ICHope Q&A

What is the world issue that prompted the creation of ICHope?

Underprivileged children around the world lack the education opportunity to succeed and improve their lives. ICHope provides the opportunity for children to learn English and computer skills to qualify them for college level education or the skills necessary to help them qualify for a good job in their country.

What are ICHope's goals?

• To improve the lives of children in their own country 

• Overcoming poverty through education

• Through  English education and technology literacy, the children will be able to uplift themselves and their country. 

• Commit the children we work with to the empowerment of those in similar circumstances. 

• Implement our plan without interfering with operations of the orphanage.

•  Be able to provide scholarships to students who have been taught by ICHope
  

What is ICHope's project scope?

ICHope includes:
Basic English Curriculum
Interns to teach English and computer litteracy
Software and hardware
Guidance in applications for college and scholarships
Preparation for the TOEFL exam

ICHope does not include:
Financial support for involved organizations
We currently do not focus on subjects like math, science, etc.


Who does ICHope collaborate with?
 We have collaborated with the ICS (International Cultural Studies) and the English Teaching & Learning department at BYUH to get interns to teach English and computer skills. 
We have worked with students who are taking courses through BYUH Online and assisted them in their coursework. 

We have worked with Microsoft to have them provide the software and hardware that the children will use to learn computer skills. 

 

 

Does ICHope transfer valuable knowledge and/or skills, have a capacity for long-term success and, provide solutions with long-term empowerment?

The program will continue to send interns to teach English and computer literacy, the intern send-off will coincide with school semesters.  This will help eliminate teacher burn-out and provide the needed experience for college students.  ICHope will track the progress of the children as the interns cycle through and will periodically follow up to ensure the effectiveness of the program.  With our goal to result in producing children who are academically prepared for a college education and to pass the TOEFL exam, the individuals will have an increased standard of living and thus be empowered to continue improvment in their own communities.

 

How does this project target people in need? 

This program is design to break the poverty cycle by providing opportunity through English education and technology training. 

Has a pilot been performed for ICHope? What were the results?

The founder of a child friendly organization in Phnom Penh, Cambodia assessed the needs of her organization and conveyed them to us. An ENACTUS project manager then traveled to the organization in Cambodia to verify those needs. It was determined that there was an immediate need for English language skills and training with computers in order to provide the children with a comparative advantage in their country. This will help them have the means to break the poverty cycle. The children have expressed the following: “We do not want to be beggars.”  This statement shows their willingness and empowerment for a better life and future.  In teaching these students, ICHope assessed the needed competency of the interns and was able to assess the amount of needed materials to teach.

 How is ICHope sustainable? 
ICHope is currently working for a 501(c)3.  This will give them the ability to offer tax deductions that will help lower the cost of required services.  Currently the teachers have been college students.  The students fund the internship through the school or their career center.  Once the 501(c)3 is in place, the student interns will pay ICHope that sum and the profit margin will be maximized by the negotiations that ICHope has made.  

What does ICHope provide for their interns?
ICHope capitalizes on the incredible service and life experience that only comes from this type of work.  ICHope provides an purpose in the form of a group of students to teach.  ICHope provides a safe place to live.  ICHope provides transportation to and from the teaching post if the interns are not housed on-site.  ICHope provides a living stipend.  ICHope provides the curriculum and basic teaching materials.  ICHope provides safe opportunities for interns to explore the surroundings, because everyone wants to see part of this wonderful world.