Description

Children's Advocacy Internship / Hawaii

Your dedicated efforts are needed to help improve the literacy rate among inner city families in Honolulu. The primary goal of this program is to help parents with low-level literacy skills to become more active in their young children's learning. A major focus of the program includes reading, and other educational / recreational activities to help develop reading and motor skills. Meanwhile, parents are brought into the process as well. Parents are encouraged to see themselves as the child's first teachers, and receive the skills and the confidence they need to feel comfortable in this role.

Located in the heart of downtown Honolulu, surrounded by high-rise buildings and a bustling business district, is a section of low-rent government housing. This housing project experiences its share of social and domestic problems. To combat some of the social ills felt by children in the project, this non-profit organization has rented out a unit and turned it into a community center. Interns in this project are asked to wear a number of different hats, all in the interest of helping the children. Many of the children in the center are neglected at home, and are, therefore, incredibly appreciative of any attention offered by staff. Here, there is a real opportunity to impact young lives.

There are an estimated 154,000 functionally illiterate adults in Hawaii (19% of the adult population). In the residential area covered by this program, the rate is an astounding 32%. Consider the implications for adults that cannot complete job applications, read warning labels, vote, or play a role in their children's education. Statistics are clear and disturbing, drawing direct links between illiteracy and social problems, such as welfare, poor job performance, substance abuse, domestic violence, teen pregnancy, and crime. Improving literacy skills is an important first step towards improving the quality of life for many affected Hawaii residents. This is grassroots social advocacy with special emphasis on the children.

This is a great way to gain insight into Hawaii's diverse culture. The children tend to come from Philippines, Hawaiian, Samoan, and other Pacific Island groups. You will hear Pidgin English from both the children and the parents.

JOB DESCRIPTION
1) Prepare lessons for children
2) Assist in classroom setup
3) Work one on one with children
4) Develop motor skills of children
5) Teach reading skills
6) Meet with parents
7) Counsel children

Highlights

* Work one on one with Dr. David Adams, a cultural anthropologist and respected author
* Academic credit available
* Letter of Recommendation on completion
* Career and academic advising available

Qualifications

* Applicants must be 18 years old or older.
* We accept GAP YEAR students through college graduates
* Positive attitude
* 20 - 40 hours per week

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 1,895.00 and up

Program Fees Include:

Housing, Internship setup, Airport pickup, Pre-trip reader, Office support

Salary/Pay

Unpaid positions. We charge a fee to set up the internship and provide housing

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

7 days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Institute for Cultural Ecology's Mission Statement

The Institute for Cultural Ecology was founded on the conviction that visits to exotic destinations imply a commitment to cultural sensitivity and environmental stewardship. Our programs match the interests, academic goals, and passions of the participant to premier host organizations and researchers. Once you connect with a place and its people, they become a part of you. Forever.

Year Founded

1999