(the following is an updated version of the first Go-Teach proposal prepared by the members in Bristol)

The Idea and the Concept

The idea for the project was conceived during informal discussions held during the MSA (UK) EGM 2006 in Bristol. Hence the Bristol team decided to submit the project to the MSA (UK) Central Committee and Advisory Council for serious consideration due to the benefits and impact of the project.

The project will enable volunteer members of MSA (UK) to teach in an island community for a short period of time during the summer break.

The project has since being given formal approval by the Ministry of Education.

The subject areas that can be taught are any GCSE/GCE O’level/A’level subjects (aimed for students in the island) or any professional/vocational field that is the speciality of the volunteer (aimed for the island community).

The project will be solely carried out in the islands excluding Male’.

The time period for carrying out the project is any time from 01 June 2007 to 15 Sept 2007.

 

What are the Benefits?

For the MSA (UK/Other countries) members
• Explore the life at island community
• An opportunity to create a close relationship with the student community.
• Enhance the spirit of helping/volunteer work.
• An opportunity to give back to the community.
• Publicity and appreciation from the community.

For the Island community and their students
• Additional help for students to improve their grades/pass
• Inspire them to excel in studies being taught by students
• Future source of career advice
• Free practical and vocational training for the island community

 

The operations plan and challenges

Challenge One: Getting the Volunteer members
An invitation to MSA (UK) members will be sent with the project document to check their interest/ availability, the GCSE/GCE subjects they are interested in teaching or the vocational field they wish teach about, and the island school they prefer (For example a member may choose to spend sometime in their island of origin, and others maybe open to go anywhere). In addition members who do not wish to teach but participate and support will be welcomed for their help. Based on the response members will be put into teams to cover an island.

MSA (UK) will also approach Maldivian student associations in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, India, Nepal and Egypt and offer their members the opportunity to volunteer and play an active role in the project. This will enable MSA (UK) to build a stronger working relation with the other student associations.

MSA (UK) will also target students who have finished/studying for GCE Advance Level and give them the opportunity to participate. This will be achieved using local media such as TV/Radio announcements, newspaper ads and promoting directly using letters, leaflets or emails. This will enable MSA (UK) to build a close relationship with prospective members of the association and encourage/develop a culture of volunteers working among young people back at home.

Challenge Two: Contacting islands to teach at
Island schools who teach for GCSE/GCE will be contacted to gauge their enthusiasm. Participant schools should be willing to host and facilitate MSA (UK) members and Go-Teach volunteers. Atoll offices will be requested to contact island development committees about vocational training. Priority should be given on need basis and the convenience of operations logistics as well as number of students/community members who will participate and benefit.

Challenge Three: Teaching materials and aid
Teaching material and how it is presented is essential to the success of the project. Due to the time limitation proper design and preparation of the material would enable the teaching members to cover the maximum during the period. Hence summery notes would add to the learning experience of the students.
The preparations of the materials could be conducted through small teams of members who would be teaching the subjects and using the resources available from wherever possible or even purchase of relevant teaching materials. The acquiring of teaching material is the sole responsibility of the volunteer.

Challenge Four: Financing the project
The entire project will be financed through sponsorship. The main expenses and path for sponsorship is discussed below:
Accommodation and food: Where ever possible this will be handed over to the island community to manage through island associations and school.
Transport: Transport cost would be covered by sponsorship funds.

Teaching materials: This cost will be covered by sponsorship funds.
Publicity and identity: Word of mouth and free publicity will be sought.

Challenge Five: Managing the operations
A dedicated team will operate in Male’ to cover the different aspects of the project operations. Key functions which will be covered include:
Liaison with atolls: To communicate and monitor the activities in islands and facilitate the teaching team.
Sponsor: To approach organizations to network with and obtain sponsors for the project.
Finance: A key function as all income and expenditure should be accounted properly and completed for the project.
Teach Coordination: To coordinate the teaching materials and offer support for teaching members operating on the field.
Logistics: To arrange all the travel plans and other arrangements for the teaching teams
Team Leader: to lead the team.