skillseed course catalogue / 2016

/ Course catalogue / 2016

SKILLSEED

ABOUT US Skillseed is a social enterprise that crafts & curates ethical themed experiential learning journeys to make a social impact, in Asia and beyond. We work only with credible NGOs, experts, and progressive educational institutions that seek the best holistic educational experiences for their students. Co-creating sustainable service-learning journeys furthers our social mission of increasing skilled volunteerism by planting the seeds for social change in the leaders of tomorrow.

Even as each and every journey is customised to the needs of students and our community partners, we are guided by our framework that moulds each project around these 3 Ls:

i) Learning from Expertsii) Living your Dreamsiii) Leaving a Legacy

2

At Skillseed, we’re acutely aware that colleges aren’t just looking for students who know how to ace exams, but for well-rounded global citizens with something special to contribute to their communities, be it a skill, passion, or transformative experience that inspires others to take action. Our courses are designed to provide forward-thinking schools the opportunity to push the boundaries of experiential learning, challenge students to take on real-world projects, and in the midst of it all, discover their passions and unleash their full potential for social good.

London / Creatives x Alternatives

why skillseed ?career exposure

Explore fresh facets of familiar fields and encounter role models making strides to

transform their professions through building social impact into the work they do. Help your

students uncover the paths to realise their passion and potential, and anchor that sweet

spot where both meet.

global citizenship

The best way to learn about the world is to experience it for yourself. Skillseed courses are designed not just to encourage students to learn about a place but emphasise what they can learn from communities, cultures, and places that are different from their own.

By facilitating connections between participants and host communities, our aim is to impart an awareness of the interconnectedness of peoples internationally, intercultural competencies and most importantly, a strong sense of global responsibility. more than

a service trip

4

When you choose Skillseed, you and your students don’t just get a run of the mill overseas service trip - you get a full course. Gain access to a net-work of experts and organisations, training in 21st century skills and post-trip opportunities to volunteer with local partners in Singapore. When you choose us, you choose inspired hands-on collaborations to complement the academic rigour of your classroom, and impactful holistic educational experiences to last a lifetime..

in the aftermath of 7 skillseed journeys in 2015:

98.4% of participants reported gaining new perspectives of host countries

92.6% reported being aware of socio-economic & political issues in host

countries

96.7% wanted to know more about issues happening around the world*

* All other participants in this survey of 122 participants responded ‘neutral’ to these statements

Bali /Environmental Stewardship

5

# where is skillseed

# belize/ health and hope

(p.13)

# hawai’i, usa/ adventures in sustainability

(p.19)

In 2015, our team took a total of 48 flights to 7 countries spread across 3 continents.

During that time, we ran 10 courses for 138 participants, clocking in a total of 3765 training & volunteering hours.

Here’s what we got up to:

6

# london, uk/ creatives x alterna-tives (p.20)

# cambodia/ design for good (p.16)/ microfinance, macro impact (p.12)/ development for good (p.18)

# thailand/ land & life (p.19)

# sweden/ innovations in public policy (p.15)/ into the wild (p. 18)

# Singapore / social innovation (p.17)

# bali, indonesia/ environmental stewardship (p.14)

# hong kong/ social enterpreneurship (new)

7

offerings : exposureexposure courses are

recommended for younger participants (15 years and younger) without a specialized

skillset, or groups with less than 6 full days in the host country (excluding travel time).

Exposure courses Include+ Cultural Immersion : Bridging

barriers through communication and non-verbal expression for cross-cultural

relationships+ Context Setting : Interdisciplinary

workshops cultivating historical , geographical , & polit ical awareness and

frameworks+ Camaraderie Building : Activit ies

designed to bond groups as well as facil itate rapport between individuals

from different backgrounds and cultures

look out for this symbol

l

Chiang Mai / Land and Life

9

offerings : bootcamp


Skillseed Bootcamps offer a flexible and customisable l ine-up of themed non-residential local programmes, specially crafted for an immersive, hands-on

experience to introduce participants to innovative approaches to address the needs of a community.

Drawing on the expertise of our team and extensive network of local community partners, we work with educators and individuals to co-create hands-on courses that

transform your ideas into reality.

