Start date
September 8, 2025

End date
December 22, 2025

Duration
15 weeks

ELIGIBILITY: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen.

Activity/project background

Due to the Russian aggression and the temporary occupation of some territories in Ukraine, the staff and students of this partner lyceum have been forced to flee their city and seek refuge in other parts of Ukraine or abroad. For over two years, the lyceum has provided a democracy-oriented Ukrainian education to students dispersed across the globe as a result of the war. As a "relocated educational establishment," the lyceum operates remotely, ensuring that students from the occupied territories, various regions of Ukraine, and abroad can access quality Ukrainian education despite the challenges they face.

Central to the lyceum's mission is the development of crucial life skills that equip students to thrive in an increasingly complex world. The school focuses on helping students set life goals before developing the necessary leadership, communication, and vocational skills to reach those goals. To further support students in developing life skills, the lyceum is seeking the assistance of a Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP). The VSPP will play a crucial role in guiding students, ages 14-17, through various life skills development activities. The lyceum aims to establish an afterschool club that provides a safe and supportive learning environment where students can build confidence, enhance teamwork, unlock leadership potential, and improve collaboration. Under the VSPP’s guidance, students will engage in practical exercises and collaborative projects designed to strengthen their communication skills, including self-presentation, problem-solving abilities, decision-making, critical thinking, and adaptability.

Additionally, this engagement will provide students a window into American culture, broadening their cultural awareness and global perspective. These life skills are essential for academic and personal success even in times of adversity.

The organization has previously collaborated with the Peace Corps. They understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a two-year Volunteer. Peace Corps Ukraine is seeking a VSPP who is empathetic to the lived experiences of internally displaced teachers and students.

Engagement and tasks

The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their Host Country Partners:

• Co-assess student learning needs for life skills and leadership
• Co-develop an online club curriculum that incorporates life skills, practical exercises, interactive activities, and collaborative projects for youth
• Co-host a weekly 1-hour online session for a group of 10-15 participants
• Co-host some cultural events devoted to American holidays and historical events
  
  

VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5-15 hours per week. This engagement is estimated to be around 5 hours per week.

Online collaboration will generally occur between 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Kyiv time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.

The Host Country Counterpart will have access to Zoom, WhatsApp, Telegram, and emails 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 of conducting life skills training with youth, ages 14-17
• Facilitating engaging virtual educational sessions
• Working with youth in some capacity, such as a teacher, counselor, mentor, coach, or volunteer
  
  

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