Project Faulu Facilitator

Volunteer Title: Project Faulu Facilitator Status: Volunteer position, unpaid

Hours: 2 hours a day, 2 days a week Days: Mondays and Wednesdays OR Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Reports To: K-12 Programs Coordinator Commitment Period: January 27-May 15, 2025

Location: 2130 Enterprise St SE Kentwood, MI

Summary:

Project Faulu volunteers work closely with the K-12 Programs Coordinator and a team of other volunteers to provide a supportive and engaging learning environment for students with a refugee background. Project Faulu is our K-8 program designed specifically for children with a refugee background, focusing on language and culture, creativity and inquiry, academic engagement, and positive social skills. Our goal is to provide students with opportunities to learn in a community of peers and volunteers. Project Faulu Facilitators are responsible for welcoming students in the afterschool program, facilitating games, snack time & discussions, thematic activities designed by program staff, and reading to and with students. The Project Faulu Program runs on Monday and Wednesdays and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30pm-6:30pm. Volunteers must volunteer two days per week (either Monday and Wednesday OR Tuesday and Thursday), for one, and ideally two, semester(s). Initial and ongoing training/check-ins are required.

REC Misson Statement: We support refugees in their journey to become fully participating members of the West Michigan community. We envision a thriving, multicultural West Michigan community where all have an opportunity to pursue a better future!

Volunteer Duties

• Commit to volunteering consistently on a weekly basis, for the duration of at least one full semester
• Review activity plans of session to ensure comprehension of activities and materials in advance
• Facilitate activities with up to three students per session.
• Support and engage K-8 students attending the Refugee Education Center by:
• Engaging fully in all elements of the daily schedule, such as games, snack & discussion, thematic activities, reading time, clean up and reporting
• Facilitating thematic activities designed by program staff
• Reading diverse, multicultural books with students
• Engaging students in additional activities such as puzzles, homework support, projects, creative assignments, or any other appropriate activities to support their learning needs
• Willingness and interest in learning about student home languages and cultures
• Complete daily reporting immediately after conclusion of each volunteering session
• Demonstrate teamwork and integrity with staff, fellow volunteers, students, and their families
• Ensure a safe and clean learning environment through assisting with after-program clean up.
• Attending all required training courses.
• Report issues of concern to Program Coordinator

Desired Qualifications:

• Must be age 16 or older
• Must be a Michigan Resident or have temporary residency in Michigan
• Willingness and ability to pass State and Federal background checks
• Some leadership or support experience

Preferred Skills & Competencies:

• Ability to work with diverse populations and make students feel welcomed and safe
• Self-motivation to identify and support students in their educational and social emotional needs
• Documenting the activities of their assigned level through picture taking and sharing pictures with the Program Coordinator
• Ability to communicate to Program Coordinator on successes and challenges faced (including what went well and didn’t go well with the various activities)

If interested, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Anna Bundy at: anna@refugeeeducationcenter.org

Or go to our website (refugeeeducationcenter.org) and fill out the volunteer form online.