I need ideas for leading distance mentorships
canadia
Posts: 8
I was wondering if you could help me think of ways that we can build friendships or understanding among high-school-aged folks when there are big walls that weren't even built by the orangutrump.
I'm moving to Somaliland in a few months, which is an unrecognized nation-state of Somalia with Islamic traditions as law (to some extent--they're more liberal than many areas but I'll still be deprived of my beloved red wine). I will be teaching science to high school students (30% of whom are female, which is insanely high!) in English at a non-profit STEM-focused school so they can have a chance of getting a post-secondary education (probably abroad) and come back to lead their country. I want to do something to help the kids build ties with or even just see what life is like in other areas of the world while still in Somaliland. With current technology, messaging/email in other languages is possible, but since I only speak one and a half languages, I'm severely limited in my capabilities for reaching out and organizing things.
I will have access to internet but not mail or easy travel, so what can I do while I'm there to create positive ties with the western world? I was considering starting a Skype mentoring program but have no web savvy and my areas of "expertise" are limited. I had also wanted to start a Junior Achievement-type program but apparently the costs of shipping anything in or out of the area is ridiculous.
I know this isn't necessarily the best place to talk about this, but I figure the majority of us PJ-ers have similar value systems in terms of social justice and practical aid for third world nations. Plus, a network of people who are largely in or reaching their peak professional years and who are scattered worldwide and represent a ton of ethnic and religious backgrounds but have a common love of PJ? Awesome. And for shit's sake, I sound like a hippie, so even if you're just embarrassed for me, at least give a suggestion.
Anyways, thanks for any suggestions, and hope to see you at the Ottawa 2016 concert!!
I'm moving to Somaliland in a few months, which is an unrecognized nation-state of Somalia with Islamic traditions as law (to some extent--they're more liberal than many areas but I'll still be deprived of my beloved red wine). I will be teaching science to high school students (30% of whom are female, which is insanely high!) in English at a non-profit STEM-focused school so they can have a chance of getting a post-secondary education (probably abroad) and come back to lead their country. I want to do something to help the kids build ties with or even just see what life is like in other areas of the world while still in Somaliland. With current technology, messaging/email in other languages is possible, but since I only speak one and a half languages, I'm severely limited in my capabilities for reaching out and organizing things.
I will have access to internet but not mail or easy travel, so what can I do while I'm there to create positive ties with the western world? I was considering starting a Skype mentoring program but have no web savvy and my areas of "expertise" are limited. I had also wanted to start a Junior Achievement-type program but apparently the costs of shipping anything in or out of the area is ridiculous.
I know this isn't necessarily the best place to talk about this, but I figure the majority of us PJ-ers have similar value systems in terms of social justice and practical aid for third world nations. Plus, a network of people who are largely in or reaching their peak professional years and who are scattered worldwide and represent a ton of ethnic and religious backgrounds but have a common love of PJ? Awesome. And for shit's sake, I sound like a hippie, so even if you're just embarrassed for me, at least give a suggestion.
Anyways, thanks for any suggestions, and hope to see you at the Ottawa 2016 concert!!
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PS - be careful and safe over there!