Talofa lava!
Congratulations on your invitation to serve as an Information Technology Volunteer in Samoa. You are being requested by the Government of Samoa to provide assistance with computer based technology. You will be assigned to a government department, a non-governmental organization (NGO), or an educational institution to train and mentor local counterparts in the areas of: computer networking, software and hardware maintenance, database construction, and system troubleshooting, among others. Samoa is trying to catch up with the Information Technology and Communication Revolution that is sweeping across the world. Your assistance will help to make the process more sustainable.
You will serve with the 69th group of Volunteers to live and work in Samoa. You were selected because we believe you have the skills and the education required to assist in this project. We look forward to your arrival in Samoa. Please come with all the flexibility, maturity, and resourcefulness that you can muster, in order to face the daily challenges of living in a developing country. You will be rewarded with meaningful work and an unforgettable experience.
Faafetai
Fata Esera Lafi, Associate Peace Corps Director
Capacity Building Project
HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM
The Peace Corps program in Samoa began in 1967. Since then, more than 1,700 Volunteers have served in Samoa in such programs as Agriculture, Health, Education, Environment, Finance and Youth. From 1967-1987, Peace Corps involvement in the Education sector involved all levels, from Primary, Secondary and Tertiary. From 1988-1997, the focus was mainly with Junior and Senior Secondary levels in the Business and Science areas. Volunteers were brought in to fulfill and address shortage of staff at the senior levels . The National University of Samoa (NUS) -Secondary Education program was established in 1997 and had its first enrollment in 1998. From 1998 to 2001, 70 volunteers have replaced and have given Samoan teachers the opportunity to enhance their levels of competency and qualifications. This involves two years of full-time study at the National University of Samoa.
Government departments and some colleges (high schools) over the last fifteen years, have gradually introduced the use of computers in the workplace. Over these years, the use of new and various software applications have been implemented. The availability of e-mail and internet access, has made information technology and communications in the workplace a must and a necessity in this modern age of technology.
Reliable and efficient use of such programs (Word , Access, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.) over the years, has seen the need for qualified programmers, to design , develop, and adjust certain software to suit their specific needs. There is also the need for software technicians for installation, troubleshooting and maintaining software and hard drives as well as setting up linkages and networks within and across departments.
YOUR PRIMARY DUTIES
Your role will be determined by the actual needs of your counterpart organization (government department, NGO or Educational Institution). You may play a leading or supporting role, but you should always be working with a local counterpart in an advisor/mentor capacity. The following are general ITC needs:
1. Train assigned personnel and support staff and assess their skill levels including training people to work at a 'help desk.'
2. Train and work with a counterpart(s) to document critical applications.
3. Train and work with counterpart(s) to audit systems for fail safe procedures and provide recommendations.
4. Train and mentor counterpart(s) to write specialized applications.
5. Mentor counterpart(s) to troubleshoot problems.
6. Work with staff and counterpart(s) to set up guidelines to assist in standardization and maintainability.
7. Work with IT staff to develop training materials.
8. Network computers between and within departments.
9. Teach and develop Computer Studies/Information Technology courses at High Schools or Tertiary Institutions.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SECONDARY PROJECTS
This could involve assisting other NGOs or other departments that may have similar ITC needs as your department and your type of work.
Peace Corps encourages all Volunteers to consider secondary projects related to one of the agency's "global initiatives," which include HIV/AIDS education and prevention, municipal development, environmental diversity, information and communication technology, and girls' education. However, the specific activities with which you will become involved will ultimately depend upon the particular needs of the community to which you will be assigned, as well as your own particular talents, skills and interests.
WORKING CONDITIONS
AVAILABLE RESOURCES
You will be working in an office equipped with computers, manuals, and software programs. A local counterpart will be assigned to work with you.
LOCATION OF JOB
The five Specialist IT volunteers will be based in the Apia urban area, while the three Computer Studies teachers/instructors will be rural based.
WORK HOURS
From 8 am to 4:30 pm each day from Mondays to Fridays, unless otherwise directed by your host agency.
CULTURAL ATTITUDES AND CUSTOMS IN THE WORKPLACE
As in most workplaces, respect for Directors, Chief Executive Officers, your immediate supervisors, counterpart(s) and everyone on the staff will facilitate your effectiveness as a newcomer. Additionally, showing respect for those that are your seniors, long serving members, and/or those with matai titles (chiefs) is expected within the Samoan culture. It is also common for staff to relate to one another like a close-knit family.
DRESS CODE
Professional attire is expected within the workplace. Women are expected to wear a one piece dress or a Samoan 'puletasi'. Men are expected to wear long trousers and a shirt (not a T-shirt).
TRAINING FOR YOUR JOB
Pre-Service Training is a total of eleven weeks. One week is allocatted to Orientation, 8 weeks to Language and Culture and 2 weeks for Familiarization and Networking.
LIVING CONDITIONS
Your accommodation will be provided by your department/institute and within close commutable distance to work places. These homes are basic western-style houses with indoor plumbing. They are mainly one bedroom or two in a few cases. All have electricity and basic appliances such as a fridge and a stove.
Please see the Welcome Book for additional information about living in Samoa.
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES AND REWARDS
Samoa can be a very challenging environment to work in. It is quite conservative and very traditional. You will be expected to live and work within the Fa'asamoa or the Samoan Way. Cultural concepts of time, work, privacy, property, and family are very different from your own and can be a source of frustration and confusion. You will need to demonstrate significant dedication and commitment to overcome the many challenges.
Most Volunteers find the challenges of Fa'asamoa to be part of the charm of living in Samoa. If you learn how to work within established norms, you will most likely have a highly positive experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer. You will also learn to enjoy your life in Samoa and when the time comes to go back to life in the States, you may find it a bit difficult to let go of this special culture.
