Youth Ambassador: Guyana

  Guyana

• Other Cities in Guyana: 
Georgetown

Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: May 31-July 5, 2010

Description: Youth Challenge International (YCI) is recruiting a team of five volunteers between the ages of 18 and 30 with diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds for a five-week youth development project in Guyana from May to July, 2010.

This exciting opportunity will include a pre-project distance-learning program, followed by an intensive five-week placement in Guyana. While in Guyana, you will work with YCI's partner, Youth Challenge Guyana, to further the reach and relevance of their youth development program.

Key Project Activities May Include:

1. Increase awareness of HIV/AIDS, STIs, sexual health and general hygiene of young people age 12-30:

* Mobilize young people and conduct sensitization workshops on health using community resources.

* Conduct HIV/AIDS awareness and information sessions in conjunction with local youth.

* Conduct hygiene awareness and information sessions in conjunction with local youth.

2. Increase the numerical and literacy skills of young people and adults in the local community:

* Provide teaching support to local schools that are understaffed.

* Work with in-school youth to design and implement an after-school literacy program.

* In collaboration with local teachers and youth, develop culturally appropriate teaching aids to assist teachers.

* Conduct basic literacy training for out-of-school youth outside of normal working hours.

3. Build the capacity of community leaders to develop and implement community interventions:

* Conduct leadership development training modules for in-school youth. Topics may include: effective communication techniques, basic human rights, the democratic process, team-building and planning exercises, as well as basic organization and mobilization techniques.

* Conduct leadership and management modules for out-of-school youth. Topics may include basic management, vocational training, communication and team building skills.

Highlights: Key Features:

* Short-term program 5 to 10 weeks.
* Departure dates year-round.
* Team based program you will live with and learn from other volunteers and youth from the host country
* Rolling sign-up you can apply anytime and pick your program.

Key Benefits:

* Youth Involvement. YCI believes that young people should play a central role in addressing youth issues. A key component of our work is combining the energy and skills of youth volunteers with those of local youth. Your skills and interests will mobilize local youth to become involved and provide great reach and results.
      
* Development Results. Our focus is ensuring the best results overseas for local youth and we work hard to ensure that the involvement of volunteers is value added for the partners. YCI focuses on a few long-term programs to ensure sustainability and effectiveness of results.
      
* Travel with purpose. YCI is ideal if you are interested in traveling with a group on a purposeful project. We do focus on achieving development results, but it also becomes a fantastic travel experience that you would never be able to replicate on your own.

* Cross-Cultural Understanding. By working so closely with local youth and communities, you will develop cross-cultural communication skills and go to places that tourists never get to. Although our focus is on the development results, the projects are truly off the beaten track.
      
* Safety YCI has a superb safety track record and has never had a serious incident in its history. Well-trained and local staff members supervise our programs. As well, the team-nature of the program ensures that you are never alone and are constantly supported.

Qualifications: Recommended Skills and Experience:
- Experience in facilitation and community mobilization, preferably with youth
- Background in development, social science, physical education, teaching, nursing, health sciences or gender studies
- Training, experience or interest in business, NGO management, monitoring and evaluation, and/or international development
- Previous experience teaching English or literacy
- Experience leading health discussions; good knowledge of HIV/AIDS and other STIs
- Experience working with at-risk, marginalized and/or indigenous populations
- Training in gender issues; proven effectiveness in cross-cultural settings
- Prior overseas experience an asset

Cost in US$: USD 2,600

What's Not Covered by YCI:
- Airfare and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Volunteers will be expected obtain the required vaccinations and take anti-malarials at their own expense

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-30

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel to Guyana Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Youth Challenge International's Mission Statement: Building Communities and Leaders through Global Youth Development.

Year Founded: 1989