primary duties

hi allHere are my primary duties from my volunteer assignment description.
My PC group will be the 79th group to serve in Samoa.My role as a computer studies teacher will be teaching and developing the computer studies curricula.
I will be involved with the following activities:

.teach computer studies to students 9-13 years old.
.train fellow staff members in basic computer applications.
.manage, maintain, review, and update hardware and software needs of school's computer lab.
.write grant proposals to acquire PCs and other related resources, and ensure functional labs.
.compile computer studies exam papers, notes, and materials for continuity.
.liaise withother service providers for spare parts, programs, and software for schools.
.potentially develop a multi-media lab with photocopying, printing, running encarta programs, etc.
.take part in ICT (information and communications technology) workshops organized by the ministry or yourhost agency.
.be receptive to other school and community projects regarding IT needs and telecenters in rural areas.
.other responsibilities within the general scope of above duties.

..should be interesting!

why is matt going?

Why?

I believe it is important to know other parts of the world. I want to understand another culture intimately, to use my skills (technology education and youth development) to strengthen communities—wherever they may be.

I also want to have an adventure. I like to have interesting experiences where I can learn new things and also share what I know. So I guess I hope this is a two way street: I’ll teach some stuff, but probably learn a lot too. I’ve learned that personal experience is the most powerful teacher, so I’ll try to put myself in new situations.

It will be important to have the ability to relate to other cultures in the future—as the US becomes more and more culturally diverse. I also think this might be a good experience for leadership development.

I have a desire to be of service and I have already been in AmeriCorps (a domestic version of PC), so I want to experience how PC is the same, or different.

One of my ministers spoke of being “an instrument of peace.” That really resonated with me. I’d like to be an instrument of peace.
The slogan I’ve been using at the YMCA with computer labs has been “Discover, Learn, Create, Share.” To me, that sums up the process I hope others can have using technology. I hope to include these words in my work in Peace Corps.

Where is matt going?

Where?

I’m going to Samoa! Located in the South Pacific.

Latitude: -13° 49' 0" Longitude: -171° 58' 59"

I found out it’s 5112.4 miles from Portland, Oregon to Faleolo, Samoa.

That’s a long way!

Here are a few web sites that has some good info about where Samoa is.
www.visitsamoa.ws

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samoa

When is matt leaving?

When?

Sweet! I’ve been invited to serve in Samoa!! My program will be Capacity Building. My job title will be Information Technology Teacher. The pamphlet said I would be in a group of six volunteers. I don’t know much more than that right now. I’ll probably learn a lot more at the orientation.

I will be leaving for the orientation in Los Angeles October 8, and then pre-service is in Samoa Oct10-Dec19, 2007. My term of service will be Dec 19, 2007 - Dec 20, 2009.

I fly out of Boston on Aug 31, to Philly for a few days, then to Oregon to spend some time with my mom and grandparents, before I fly to Samoa.

Sweet!

What is matt doing?

What?

Some copy and paste from web sites:

“The Peace Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration grew an agency of the federal government devoted to world peace and friendship.
Since that time, more than 187,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have been invited by 139 host countries to work on issues ranging from AIDS education to information technology and environmental preservation.”

Peace Corps has Three Main Goals:
· Help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
· Help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
· Help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of all Americans.

“The Peace Corps is not just for young people! 7% of the volunteers are over 50—that translates to approximately 450 new seniors joining each year. Volunteers are required to commit to the organization for 27 months. During that time, they will train and complete their service overseas. All medical, travel and monthly expenses are covered. Because returning to your “old lifestyle” can be a major transition, the Peace Corps will give you $6,000 to help you get re-adjusted. That can be used for rent, bills, additional travel, or any other way the volunteer wishes.”

Peace Corps offers a chance to understand a culture and way of life that may be very different than our own.

http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=Learn.whatispc
http://www.suzanne.tv/show.asp?sid=339

who is matt?

Who?

Some guy named Matt, Matthew, Matti, AquaMan, Crichy, Crichton. Who has a commitment to engaging his (global!) community. Who loves yoga, technology, and percussion. Who’s favorite new recipe is steamed fish. Who is finishing a poetry book. Who has gone from electrical engineering, to AmeriCorps, to YMCA, To Peace Corps. Who has traveled to Zimbabwe and Finland (three times!) Who has been a church small group and sun magazine discussion facilitator. Who thinks this Peace Corps thing will be a cool awesome delicious adventure.

The three words I’m working with right now are movement, service, and inspiration. I try to incorporate these into everything I do. I think Peace Corps will have a lot of service, and inspiration, and maybe I can work in some movement—with some yoga or Frisbee
I believe in the spirit of the young person—I work with kids, teens, and young adults—I hope the spirit never dies. I believe “older people” can have spirit too.

invite to me!! Samoa

Yo...Peace Corps wants me to serve in Samoa! I just got the invite letter yesterday..I will say yes soon.gotta read stuff first.
Here is a web site about samoa:
http://www.visitsamoa.ws/samoa/export/sites/STA/about/quickfacts.html

more info soon...

waiting is hot

peace corps..just talked with amanda at PC DC office...david my placement officer out of office today..but she will talk to him.
says I'm on target for program I've been nominated for....to leave in oct.
she said he's finished initial assessment and is doing final assessment...
the waiting continues;.

waiting is hot

peace corps..just talked with amanda at PC DC office...david my placement officer is out of office today..but she will talk to him.
says I'm on target for program I've been nominated for....to leave in oct.
she said he's finished initial assessment and is doing final assessment...
the waiting continues;
housemates, work, and life in general is pressing on me to finally get invited..and stress sucks too.