Volunteer Guide TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP • GIVING-BACK TO AFRICA • COMMUNITY SERVICE • STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
Note from Mr. Thierry Zomahoun Dear Volunteer, On behalf of the AIMS-NEI Board, staff and student body, I would like to thank you for your interest and involvement in the AIMS Volunteering Program. In our mission to accelerate knowledge-led development in Africa by providing quality Mathematics education and championing cutting-edge STEM research, we must ensure that our training model equips Africa’s brightest students with the right tools and resources to thrive as problem solvers and independent thinkers. Attaining the goal of increased academic achievement for each student or researcher requires a communitywide effort. In addition to the commitment of our world-class lecturers, tutors, academic directors, program managers, as well as industry and tertiary partner institutions, AIMS volunteers play a critical role in this endeavor. Volunteers are truly valued partners of AIMS. We cannot be successful without you. Thank you in advance for believing in our vision and lending a helping hand to increase the quality and effectiveness of education our talented youth deserve. We hope that you find volunteering with AIMS a positive and rewarding experience. Let’s work together for a better continent. Yours Sincerely,
THIERRY ZOMAHOUN President and CEO, AIMS Global Network 2
AIMS Volunteer Guide
Organisational Information ABOUT AIMS The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is a pan-African network of Centres of Excellence for post-graduate training, research and public engagement in mathematics with a mission to lead the transformation of Africa through innovative scientific training, technological advances, breakthrough discoveries, strategic foresight and innovative policy design. Founded in 2003 in South Africa and later replicated in Senegal, Ghana, Cameroon, Tanzania and Rwanda under the framework of the Next Einstein Initiative, AIMS is feeding the STEM pipeline by training African students for a Masters in Mathematical Sciences, including a co-operative option with a direct link to industry. The network also offers research programs, with 90 researchers currently conducting studies under the tutelage of prestigious Research Chairs across the network. In addition to a gender-responsive Teacher Training Program currently implemented in Cameroon and Rwanda, AIMS equally created two critical initiatives: Quantum Leap Africa to prepare the continent for the coming quantum revolution and the Next Einstein Forum to propel Africa on to the global scientific stage. Morocco
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As of February 2019, AIMS had:
Algeria
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Libya
Egypt
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Mauritania • Trained 1,757 Mali 6 Niger 11 alumni, of which 5 Chad Eritrea Senegal Burkina 10 1 32% are women, Gambia 74 Faso 4 from 43 countries 9 Sudan Somalia Nigeria Guinea Ivory 128 Ethiopia across Africa 8 205 Central 1 Coast Ghana African Republic 63 206 3 Cameroon Liberia 7 • 6 Centres of 170 6 Uganda Kenya Excellence in Benin Togo 42 88 17 28 6 countries Democratic Rwanda Republic 98 Republic of Congo • AIMS GHANA recognized as UNESCO of Congo Tanzania 50 Burundi 41 Centre of Excellence (Category II) 77 38 • 4,909 applicants from 48 countries Angola Malawi 1 Mozambique 26 Zambia in 2017 2 Comores 37 2 • 83% of our first Co-op Cohort found Zimbabwe Madagascar Namibia 23 gainful employment 6 months after 93 2 Botswana graduation (AIMS Senegal) 7 Swaziland South Africa
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AIMS Volunteer Guide
Lesotho
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The AIMS Volunteering Framework The AIMS Volunteering Framework encompasses the different volunteering programs involving the organisation, underscoring the different categories of volunteers, as well as the modalities required for each give-back endeavor. AIMS accepts the services of all volunteers with the understanding that such service is at the sole discretion of the organisation. AIMS reserves the right to terminate or make changes to the nature of any volunteering assignment. Thinking of becoming an AIMS Volunteer? Find out if your vision aligns with any of the following. VISITING LECTURERS are an indispensable component of the AIMS training model. Every year, renowned lecturers from all over the globe visit our AIMS Centres for three-week blocks, during which they share their experience and expertise with the students. The departure of one lecturer announces the arrival of another, providing our student body with a steady supply of intellectual mentorship. AIMS provides visiting lecturers with a flight ticket, accommodation and meals at the campus residence, as well as a stipend which many choose to donate to the centre. The engagement of our visiting professors is an invaluable contribution to the grooming of AIMS Scholars. AIMS MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARS have the mandate to lead community service initiatives by mobilizing the student body and spearheading volunteering projects. Through the Scholars Council, Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the various centres are required to develop and implement a calendar of outreach activities in a bid to strengthen their commitment to give-back to Africa.
