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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 music volunteers teach?Music volunteers will mostly teach singing, how to read music, and simple tunes and rhythms to get students prepared to perform in front of their parents and others 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 singing practice. Some volunteers might be tasked with teaching a more advanced class where students will begin to learn how to write their own songs. At the end of each class, there will be journal entry time discussing the day’s lesson and reviewing the 4C’s. Back to top
3.
What are the requirements for being a music volunteer? Should the
volunteers be experts in the field? What’s the teaching objective?We are always looking for music coaches who have a background in music, preferably with 5+ years experience with a single instrument/voice. However, music volunteers need not be formally trained, though we hope to pair these volunteers with formally trained volunteers, as well as pairing singers with non-singers. Above all, we are looking for individuals with high enthusiasm who will make a true commitment. Our objective is to instill in the children the Four C’s – Confidence, Courage, Commitment, Care – through their lessons. 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- Teaching singing, basic music skills, and basic songwriting (upper levels) to 20~25 migrant children aged 10~14; 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 limited 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 that go over both general teaching skills and music specific teaching methods, as well as how to teach CAI’s 4 C’s. We will provide a handbook that includes a sample lesson plan during training. Back to top
7. Do the schools have pianos or other instruments? If not, who supply the materials needed in the teaching?The schools most likely do not have instruments available. CAI has started a music bank and there is a small number of instruments available for use. In addition, volunteers are encouraged to bring electronic keyboards, guitars, or other instruments for teaching purposes if possible. 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.
Back to top
10. How do I become a CAI music volunteer?We
will put 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 music
volunteers. Back to top
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Upcoming Events
CAI Fall 2010 Volunteer Recruitment Has Kicked Off!Looking
for volunteer teachers for our innovative and fun programs. Be a part
of the change and make an impact on a migrant child's life! For more information and to download our application form, please visit our Get Involved page.
Deadline to apply is August 31, 2010.
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