In this era of rapid technological advancement, our daily lives are continuously shaped by innovative technologies. From artificial intelligence to aerospace, these fields subtly drive social progress, a development also attributed to enhancing scientific literacy among individuals. Therefore, we must start with education to cultivate the curiosity and passion for science in the next generation of youth.

Education is at the heart of the United Nations’ work, and ensuring accessible, equitable, and high-quality education is the key to realizing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In China, rural education has always played a fundamental and pioneering role. Developing rural STEM education enhances students’ comprehensive qualities and contributes to the equitable development of education overall.

In July of this year, the “HER Digital Future Bootcamp” was initiated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) China Office, hosted by One Kilogram Box, and supported by the Tencent SSV Digital Teaching Lab. Since its launch, it has attracted the active participation of hundreds of offline volunteer teams, leading and supporting rural girls to embark on their technological dreams right at their doorsteps.

Furthermore, we will launch the “HER Digital Future” series of courses on the Digital Volunteer Teaching Lab (企鹅支教平台）to encourage and mobilize more individuals committed to advancing rural education and illuminating more children’s technological dreams.

Children in relatively remote rural elementary schools can enjoy high-quality science education through the dual-teacher classroom method.

We aim to engage 400 Online Volunteers for mentoring collaboration with students from rural elementary schools. This initiative will utilize a dual-teacher remote teaching method, with physical classrooms equipped with integrated machines, large screens, cameras, microphones, and other hardware to support remote lessons, thus overcoming geographical barriers.

Online Volunteers will focus on delivering knowledge through the Digital Volunteer Teaching Lab (企鹅支教平台） where they will prepare and live stream their lessons.

Volunteers will be contacted via email to fill out a pre-assignment evaluation form by August 21st.

Responsibilities:

Online volunteers will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Complete a pre-assignment evaluation form.
2. Training Participation: Attend three online training sessions from late August to early September and complete certification to understand their volunteer roles and responsibilities better.
3. Lesson Preparation: Work with a co-volunteer (paired independently or by the project team) to complete ten lesson preparations for the fall semester.
4. Teaching: Work with a co-volunteer to deliver ten lessons through the Digital Volunteer Teaching Lab (企鹅支教平台）during the fall semester.
5. Feedback Submission: Record and document real-time activities and complete a feedback questionnaire upon completing all courses.

Understanding of Local Context: Candidates committed to social work and community service can consistently participate and teach throughout the project period.

Volunteers should deeply understand local conditions in China and be inclined to establish meaningful connections with rural girls. Sincere enthusiasm for sharing rich learning experiences is essential.

Inclusivity: Diverse backgrounds and experiences. Individuals with a strong passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) will be highly regarded and given priority.

Experience (Preferred): Experience in teaching, such as through summer camps, volunteer teaching programs, or formal teaching positions, and educational or STEM backgrounds are preferred.

As part of the selection process, qualified candidates will be contacted to complete an online form for the screening.