TVL is looking for a superstar International Project Coordinator for the summer!

The Village Link is a registered 501(c)(3) in San Mateo County, CA.  We facilitate economic development and sustainability in underserved communities through entrepreneurship, technology and education. Currently, our pilot project operates in a remote, rural village in Sierra Leone, Golu. With some help from TVL, the villagers in Golu built a community resource center and installed solar panels for electricity. Now, it is ready to house educational resources and offer programs for the residents.

TVL seeks a part time community project coordinator to work this summer. An extended period of volunteerism may also be available.  This is a volunteer position.

Your Role….

• Assist TVL directors with the planning and launch of project components;
• Work with TVL directors and partners in Sierra Leone to coordinate logistics;
• Fulfill administrative tasks as directed;
• Assist with the execution of social media marketing channel communications to TVL followers;
• Work remotely; and
• Attend weekly status meetings in person.

Applicant requirements:

• Interest in Africa's development;
• Solution-driven;
• Results-oriented;
• Excellent problem solving skills.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent english written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in project coordination (during college or work).
• Excellent time management skills.
• Ability to volunteer between 10 - 20 hrs a week.

The Perks…

• Once you have successfully completed your internship at the end of the summer we will evaluate your work and provide feedback and a reference for future employment. In addition, TVL will award a discretionary bonus based on performance.
• Free 1 bedroom rental in Redwood City, CA (if from out of town).
• Experience working on an innovative project that directly affects the community members in a positive way - driving economic and community development through education and entrepreneurship.

Timing…

• July - August 31 (2015) with the possibility to extend.
• 10 - 20 hrs per week
• Now taking applications

Interested parties can apply to this position at info@thevillagelink.org with the subject headline: Summer Internship - Volunteer Community Project Coordinator.

TVL Meeting in Bundobu: Looking Towards The Future

This week TVL had a meeting in Bundobu to discuss future plan's for Golu and TVL. Our resource center volunteer in Golu, John Try met up with Mike O'Neill, Director, Global Safety and Security for Save The Children and long time Golu resident and friend of TVL's founder, Mr. Fillie.

Currently Mike is busy in Sierra Leone helping to set up an Ebola Hospital for the rest of the month. During his off time, he was able to meet with us to help strategize current and future opportunities for Golu and TVL.

TVL is currently working on raising funds to purchase and distribute radio's to families in Golu with school aged children so they can take part in the Ministry of Education's radio education program. This is a very affordable program and will provide the opportunity for children to catch up on their studies since schools are closed due to the Ebola crisis. You can make a contribution to this program here. Just $25 will get 1 radio and 2 batteries for a family in Golu.

Below are some more photo's from the meeting.

TVL is looking for the next bright Online Marketing Specialist!

We are seeking a motivated and committed individual to join our Marketing Team as the Online Marketing Specialist (volunteer). The online marketing specialist is a part-time, volunteer position that will be responsible for the following functions:

1. Implement organization’s social media activities by engaging existing audiences through social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter
2. Work towards building and maintaining brand-community engagement
3. Grow socially related traffic to the site, increase engagement of social traffic on Facebook
4. Should be able to post updates on social media at least 2-3 times per day Monday to Friday on a weekly basis
5. Update website content via Wordpress
6. Assist in fund development via social channels and website

Other Requirements

1. Strong writing and editing skills
2. Interest in African culture and learning about Sierra Leone
3. Understanding of social media (especially Facebook and Twitter)
4. Basic understanding of Wordpress
5. Understanding of Hootsuite
6. Strong photo editing skills an asset but not necessarily required

Experience

1. One to two years of writing experience (college level, personal blogging etc.)
2. Working towards or already graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, communications or marketing, or equivalent experience

Time Commitment

1. 10+/- hours per week

Benefits

1. Leadership development opportunities
2. Ability to work from home
3. Ability to work with an experienced and diverse international team of individuals (Sierra Leone and California)
4. Satisfactory volunteering work experience
5. Can be considered for unpaid internship opportunities
6. Ability to be a part of and contribute to an international grassroots non-profit

Compensation

This is an unpaid position.