Preparation Weekends
The Volunteer Programme team organises three weekends to assist Volunteers with their preparations prior to departure. Using the Plan-Do-Review cycle, the team supports the Volunteers to make the best use of their preparation time. The weekends also enable the teams to meet and learn more about their placements from former Volunteers.
It's important to note that, whilst we aim to provide a comprehensive preparation package across the three weekends, time is limited and we cannot cover everything. Volunteers are expected to take responsibility for their preparations and: read about the partner schools, review previous years reports, meet former Volunteers, work on the local language and spend a few days in a school to re-familiarise; all of which go a long way towards ensuring that the overseas experience is positive and rewarding for all involved.
The responsibility for preparation is in the hands of the Volunteers and their team - that's part of the challenge!
Click here to download a sample timetable for the Suas preparation weekends.
1. Understanding the Context
Understanding the needs, challenges, and history of our Partner schools and the surrounding area, is the first step towards an effective placement. Volunteers are expected to build upon the lessons learned on previous placements, by reviewing reports and talking to former Volunteers.
As part of the Global Perspectives theme of the Programme, Volunteers are also expected to learn about the wider political, historical and social context in which the Partners operate. As representatives of Suas, Volunteers are expected to have an understanding of our Programmes and activities.
2. Preparing Yourself: Skills Development
Pre-departure, Volunteers are expected to develop basic skills in:
- Teaching
- Language
- Cross-Cultural Understanding
- Project Planning
- Impact Assessment
- Health & Safety
3. Working with Others: Teamwork and Leadership Development
Learning to work effectively with their team and the Partner staff is an integral part of the Programme. This is encouraged throughout the preparation weekends and the Programme itself.
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