Start date
July 1, 2026

End date
January 6, 2027

Duration
27 weeks

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

Activity/project background

The University of Eswatini has a mission to be a sustainable public university that positively impacts society by promoting holistic health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities through active engagement and empowerment. Currently, the university is conducting various community outreach programs and educational workshops aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues. Collaborating with local schools and health clinics, the organization seeks to create a supportive environment for young individuals facing mental health challenges.

The university is seeking the support of one Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) to support the development of Faculty’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Nursing skills. The virtual engagement addresses a significant need for specialized mental health support in the region. Despite the increasing awareness of mental health issues, there remains a lack of trained professionals equipped to address the unique needs of children and adolescents. This gap in services often results in untreated mental health conditions, which can adversely affect educational outcomes and overall community well-being. By focusing on mental health training and resources, the organization aims to empower local health workers and educators to better support young people.

The VSPP will co-facilitate training sessions, conducting approximately two workshops, aimed at equipping local practitioners with evidence-based mental health strategies. Each session will involve around 15–20 participants, targeting health workers and educators who work with children aged 6–18.

The organization has previously collaborated with the Peace Corps. They understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a Peace Corps Volunteer or Peace Corps Response Volunteer.

Engagement and tasks

The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their host country partners:

• Co-design curriculum materials for the new MSc in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Nursing: Complete initial drafts within the first four weeks, with weekly check-ins for feedback, estimated 1 hour per week
• Co-teach one 1.5-hour session per week on evidence-based practices in community health: Sessions will be held every Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. Eswatini time, estimated 1.5 hours per week
• Conduct a series of three training workshops on child and adolescent mental health for nurses working at the National Psychiatric Centre: Schedule these workshops bi-weekly over the course of six weeks, with each workshop lasting 2 hours per week
• Participate in biweekly planning meetings, contributing to logistics and content, starting 3 months before the workshops, estimated 1 hour per week
• Provide mentorship to faculty on research project development: Engage in monthly one-hour mentoring sessions to support faculty members, starting within the first month of engagement, estimated 1 hour per month
  
  

VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5–15 hours per week. This engagement is estimated to be approximately 10 hours per week.

Online collaboration will generally occur between 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eswatini time (SAST). Specific times will be determined during orientation.

The host country counterpart will have access to Zoom, WhatsApp, and email 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: Master’s degree in nursing, counseling, or related field

Experience:

• Virtual and communications
• 2 years teaching university students or adults
  
  

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