Aiding Algeria
By: Kristy Pauloski, CJ Koshivas, Oliver Arana, Nicodemo Camarda,
Matt Lamendola
"The mission of Aiding Algeria is to further educate and enrich the minds of young students. We aim to promote healthy habits in the school environment. We shall sponsor innovative and practical workshops as well as various other programs which will provide educators with new skills to strengthen their instructional methods. Through the outreach of our program we intend to work as world citizens to achieve the ultimate goal of providing opportunities for all individuals.”
Our Mission
Location: Kabylia(Kabylie), Algeria4 classroom building Volunteers integrated into a non-profit program
that educate people from the ages of 10-18The program would consist of approximately 20
overall -10 volunteers and 10 native instructorsTwo instructors per class which consists of
approximately 35 students
Description
Ages 10-14 separated into rooms according to age-Basic mathematics, sciences
*Two languages French and Arabic*Ages 15-18 targets business and economic
courses-goal is trying to create incentive and innovation in young malleable people
Older Students work on one of two things: a business plan or a become a teacher where the program will aid in job placement.
3hr courses starting at 7am
All courses would be 3 months in length Monday through Friday.
Each student would be allowed to take one course per calendar year
All volunteers are encouraged to stay the duration of the term and are welcome to donate their time to more then one term.
Algerian instructors may become permanent fixtures within the program.
Today Kabylia is one of the most industrialized parts of Algeria. Kabylia produces 60% of Algerian GDP (excluding oil and gas).
The area is populated by the Kabyles, a Berber ethnic group.
Three large chains of
mountains occupy most of the area.
Area is based on arboriculture and craft industry.
Kabylia/Kayblie
High Unemployment RatesEducationHousing Crisis Water ProblemsHealth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8yWDY7QYbc
Reasons This Program is Vital
This program encourages young people to slowly build a overall healthy society
Improved methods of teaching, more structured and geared toward higher learning critical thinking
Ripple effect: More teachers and business savvy
entrepreneurs -> more jobs->increased wealth->better healthcare-> increased quality of life
Why Choose us?
Literacy rate- 61.6% of the population over the age of 15
Primary and secondary education is compulsory and free from 6 to 15 years old. There is a huge decline when they reach secondary school.
In Algeria only 6.6% of the population has received higher education
at the university level.Curriculum has been
Arabiczed and the teaching of French has been restricted.
In Algeria there are 43 universities, 10 colleges, and 7 institutes for higher learning.
Education
Education (Cont.)Despite
government allocation of substantial educational resources, population pressures and a serious shortage of teachers have severely strained the system.
Algerians do not leave room for personal space between each other.
Preserving honor and reputation is important.No formal rituals surrounding business cards.Appointments are necessary and should be
made way in advance.Arrive on time and be prepared to wait. Algerians have an open-door policy, even
during meetings.
Business Etiquette
Algerian FoodFoods are packed with
flavorful seasoningsCouscous is a national
dish No meal would be
complete without a long loaf of French bread
Mechoui, roasted lamb cooked on an outdoor spit for large groups of people
Mint tea is also a favorite of the Algerians
Do not bring alcohol.Remove shoes at the door.Men and women will be seated separately.
Always greet the eldest first.
Dining Customs
Wash your hands before and after a meal.
Food is usually eaten by hand.Only use the right hand for eating and passing dishes.
Leave food on your plate or it will be filled up again.
Table Manners
Meeting and GreetingAlgerians greet
each other with lengthy affairs.
Friends and family exchange kisses.
Men may not shake a woman’s hand.
Avoid prolonged eye contact.
Business ethics are not institutionalized in academia of Algeria
Very little research is being done to improve business ethics
No local publications on ethical issues
There is a “Code of Ethics: National Union of Journalists – Charter of Personal and Professional Ethics”
Ethical Challenges
Drinking in public places is not acceptedWhen bringing gifts bring fruits, pastries or
flowersDo not bring alcohol as a gift unless you are
sure they partakeIslam is the main religion in Algeria Muslim women must wear head garments.When entering the mosque it is very
important to remove your shoes
Laws and Religious Customs
High risk to your security from terrorism
Avoid places frequented by foreigners, they are known to be high terrorist targets
Travel between major cities by road should be avoided
Avoid unfamiliar areas after dark
Travel Advisories
Current Events & News HighlightsUnderstanding
the past2008 “tsunami”-Overcrowded
classrooms-Inexperienced teachersNo government
regulation-Shortened school days
Private Tutors
American Involvement in Algeria
Competing foreign policies
Hostile Relations-late 60’s-70’s
Improved relations
-80’s to present-U.S increases
involvement, wants oil
Obstacles to SuccessCustomsBusiness
EtiquetteCommunication
BarriersLack of Gov’t
involvementNo foreign
teachers
Technology Do’s & Don’tsAlgeria spent heavily on
telecommunication infrastructure when oil revenues were at their highest in the 1970s and early 1980s.
The network is in a relatively good condition despite the need to expand in response to additional demands and traffic on the network.
Algeria is now facing economic as well as political difficulties which make it difficult to upgrade the existing telecommunication network.
Technology Do’s & Don’ts (Contd.)
YEAR Users Population
2000 50,000 31,795,500
2005 1,920,000 33,033,546
2007 2,460,000 33,506,567
2008 3,500,000 33,769,669
2009 4,100,000 34,178,188
2010 4,700,000 34,586,184
Algerian Internet Usage
•Mobile Cellular Subscribers: 25 million. (2007)•Television per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2000)•Home satellite dishes/antennas: 3,500,000 (2000)•Cable TV subscribers: cable TV service is currently not available•Facebook Users: 1,086,580 as of August 31, 2010, according to Facebook.
SWOT Analysis Strengths: Giving
Algerian scholars the ability to further their education, assisting Algerian professors
Weakness: Safety, enough qualified workers, sustainability, lack of resources, culture differences
Opportunities: Offering a unique experience for college graduates to travel and change the lives of students in need which will also let Americans learn more about Algeria
Threats: Local militia, volunteers, culture barriers, T.I.A.
Building GoodwillWe plan to educate the local teachers which
in return will strengthen their ability to teach the youth.
Our goal is to flourish in Kabylia in hopes of gaining the trust of local officials so that all Algerians can gain the advantage of a superb education.
Global Vision International (GVI)“Runs responsible volunteering programs in over
40 countries around the world. We offer volunteers the chance for a hands-on experience by personally contributing to important conservation initiatives and community projects. Volunteer programs run from one week to 2 years.”
Comparable Organizations
Our goal at Aiding Algeria is to be a leading educator and mentor to the nations youth for many years to come.
Achieve a point in which donations and local support can carry the program on a year round basis
Sustainability
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/theworldfactbook/geos/ag.html
http://www.algeria.com/blog/social-and-business-etiquette-in-algeria
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/algeria.html
http://www.teachforamerica.org/donors/index.htm?gclid=CNPW_LbYzaQCFQI_gwodrAahFA
http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/VolunteerOpportunity/128748-4 http://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/28/Algeria-
SUMMARY.htmlhttp://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-
country/middle-east-north-africa/algeriahttp://countrystudies.us/algeria/67.htmlhttp://www.gviusa.com/
Sources