Develop STEM and Sustainability Learning Resources in Cameroon
Organizational Context
Goodness and Mercy Missions (GMM) is a non-profit organization in Cameroon, established in 2007. Its mission is to empower underserved rural communities through education, economic development, and essential skills, fostering sustainable and resilient lives. GMM holds Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and focuses on women's financial independence and children's education. The organization operates across several regions in Cameroon, implementing diverse programs including school support, vocational training, and community development initiatives.
Job Purpose
This role involves developing a practical STEM and sustainability learning resource pack for community education in Cameroon. The goal is to equip local facilitators with materials to teach young people about everyday science, responsible resource use, and basic data concepts. The resources will feature low-cost, accessible activities in plain English, designed for printable or small-file formats without requiring specialized equipment or constant internet access. Volunteers will create six thematic modules, ensuring a consistent format for adaptability, and will research, draft, test, and revise content over twelve weeks, culminating in reusable files for GMM's educational programs.
Responsibilities
Online Volunteers will develop one module each for a shared STEM and sustainability learning resource pack. Responsibilities include: - **Everyday Science & Engineering:** Create a module explaining basic scientific concepts (e.g., forces, simple machines) with four safe, paper-based activities and clear instructions. Optional extensions with offline alternatives may be suggested. - **Energy & Environmental Literacy:** Develop a module on energy sources, responsible use, and environmental trade-offs, using reliable sources and including activities on energy choices and waste reduction. - **Data & Chart Literacy:** Design a module for interpreting data and charts, using a small public dataset, and including a spreadsheet annex with calculations and visualizations. - **Climate Awareness & Resource Use:** Create a module linking climate concepts to practical resource-saving actions, with scenario-based activities and facilitator guides. - **Digital Skills:** Develop a module on finding, saving, and organizing digital learning resources, with printable alternatives for limited device access. - **Water & Waste Awareness:** Design a module on water conservation and waste reduction using household examples, including exercises and a visual handout. Each volunteer will produce activity cards, learner handouts, a facilitator guide, a source note, and a presentation or visual summary.
Work Experience
Demonstrated skills through relevant coursework, research projects, competitions, internships, or volunteer activities in at least one of the module components are required. Applicants should possess the ability to explain basic scientific, environmental, or digital concepts clearly and verify them against reliable sources. Foundational technical knowledge and an interest in public education are beneficial for science, energy, and climate modules. Basic proficiency in Word, Excel, or equivalent tools, and the ability to create readable PDF files are necessary.
Skills
Key skills include project management, program development, and strategy. Volunteers must be able to clearly explain basic scientific, environmental, or digital concepts and verify information using reliable sources. Proficiency in English is required, with French or Cameroonian Pidgin English being an asset. For specific modules, skills in data entry and checking, calculating percentages, creating spreadsheet charts, basic research, document preparation, and educational communication are needed. Attention to detail regarding accessibility, copyright, units, references, and distinguishing evidence from examples is crucial.