Start date
September 15, 2025

End date
January 5, 2026

Duration
16 weeks

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

Activity/project background

The partner lyceum operates in a hybrid format, melding in-person and online learning to equip Ukrainian youth with practical life skills for their personal and professional lives.

The lyceum is requesting support from a Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) to co-facilitate an after-school English club focused on soft skills development for a group of 15-20 students (ages 13-15). Key topics would include decision-making, self-respect, problem-solving, communication skills, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and resilience. The VSPP will also guide students through self-reflection and goal-setting exercises, helping them identify their strengths and areas for growth. Additionally, the club will allow students to learn about American culture, broadening their global perspectives.

The lyceum has previously collaborated with the Peace Corps. Prior to the global pandemic, the lyceum hosted Volunteers. 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-design or co-adapt 12 session plans on soft skills development topics
• Co-facilitate a weekly 1-hour online for a group of 15-20 students
• Attend a weekly meeting with the Ukrainian counterpart for feedback and discussion
• Co-facilitate club meetings that include cultural topics, such as American holidays
  
  

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 hours per week.

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

The Host Country Counterpart will have access to email, 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 of coaching or mentoring youth in professional development

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