Application Deadline: 19 May 2023
PROGRAM DATES
Coordinator Arrival: 30 June 2023
Coordinator Orientation: 1-3 July 2023
Volunteer Arrival: 3 July 2023
Volunteer Orientation: 4 July – 9 July 2023
SHINE Project Dates: 10 July – 11 August 2023
Volunteer Departure: 12 August 2023
Kindly note, the above dates are tentative. Applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline. Application decisions will be disseminated on an ongoing basis through May 2023. However, the application process is ongoing until the final cohort for SHINE 2023 is finalized.
Note: should the health or political situation deteriorate, LEAP will be required to postpone/cancel its programming.
Volunteer Teacher Applicants:
Please note that upon acceptance, all volunteers will be required to submit a $900 non-refundable payment to secure their position with SHINE no later than two weeks after their acceptance. This will cover overall program operational costs including: housing, utilities, water, and basic groceries during your stay; lunch on working days; student trips; center fuel and supplies; printing costs; coordinator stipends; among other logistical costs.
Coordinator Applicants:
Coordinators will be contacted to conduct an interview. This process will likely last through May. Accepted coordinators must arrive to Lebanon a few days before volunteer arrival for Coordinator Orientation and to prepare for the implementation of SHINE 2023. This involves an intensive training, setting up and arranging apartments, planning for volunteer orientation, volunteer airport pick-up, proctoring student diagnostic exams and supporting in grading exams, among many other duties. Kindly note, coordinators receive a modest stipend for their participation.
Volunteer Expectations
LEAP seeks dynamic, compassionate, motivated, and mindful volunteers who enjoy working with young adults, value the right to quality education for all people, are passionate about refugee rights, are involved in or have experience with social justice movements, maintain respect and diplomacy in their interactions with people of diverse backgrounds, and are capable of working under challenging circumstances and working conditions.
Volunteers must be prepared to work in small classrooms with sporadic or scarce electricity, extreme heat, and limited resources, such as markers, paper, pencils, books, and electronics. Volunteers must also be able to endure difficult living conditions such as cramped and uncomfortable apartments with multiple people, as well as extreme heat and discomfort. Most importantly, LEAP volunteers must be culturally sensitive and considerate of local norms, as well as carry themselves in a mature, appropriate, conservative, and respectful manner at all times during the program since they are both representatives of LEAP and by extension, our partner organization. As a LEAP volunteer, you will be sponsored to obtain access into the camps. Therefore, LEAP and its partner organization is responsible for your movement and behavior. Thus, it is essential volunteers adhere strictly to the code of conduct. Any breach of this will result in immediate dismissal of the program.
Volunteers must demonstrate experience in one or more of the following: previous work or knowledge of the MENA region; Arabic (particularly colloquial spoken Arabic); experience in the field of education; previous work with youth in tutoring, after-school programs, recreational activities, or similar activities.; advocacy and organizing work; refugees/IDPs; management and coordination; working abroad; and/or mental health/psychosocial support.
We strongly encourage interested applicants who meet the above criteria to apply. This is a unique opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the Palestine refugee reality in Lebanon, and refugees in general. The Program has consistently been described as a meaningful, purposeful, unforgettable experience, for youth and volunteers alike. We hope that you will be among our team! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@leap-program.org.
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