Here ‘s a small sample of our offerings:


p

Social Enterprise Bootcamp: A Hands-on Starter Kit

+ The ‘Why’s & ‘How’s of Social Enterprise+ Building a Blueprint for Social Business

+ A Deep Dive into Singapore’s Social Sector + Ecosystem: An Experiential Exploration

Upcycle the World

+ Exploring Environmental Sustainabil ity+ An introduction to Cradle to Cradle Craft-Making+ Hands-on Space-making: Designing, Prototyping, Execution

10

Singapore / Social Innovation / Upcycle the World

11

offerings : flagship flagship courses are tailored to your learning and

service objectives, as well as to the identified needs of our partner organisations to form a targeted, community-initiated response to a

specified need.

Flagship courses are created with mature, committed individuals (16 years and older) in mind, and span at least 7

full in-country days excluding travel time.

This is to allow for the development of strategies, resources, and systems for a skills-oriented, community-centered, project-based

response to the issue in question, providing for a substantiated and sustainable contribution to the host community.

Flagship courses integrate+ Pre-trip skills-based, project-specific training

+ Skillseed Challenge: A cumulative, team-based project addressing a community need

+ Post-trip project follow up & coordination


u

12

Where is Skillseed ?

Phnom Penh / Design for Good

MICROFINANCE, MACRO IMPACTPHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

COMMUNITY PARTNER

PREREQUISITES

Experience life in a village in rural Cambodia as you explore the world of microfinance for yourself and learn about how finance can be employed to fuel self-empowerment, gener-ate possibilities, and sustain hope. Live in a community where sustainable development is taking place actively, immerse yourself in Khmer culture and hospitality, and leave a legacy with our community partner that you’ll be proud to share with others!

Our community partner is a volunteer-run grassroots non-governmental organization that works towards holistic and sustainable development through education, financial literacy and micro business, and women’s empowerment.

A must: A passion for poverty alleviation; an interest in finance and/or microfinance; a heart for travel & learning from other cultures; no serious allergies to fish sauce or bee-stings

+ Finance for the Future: Microfinance & Social Change+ The Meaning of Money: The Worlds of Wealth+ Micro Finance, Macro Impact: A Starter Kit+ Intro to Khmer Language & Culture + Responsible Volunteerism & Ethical Tourism

CORE MODULES


u14

COMMUNITY PARTNER HEALTH AND HOPECAYO DISTRICT, BELIZE

COMMUNITY PARTNER

PREREQUISITES

Journey to the small nation of Belize at the edge of Central America, the heart of global biodiversity and the crossroads of ancient Mayan wisdoms and Latin

American culture. Here, you’ll experience the fullness and exuberance of Belizean and Caribbean life as you

learn how to enact basic medical interventions, use medical tools, and pick up other important soft and

hard skills to serve this diverse community.

Our community partner is a US-based non-profit that equips youth to make a difference through the study and hands-on application of medical biology and community health, en-abling them to work with local healthcare workers to facilitate basic healthcare interventions for communities in ‘developing’ countries.

A must: A passion for providing care; interest in commu-nity health; curiousity about public health systems and their role in transforming the quality of life of a community.

+ Technical Sessions: Using Medical Instruments Measuring & Weighing Babies Nutrition Hygiene & Sanitation+ Language sessions: Spanish Yucatec Mayan

CORE MODULES

15


u

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIPBALI, INDONESIA

COMMUNITY PARTNER

PREREQUISITES

Explore the heart of the biosphere as you live, work and play in an undisturbed national park on the island of Bali! Experience life as the Balinese do as you learn what it means, and what it takes, to protect the lush and precious natural environment around you. As you’re mentored by scientists, conservationists and activists, witness the beauty that is both at risk and in need of preservation, and work alongside inspiring in-dividuals to be stewards of the environment.

Our community partner is a research foundation that works to inspire intelligent stewardship of the Earth’s biosphere through building on ecological research and education around the world, and advocacy through hands-on fieldwork and outreach.

A must: Ability to enjoy the outdoors; no aquaphobia; interest and love for the natural environment.

