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1. What is CAI? CAI (才) means “talent.” CAI is a program funded and supported by its parent entity, the Promise Foundation, a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charity.
Our programs target the underserved communities of migrant children in China. We work through art and sports programs and character development activities. We also conduct teacher training programs in rural schools. Back to top
2. What specifically will art volunteers teach?Art volunteers will mostly teach basic art knowledge, instruct students on artistic techniques and the correct ways to use various tools and materials, and get students prepared to hold a small exhibition by the end of the semester. The specific content of each class will be determined by volunteers themselves, and can include games, drills, and other exercises in addition to drawing practice. At the end of each class, there will be journal entry time carrying the day’s lesson and review 4C’s. Back to top
3. What are the requirements for being an art volunteer? Should the volunteers be experts in the field? What’s the teaching objective?We ask drawing teachers to have a background in the arts, preferably with 2+ years experience with painting. Art volunteers need not be formally trained. Above all, we are looking for individuals with high enthusiasm who will make a true commitment. What’s more, we want volunteers to teach the Four C’s: Confidence, Courage, Commitment, Care. Back to top
4. How many volunteers and students are there in a program? And what are the makeup and responsibilities of each volunteer team?There are 5~6 volunteers and 20~25 students from Grade 4 to Grade 6 in a program. In each program there will a leader, three to four coaches and an assistant.
Responsibilities:
Team Leader- Organize team to discuss curriculum plan; Organize and coordinate character development games; Supervise journal entries and facilitate discussion; Provide student and volunteer feedback to the program officer; Communicate with teachers in migrant school to ensure program runs effectiveness.
Coaches- Teach 20~25 students different art; Implement the CAI curriculum; Provide student and volunteer feedback; Share teaching experiences to other volunteer groups; Willingness to improve teaching methods.
Assistant- Assist as translator for volunteer teachers who are not bilingual; Assist in classroom control; Provide assistance to team leader as needed. Back to top
5. What is the time commitment? What is the time requirement for volunteering? What if I am ill or have another obligation on a day I am scheduled to teach?All volunteers are asked to commit to teaching for two hours on Saturday (or other specified time) for one semester (about 12 of 14 weeks). The program follows school academic year, the Fall semester lasts from September to November, and the Spring semester lasts from March to June. Under certain circumstances, volunteers may be permitted to commit to 2 or 3 sessions per month.
If you are ill or have an important prior obligation, please notify your volunteer team leader as early as possible so that proper arrangements can be made for your class in advance. Back to top
6. What sort of training do volunteers get?CAI provides training sessions for new volunteers to go over both general teaching skills, art specific teaching methodologies, as well as training on how to teach CAI’s 4C’s. During training, we will provide a handbook that will include a sample lesson plan. Back to top
7. Do the schools have art materials? If not, who supplies the materials needed in the teaching?The schools do not have art materials. CAI will supply the materials needed in the classroom. Back to top
8. Where are the schools and how do I get there? Do the volunteers get transportation?Most schools are located within or near the areas of Beijing's Haidian and Chaoyang districts, outside the 5th Ring Road. Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation to and from schools. Transportation cost is generally less than ¥5. All schools are accessible by public transportation. We will provide volunteers with directions. Back to top
9. How do I benefit by volunteering at a CAI program?-Gain valuable work experience with an international organization.
-Meet new friends from around the world.
-Build self-esteem and self-confidence.
-Undertake stimulating and challenging projects.
-Develop knowledge, skills and experience for effective -professional practice.
-Receive a thank you letter from CAI.
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10. How do I become a CAI art volunteer?We will place a volunteer recruiting advertisement on the CAI website before each semester begins. Applicants can then follow the instructions on the advertisement to apply for a volunteering position. You can also submit your interest in volunteering through our online volunteer application. All volunteers will first be interviewed by CAI. After passing the interview and finishing all training, applicants can become CAI art volunteers. Back to top
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