
Agricultural Volunteer–Assists farm manager with daily farm activities including business venture development and management. Creates educational curricula for students. Facilitates farm club in partnership with local staff. Organizes student work on farm. Participates in development of vocational training curriculum in sustainable agriculture.
IT Consultant–Maintains IT infrastructure. Repairs computers. Teaches IT classes to students and staff.
Informal Education Assistant–Coordinates tutoring program and extra classes for struggling students. Serves as liaison between high school and informal education components of Village. Assists with program planning in library and learning centers to bolster informal education.
International Coordinator–Hosts all visitors from donors to short-term service trips. Liaison with Volunteer Coordinator in New York office. Participates in Hospitality Vocational Training program.
Art Instructor–Teaches art classes after school in the Village. Hosts open studio time for students. Organizes Village beautification projects such as murals. Facilitates Art Club in partnership with local staff.
Music Instructor–Teaches music classes after school in the Village. Hosts open studio time and delivers private lessons for students. Organizes Village events such as concerts and dance performances featuring both students and local talent.
Science Center Advisor–Creates educational workshops on various scientific topics. Maintains Science Center and recruits student attendance and participation in Science Center programs. Must have significant experience in teaching science or long-term career in science.
Communications Manager–Engages whole Village in creating content for newsletter, website, blog, facebook page, and other means of communication with interested parties outside Rwanda. Maintains archive. Liaison with New York office.
Requirements:
• College degree or equivalent and proven academic achievement
• Flexibility, patience, resilience, determination, and strong leadership
• Communication and organizational skills
• Willingness to work with people of varying work styles and cultures
• Experience in formal/informal education or social welfare is a plus
• Ideological affinity with the goals of Agahozo-Shalom
• Willingness to devote a full year to the living and working in Village, understanding that work days include afternoons, evenings, and most weekends
How to apply
Application and Selection Process:
To be considered, please submit a completed application with three recommendations. Application can be downloaded at http://asyv.org/volunteer.html
Eligible candidates go through a comprehensive screening process, including phone and in-person interviews.