+ Nature & Conservation in Urban Landscapes+ Environmental Stewardship: Understanding the Biosphere+ Coral Reef Observation and Conservation+ Mindful Consumerism+ The Journey of an Environmental Steward

CORE MODULES

16


l

COMMUNITY PARTNER INNOVATIONS IN PUBLIC POLICY

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

COMMUNITY PARTNER

PREREQUISITES

Go behind the scenes of progressive societal integration, sustainable living and social equality in Stockholm, Sweden! In this hands-on exploratory

study trip, you’ll learn about and experience the spec-trum of Swedish innovative public policy from the

parliamentarians, policy-makers, and other ordinary Swedish people from all walks of life.

Our community partners comprise a range of individuals and organisations involved either in the formulation or implications of public policy in Sweden, from social workers, recent immigrants, government staff, wilderness experts and more.

A must : Basic background knowledge of policy; an inter-est in international and domestic affairs; must be analytical and critical thinkers.

+ Exploring Innovative Public Policy:

EducationEnvironmental ImmigrationHuman rights & Inclusivity

+ Hands-on Sustainability + Outdoor Education

CORE MODULES

17lu

DESIGN FOR GOODPHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

COMMUNITY PARTNER

PREREQUISITES

How can your passion for design and fashion change the world? Learn from the intersection of artisanship, business, and social good from our community partner and other inspiring social businesses and organisations based in the bustling capital city of Cambodia, where thousands of years of epic history meet the hustle of the present. Work and walk with our local partner artisans through the different stages of the design process to craft your own products that make a deep social impact and share stories from the heart.

Our community partner is a Cambodi-an-based social enterprise that trans-forms the remnants of artillery shells in Cambodia into jewellery that tells stories of peace.

A must: An interest in design and social business; a curiousity and heart for learning from other cultures; an interest in poverty alleviation.

+ Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship+ Responsible Tourism and Ethical Volunteerism+ Jewellery Design: a Foundation+ Story-Telling: Narratives and Curation for Marketing

CORE MODULES

18


u

COMMUNITY PARTNER

l

adventures in sustainability

o’ahu, hawai’i

COMMUNITY PARTNER

PREREQUISITES

Journey to the edge of Hawaii where the mountains meet the sea to learn what it means

and what it takes to live as one with nature. Engage your senses and be inspired by a

community committed to sustainability, and take away a refreshed perspective on how we can live wholly and meaningfully with nature.

Our partner is an organisation inspiring living with integrity with nature so as to promote peace and justice through outdoor and environmental education within a Native Hawai-ian cultural context.

A must : A love for nature; ability to swim and enjoy the outdoors; an appreciation of other cultures and practices; an interest in sustainable living and environmental conserva-tion.

+ Climate Change: Impact & Mitigation+ Outdoor Education:Snorkelling, Kayaking, Ocean Swimming+ Introduction to Hawaiian Culture+ Sustainable Living, Sustainable Tourism, & Sustainable Business

CORE MODULES

u 19

creatives x alternativeslondon, england

COMMUNITY PARTNER

PRE-REQUISITES

What role does, and can, art play in trans-forming the world, a society, an individual? In one of the world’s most creative contem-porary hubs, explore both the history of the artistic tradition in Europe and the evolution of the creative movement as a medium for the expression of both dominant and sub-cultures. As you understand the stories of creative cultures of past and present, dip your toes in the contemporary tools of art for community building and expression.

Our community partners comprise a range of local social enterprises and non-profit organisations working at the intersection of art, counter-culture and social change.

A must: A passion for art; creativity (or a willingness to uncover your creativ-ity); an interest in social change; an interest in culture and sociology.

+ Deconstructing ‘fine art’ + Art & Society: Creative Sub/Cultures + Alternative Street Art: a Hands-on Experi-ence

CORE MODULES

20


u l

SOCIAL INNOVATION

SINGAPORE

COMMUNITY PARTNER

PREREQUISITES

Probe and pick at the different surfaces of Singapore to discover the complex systems, design, and

traditions that underlie the city as we know it! Delve deep beneath the tried and tested Singaporean

narratives to uncover the collective and individual experiences, policies, frameworks and principles that

shape the direction of innovation to navigate the state’s intrinsic challenges.

Our community partners for this learning journey comprise a diversity of energetic and innovative social enterprises, non-profit organisations, and institutions whose work is premised on the crux of social innovation in Singapore.

