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Aims
To improve, through a year of mentoring in a US school, the teaching skills on individually selected teachers and school personnel from the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu who show dedication and aptitude in their field.
Teachers from the Pacific Islands can be invited to serve as volunteer assistants to US teachers for a period of one year. During this time they work for their host school, who in return provide travel expenses, accommodation with a host family, transport to school, a modest monthly stipend and ongoing mentoring in education to the volunteer.
The volunteer in return works full time in the school as directed by the principal and participates fully in the school and church community.
Outcomes US Schools receive quality teachers assistants at low cost to the school.
Island teachers who volunteer receive twelve months of mentoring and the experience of working in a well equipped school in another culture. They receive training in classroom management, teaching methods and school operations as well as developing personal skills such as computer literacy, improved English, and gaining a wealth of knowledge about another culture.
Teachers from the Pacific receive professional development from experienced teachers willing to share their skills.
US teachers get the satisfaction of service to others.
International SDA Educational ties are strengthened.
This is a win/win situation.
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Edumentor International |
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Teachers Mentoring Teachers |
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Rationale |
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There is an urgent need for schools in the South Pacific to meet the demands of a very young population. In the Solomon Islands 50% of the population is 15 years of age or younger. Most children never see crayons, scissors or the school supplies we take for granted. Classrooms are over crowded and poorly equipped. |
A Huge Need |
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The teachers need ongoing support to boost their morale and improve their teaching skills. They need resources and classroom supplies to reach out to the children they were trained to teach. They need ongoing professional development to improve their skills in the field. Schools in the US often need teachers assistants but are unable to afford the growing costs of a full time local assistant. |
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Teachers today are well trained either in Fiji or Papua New Guinea, however they return to their islands to teach and soon become demoralized by lack of resources, extremely low pay and lack of support. Housing conditions are poor and contribute to the low morale.
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Looking inside a school on the Island of Rennel in the Solomon Islands |
