Zambia 2012 – Be the Change
The Global Leadership Program is designed for students with a passion for global issues and will focus on providing a rich learning experience through immersion and work placements in developing countries. The current country of focus is Zambia in southern Africa. Students will be provided extensive training before, during and after their 3-month volunteer work placements in Zambia. Students will be placed as interns with non-governmental organizations in various fields of work including: health, sport, education, youth leadership, and HIV/AIDS.
Our program is founded on the belief that global change comes from change within all of us and that the mutual benefits of Canadian students working with established overseas organizations are tremendous. The program is not, however, about charity or imposing western ideals on other countries, but it does recognize the value in the personal growth of the students as well as the benefit that resource-strapped organizations gain from having a skilled volunteer.
What will I do?
Students will work with non-governmental organizations in the following areas:
Community Health: Students interested in careers as health professionals will be placed with organizations like Marie Stopes Zambia and TWIP in the coordination of community health initiatives.
Education: Students interested in careers in education will be placed with organizations like SOS Children’s Village and Trust Community School in marginalized communities where many children have little to no access to education.
Physical Education and Sport: Students with backgrounds in physical education and sport will work with organizations like SCORE who focus on community development initiatives using sport as a mechanism for capacity building and change.
Small Business and Micro-finance: Students studying business will work with organizations like Camara Zambia and FINCA and the YMCA in areas such as marketing, accounting, and finance.
Community Development and Youth Outreach: Students with a wide range of interests will work with community organizations such as ASAYI Zambia, YMCA and Friends of the Street Children coordinating community programs targeting at-risk families and youth.
Program Structure and Time line
Applications Open: Nov 21, 2011
Application Deadline: Jan 16, 2012 (Early applications are encouraged and will be processed as received)
Deposits Due for Successful Applicants: Feb 10, 2012
Fundraising: Feb-May 2012
Pre-Departure Training: May 7-10, 2012
Departure to Zambia: May 14, 2012
In-Country Orientation: May 17-18
In-Country Placements: May 21 – Aug 10, 2012
Return to Canada: Aug 10, 2012
Victoria Falls/Safari Trip: Jun 7-10, 2012
End of Placement Debrief: Aug 20-21, 2012
How much will it cost?
The program fee for the entire 3-month placement is $3,200. To be eligible for this highly reduced price, each student must fundraise $600 towards their experience before their departure. A number of fundraising events will be organized to assist in students reaching their goal. Please note that this price is highly subsidized and the actual costs of the program per student is in excess of $5,000. Most volunteer organizations charge anywhere from $5,000-9,000 for 3-month internships.
What’s Included?
The program costs include airfare, accommodation, most meals, local transportation, professional training sessions and in-country supervision and support. It does not cover required vaccinations and medications(varies between $200-400) or any additional personal expenses incurred.
What will I get out of it?
The program consists of 3 phases:
Phase 1: Pre-departure Training: This phase will include several meetings and fundraising events leading into the 4-day intensive pre-departure training course. The program uses industry best practices for training international workers, ensuring that students are not only having a positive experience, but that they are also achieving the intended learning outcomes of the program. Students will undergo an intensive learning experience that will provide them with lifelong personal and professional skills. The pre-departure course consists of the following sessions:
- International development
- Zambian history, language, culture
- International travel 101
- Intercultural effectiveness and communication (full-day course)
- Blogging and story telling
- Project/program planning and evaluation
- Health and Safety
- Teamwork and Leadership
Phase 2: Orientation, In-Service Training and Internships: The hugely popular 2-day orientation includes planning meetings with host organizations, presentations from local experts and tours to communities. Upon completion of the Orientation, students will begin work with in their placements. Placements will be for the most part, during regular work hours, Monday through Friday (with some exceptions depending on the organization). The in-service training takes place after one month of work in the field and is designed as an opportunity for students to share and reflect on challenges and successes of their internship. The In-service training is combined with the highly popular trip to Victoria Falls followed by a quick crossing of the border to Chobe National Park in Bostwana for a 2-day safari.
Phase 3: Re-entry Debriefing: The re-entry debriefing is an essential component of the program as it provides students with an opportunity to reflect on the tremendous amount of learning that takes place in a short period of time. The re-entry training is 2-full days and includes: program and project evaluation, reflection activities, re-integration strategies and application of newly developed knowledge, skills and attitudes.
Zambia Facts
Nickname: “The Real Africa”
Population: 13 million
Capital: Lusaka
Languages: 72 local languages….and English
Safety: One of the safest countries on the continent
Known for: Warm and friendly people, Victoria Falls, cultural festivals and several national game parks.
Zambia Internship Opportunities
Note: Some changes may be made to one or two of the internships before the end of 2011. Please check back or fill out the form at the bottom of the page for program updates.
Community Sport Volunteer (Physical Education, Coaching, Sport, Youth)
Health Programs Development Officer (Health)
Community Outreach Officer (Community Development, Youth, Children)
Business Development Officer (Business)
Staff Development Assistant (Community Development, Youth)
Third World Images Project (TWIP):
Community Development Officer (Health, Community Development, Youth)
Student Teacher/Special Project Offier (Education, Community Development)
Student Teacher/School Programs Officer (Education, Community Development
Application Process
The deadline for applications for Zambia 2012 is January 22, 2012. However, we highly encourage early applications as they will be processed as they are received. Although we expect the process to be competitive, we encourage all Douglas students who feel passionate about an opportunity of this nature to apply, regardless of their educational background or work experience. Although having relevant experience and skills is a definite asset, there are other intangible qualities that are equally as important when working with other cultures.
Application Tips: When you submit your response to the application questions along with your resume, make sure you effectively communicate how your skills, experience and personality will be beneficial in your placement. The selection committee is not only interested in your experience and education, but perhaps more importantly your ability to adapt to challenging situations, effectively work within a team and your motivation for applying to the program, among others.
DOWNLOAD THE ZAMBIA 2012 PROGRAM APPLICATION
Zambia 2011 Photos
Meet the 2011 Team:
ASAYI Zambia: Lindsay Stone
SCORE: Jillian Griffin
Marie Stopes International: Aimee Kuo
YMCA Kitwe: Rosie Hernandez
Camara Zambia: Ana Calderoni
SOS Children’s Village: Vanessa Lim & Agata Boltrukiewicz (Part-Time)
Trust Community School: Agata Boltrukiewicz (Part-Time)
TWIP: Jen Kildare
Click here to read their blogs
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