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AIMS Volunteer Guide
ALL AIMS SCHOLARS, including Mastercard Foundation Scholars at AIMS are required to carry out at least twenty hours of community service during the academic year. It is our fervent conviction that transformative leadership can only be achieved through students’ engagement in their communities. THE NEF VOLUNTEERS PROGRAM is a unique networking opportunity for highly motivated Mastercard Foundation Scholars from AIMS and other Mastercard Foundation Tertiary partner institutions, dedicated to promoting STEM in Africa. Successful applicants get to attend the prestigious, invitation-only Next Einstein Forum Global Gatherings alongside Nobel Prize winners, Heads of States and representatives from leading global corporations. Volunteers benefit from a flight ticket, accommodation, as well as a stipend from AIMS. NEF Global Gatherings are exciting events where the world of science and technology meet on African soil to unveil breakthroughs in science, through unique panels and discovery sessions, exclusive investor lunches and uniquely relevant pre-conferences and side-events. STAFF, TUTORS AND FRIENDS OF AIMS can lend their time to support the organization through volunteering, whenever the need arises. Centre staff and tutors typically support the students during community service. Other friends and partners of AIMS are welcome get involved in our volunteers program by reaching out to the entity concerned. AIMS ALUMNI constitute a rich pipeline for community service and outreach for the organisation. As ambassadors of AIMS, our alumni are conscious of the fact that the quality education they received was afforded via the goodwill of other individuals and institutions. Giving-back is their own way of contributing to the sustainability of the AIMS model.
AIMS Volunteer Guide
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THE AIMS VOLUNTEERING PROGRAM MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE AIMS Rwanda
AIMS Ghana
AIMS Senegal
Secretariat Chief Programs Officer Program Manager, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program @ AIMS
AIMS Cameroon
AIMS South Africa
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AIMS Volunteer Guide
Roles and Responsibilities SECRETARIAT LEVEL: Under the supervision of the Chief Programs Officer, the Program Manager, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AIMS-NEI will coordinate give-back activities across the network, acting as a “bridge” between AIMS alumni, friends of AIMS and the AIMS global network. They will equally follow-up with Program Officers and Student Development Officers at the centres to ensure that volunteering activities are carried out effectively. CENTRE LEVEL: The Student Development Officers at AIMS centres will serve as the first point of contact for students, staff or tutors who may need information on the volunteering program, playing the role of the give back coordinator. Where relevant, Chapter heads will have similar responsibilities as the centre SDOs, acting as the give back coordinator, whenever they have volunteers. In the absence of an SDO/SDM, the Program Officers or other staff assigned by centre management would take up this responsibility. VOLUNTEER TRACKING: You donate something far more valuable than money – your time; so it’s important that we track and recognize the amount of time donated. This includes meetings, trainings, presentations, office and fieldwork. The designated local volunteer coordinator is in charge of keeping a record of the amount of time donated, as well as the activities conducted. Volunteers should equally record all time spent on volunteering related activities – the local volunteer coordinator will provide you with a recording sheet. All volunteers will be issued Give-back certificates from AIMS upon request.
