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