A must: An appreciation for inter-disciplinary learning; an interest in social needs and social causes; curiousity!

Suggested: An interest in urban planning and policy work.

+ Social Innovation: Singapore, a Case Study + Design Thinking+ Introduction to Social Enterprise+ Building Empathy and Solidarity:Walkabouts & Workshop

CORE MODULES

lu

COMMUNITY PARTNER

PRE-REQUISITES

21

DEVELOPMENT FOR GOODSIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

COMMUNITY PARTNER

PRE-REQUISITES

What does it take to lift a community out of poverty? Whatever your interests and gifts are, bring them to the table as we explore the different facets of a holistic approach to community development in a village just beyond the boundaries of the tourist city of Siem Reap, home to the temples of Angkor which see the passage of millions of visi-tors annually. You’ll learn about the different dimensions of poverty and the measures that individuals, organisations and states can take to address it, and contribute your skills to support sustainable development projects.

Our community partner is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation based in Siem Reap that works with vulnerable families to improve lives through the provision of safe water, income genera-tion opportunities, health and education.

A must: A heart for travel and learn-ing from other cultures; Ability to enjoy the outdoors; no serious allergies to fish sauce, bee-stings, nuts, or seafood; no serious motion sickness.

+ Responsible Tourism & Ethical Volunteerism+ Thematic Development Project Workshops + Introduction to Khmer Language & Culture

CORE MODULES

22


u l

COMMUNITY PARTNER LAND AND LIFECHIANG MAI, THAILAND

COMMUNITY PARTNER

PRE-REQUISITES

How might we grow communities sustainably off the land? How might we live, grow

economies and allieviate poverty while remain-ing in harmony with our environment? How

might we honour the land and culture that pre-ceded and honouring the land and culture that

preceeded and nurtures us? Live these ques-tions and more while experiencing the beauty

and lushness of both rural & urban living in Northern Thailand.

Our community partner is a young Thai social enterprise that creates a positive social impact through sustainable commu-nity-based tourism.

A must: A heart for travel and learning from other cultures; ability to enjoy the outdoors; no serious allergies to fish sauce, bee-stings, nuts, or seafood; no serious motion sickness.

+ The Live on Land Starter Kit+ Introduction to Community-Based Tourism+ Introduction to Thai Language & Culture+ Hands-on Traditional Handicraft Workshops

CORE MODULES

23

lu

into the wildHylte, sweden

COMMUNITY PARTNER

PRE-REQUISITES

Be schooled in the art of living in the wilderness by experts at the Wilderness School and build camaraderie together with other like-minded individuals. Experience a new dimension of rugged travel and come explore the untouched & unseen - engage your senses in the natural environment, and sparking conversations about the meaning of living sustainably & meaningfully with your surroundings.

Our community partner is a wilderness institution based in rural Sweden, close to the border with Denmark. specialising in survival skills, individuals’ relationship with the natural world and each other, and hands-on environmental education.

A must: Basic levels of physical fitness; ability to swim, cycle, and participate in other outdoor activities; capacity to tolerate low temperatures

+ Theories for Wilderness Living+ Re-Defining Culture+ Outdoor Education: A Hands-On Experience+ Survival - A Crash Course in the Natural World

CORE MODULES

24

l

COMMUNITY PARTNERRISK MANAGEMENTMinimising and mitigating all forms of risk to participants’ safety, learning, and well-being is our first priority, bar none. Here’s what we do about it:

All course managers are carefully vetted, experienced, and have experience leading courses in different countries.

course managers: first-aid certified, moe-registered,

Youth expedition project leaders

Way before the commencement of any learning trip, Skillseed course managers conduct site recces to assess risk and ascertain the most appropriate measures to minimize and mitigate risks as far as possible. During the course of learning journeys, safety briefings are conducted for participants on a daily basis.

risk assessment &mitigation

24/7 basecamp support

For every learning journey, course managers are con-tactable 24/7 even in host countries, and Skillseed has designated emergency officers stationed at basecamp

in Singapore to serve as the channel for communication between course leaders, schools, families, and participants

v

25

meet our community

Hema Course architect

A trekker with a travel bug and a background in the Life Sciences, Hema’s college

experience leading a service trip to Sri Lanka transformed her into a fierce advocate for

ethical, skilled volunteerism, leading her to her current role at Skillseed, where she’s excited

to share her passion and ideas with the young people she meets.