AIMS Volunteer Guide
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NUTS AND BOLTS The leitmotiv for volunteer involvement is to uphold and contribute towards achieving the overall vision and mission of AIMS. AS A VOLUNTEER YOU HAVE THE RIGHT: • To work in a healthy and safe environment; • To be interviewed and engaged in accordance with equal opportunity and antidiscrimination legislation; • To receive accurate and truthful information about the organization for which you are volunteering; • To receive a current copy of the organizations volunteer handbook and any other documentation which shed more light on your role; • Not to fill a position previously held by a paid worker; • To have a role description and agreed hours of contribution; • To be provided with orientation to the organization as well as the role; • To have your confidential and personal information handled in accordance with the law; • To be provided with appropriate training and support to carry out your role. AS A VOLUNTEER YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO: • Be reliable; • Respect confidentiality; • Carry out the specified position duties as per instructions and to be accountable for your actions; • Be committed to the organization; • Undertake any training required by the organization; • Inform AIMS as early as possible if unable to attend; • Be courteous to students, staff and other volunteers; • Raise any issues you may have with the organization and not denigrate the organization to students, staff and other volunteers; • Value and support other team members • Follow all policies and guidelines of AIMS, sign a Code of Conduct, Intellectual Property and Confidential Information Agreement, observing confidentiality when needed and engaging in appropriate public behaviour at all times.
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AIMS Volunteer Guide
How to Volunteer We welcome suggestions from volunteers about how they would like to contribute to AIMS. HOWEVER, BELOW ARE SOME AREAS TO CONSIDER: Lecturers – Opportunities to guest lecture at AIMS for three week courses are available every academic year. Express your interest to offer a course in Statistics, Entrepreneurship, etc. Mentorship and Ambassadorship – AIMS Alumni have the opportunity to mentor current AIMS Students with advice and support on the AIMS experience. Industry mentorships can also be arranged to provide AIMS students with industry and career advice and support. Ambassadorship contributes to a positive representation of AIMS. The alumni volunteer will act as an ambassador and advocate on behalf of AIMS, representing, advancing and promoting the interests and profile of AIMS. Community Service – AIMS students and staff can engage in community service such as orphanage work, clean-up activities at chosen sites, as well as tutoring at secondary schools and universities, among others. Advocacy for AIMS – We welcome volunteers willing to spread the word about AIMS through press, public presentations, lobbying politicians for STEM policy innovation, etc.
AIMS Volunteer Guide
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Fundraising – Volunteers could organize fundraising drives, raising money for books, computers, laboratory equipment and scholarships or for specific research undertaken at AIMS centres. AIMS Centre Facility Management – To assist with the day to day running of the AIMS Centres e.g. student liaison, library catalogue or equally providing administrative support during conferences, etc. Volunteer as an intern at an AIMS entity such as the Secretariat, Chapters or Centres. Giving Back Financially – AIMS Alumni are also encouraged to provide financial support to AIMS, through a single online donation, setting up a regular recurring financial donation or sponsoring students at AIMS by donating the equivalent of a scholarship e.g. full or part contribution to tuition, bursary, accommodation, meals, travel costs etc.
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AIMS Volunteer Guide
Volunteer Authority & Requirements a. Unless otherwise authorized by AIMS in writing, volunteers are not permitted to sign any documents on behalf of or representing AIMS, make any purchases, enter into any agreements or make any solicitations on AIMS’ behalf; they must get an employee to do so. b. Volunteers must respect the professional conduct, dress code and other key expectations the organization places on employees as outlined in AIMS’s Employee Manual. c. Volunteers must sign and adhere to the Statement of Confidentiality where requested. d. Volunteers’ e-mail signatures using their AIMS provided e-mail account must clearly state their role and their relationship with AIMS as a volunteer. e. Volunteers must follow all policies whose scope includes volunteers. STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT I have read and I am personally committed to support the AIMS volunteering program as outlined in the AIMS Volunteer Guide.
Name: Role: Signature: Date:
AIMS Volunteer Guide
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Contact Focal person for information on the AIMS Volunteering Program Joseph Ndiritu Program Manager, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AIMS-NEI jndiritu@nexteinstein.org Focal person for communication and public engagement Nathalie Munyampenda Global Director, Communications & Public Engagement NEF Managing Director nmunyampenda@nexteinstein.org
www.nexteinstein.org AIMS Next Einstein Initiative @AIMS_Next
BECOME AN AIMS VOLUNTEER! VISIT
www.nexteinstein.org
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