An educator and activist, besides leading a grassroots movement to protect Menjan-gan’s coral reefs, Nono also runs a recy-cling centre to upcycle plastic waste and spearheads other ground-up initiatives.

1 of only 8 people who lived for 2 years in the world’s largest materially enclosed ecosystem

as part of the Biosphere I experiment, Sierra is dedicated to environmental

stewardship, with 36 years of experience in conservation & education. Based in Bali as an educator and researcher, Sierra is our expert

on environmental education.

Nono suparnoEco-warrior / expert

x

sierra silverstoneEnvironmentalist / expert

26

the skillseed manifestoWe are a social enterprise first, travel agency second.

To stay true to our social mission of increasing skilled volunteerism and building stronger, sustained connections between the social sector and younger communities, we carefully curate our community partners and emphasise genuine, transparent relationships. We do so to minimise the risky and harmful impact of our collaborations on our partner organisations and the communities they work with, and to ensure that these partnerships are mutually beneficial to our youth as well as to the organisations’ work on the ground.

We deliberately avoid projects that detract from valuable opportunities for locals, and eschew situations where the stakes for are too high for young and relatively inexperienced volunteers to get involved. Examples of projects we don’t do: untrained direct work with extremely vulnerable populations; the provision of basic education; or the undertaking of unsupervised construction work.

We see service-learning as a two-way street integral to a holistic education, and take our responsibility as educators seriously. Our directors, alumni of Yale University and recipients of the Fulbright Scholarship, P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship and the Trailblazer Foundation award, draw on their experience as both students and educators in the US and Singapore to collaborate with faculty from other institutions to shape our offerings for students, and innovate for the most impactful service-learning curriculums and pedagogies.

27

“ A course like this is an incredible opportunity for students and educators alike.

Those who took advantage of the chance to engage with the unfamiliar - environment, language, concepts, and people – came away with confidence, new ideas, and profound questions about the way we all live. ”

kathijah ng,EDUCATOR

Samrong Tong / Microfinance, Macro Impact

why people love us

“ This was absolutely, as close to perfect of an experiential learning trip

we could have had.”

NILS, EDUCATOR

“ This experience gave me a clearer idea of what it takes to be in this line of

‘industry’, as well as a better understanding of the steps I would have to take to get there... I felt that this trip really “re-fueled” my passion and drive

to become someone who can contribute and make a difference in

society in the future.” avelyn,

participant

“ Both tangible and intangible support were useful and applicable in our village, especially

your game which stimulated the children’s financial concepts ...together, we can make a

much bigger difference! ”

reaksmey thy, community partner

29

“ This trip has helped inform my perspective on it, [and gave] me an idea of which specific

area of environmental protection I might want to work in. It also gave me a chance to be

involved, which makes me want to act more quickly and actively. ”

rachel, participant

our storyskillseed’s roots can be traced to what was once an empty, light-filled space at Kroon Hall of the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. New to the US, altogether lacking in business experience, and desperate to allieviate her hunger, a young Singaporean female graduate student began a bold experiential learning project to satisfy the cravings that she, and her peers were facing.

5 years later, this space is better known as BYO café, run by students passionate about good coffee, great food, and most of all, making a social impact, as it sustains itself as a small institution that supports social and environmental initiatives while providing work for needy students.

This experience is proof that a single person with a good idea, the help of others, role models, courage and humility can help to transform a community, one project at a time.

Skillseed was born out of the power of this experience and learning framework: carving out a safe space, generating opportunities, providing the exposure to dare individuals to dream big and empowering them with the necessary tools to make the changes they want to see, regardless of where in the world they find themselves, and how daunting the environment may be.

30

get in touch

[email protected]

SkillseedSG Skillseed Skillseed

ACRA 201529384N Travel License 02775

1B Tyrwhitt Road

S (207522)

31

(c), all rights reserved.No images or texts in this report are to be used for any other purposes without the

permission of Skillseed.

Except for photographs on page 16, copyright of Aleithia Low; and page 19, copyright of Camp Mokule’ia.

skillseed course catalogue / 2016

Documents