DESCRIPTION OF PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER SERVICE (DOS)
Christos Tikelis, Peace Corps volunteer October 1999-December 2001, Namibia
After going through a competitive application process, Mr. Tikelis was chosen to represent his country to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Republic of Namibia. Mr. Tikelis arrived in Namibia on 27 October 1999 and went through an intensive ten-week training program. The program consisted of the following areas of concentration:
Technical: 120 HOURS
This program is designed to introduce the candidates to the system of education on Namibia, from policy to practice, with an emphasis on the subject specific syllabus to be used. It was also a forum for generating and circulating creative teaching techniques and lesson plans especially in the fields of English, Mathematics and Science.
Cross-Cultural: 30 HOURS
This course is designed to familiarize the candidates with the varying cultures of Namibia. The candidates were also encouraged to scrutinize their native culture for possible conflicts in values. It also focused on issues that volunteers may encounter while working in a post-apartheid country.
Language: 96 HOURS
Because of the linguistic diversity in Namibia, this program is designed to teach the trainees a foundation of indigenous languages present in Namibia. The language skills are adequate for basic communication and equip the candidates with the skills to learn the language at their site further.
Health and Medical: 25 HOURS
This aspect of the training program educated the candidates about preventive medicine, personal health care and safety in a developing country.
In addition to these courses, Mr. Tikelis has participated in an In-Service Training course, a Community Content Based Instruction course, and various regional subject trainings.
Having successfully completed the training program, Mr. Tikelis was sworn-in on January 11, 2000 as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer. He was assigned to teach Mathematics and English in the Ondangwa East region of Namibia at the Onathinge South Combined School in the Onathinge circuit of schools. The Onathinge South Combined School is a rural school serving the children of several villages. Mr. Tikelis reported directly to the principal of the school and was responsible for teaching the following courses:
January to December 2000--Math, grades 8 and 10, 123 students; English, grade 9, 30 students. January to December 2001--Math, grades 8 and 10, 119 students; English, grades 8 and 9, 70 students.
In addition to his teaching duties, Mr. Tikelis has acted as a mathematics facilitator for the Onathinge circuit of schools, training teachers throughout the circuit in mathematics and mathematics instruction methods through several workshops he has led and assisted.
Seeing a need for a HIGSE level advanced mathematics preparatory class Mr. Tikelis set one up after-school six hours a week, which has resulted in higher learner enthusiasm for mathematics and higher examination scores.
At his school and throughout the region his teaching colleagues have sought out Mr. Tikelis as a source of English and mathematics instruction. He has assisted them in lesson planning and their own distance learning courses.
Mr. Tikelis has served his school's Sports committee assisting in the logistics and supervision of regional athletic training meets and participating in coaching meetings.
He has also served his school's Emblem and Motto committee as its chairman setting up art and writing contests for the school emblem and motto respectively.
During his two-year service, many school improvement projects have been launched such as the construction of three new school buildings and the procurement of several pieces of teaching equipment including: two computers, a television and a video cassette recorder. Mr. Tikelis has supported these projects by shaping grant proposals and identifying and supporting staff members who are to continue with these projects and their utilization after his service has been completed.
Mr. Tikelis has volunteered himself as an instructor for a weekly computer training initiative at the Ongwediva Teacher Resource Center, which serves the region. One of the main aims of this program is to train teachers whose schools have recently succeeded in acquiring computers.
The Onathinge circuit inspector and several of her secretaries have had personal computer introductory courses given by Mr. Tikelis at the circuit office. In addition, Mr. Tikelis has been involved with the choosing and procurement of several supplementary computer devices for the circuit office.
With the guidance of several agricultural specialists in the region, Mr. Tikelis has brought several new agricultural techniques to his village. Working with an agricultural instructor at his school, he built an exhibit at their home near the school. Using local flora he, his colleague and several community members covered and cooled the house and surrounding yard inspiring the community to seek agricultural advice. Later a tree-planting project at the adjoining circuit office ensued: every school in the Onathinge circuit planted a tree at the office.
Working with a local businessman and nurse Mr. Tikelis organized a clothing drive for children in severe need. Mr. Tikelis arranged donations from overseas sources while his local counterpart arranged distribution throughout the region via immunization
reach out programs.
Collaborating with an American teacher and her class Mr. Tikelis received several children's dolls through the "Dolls for Dolls" program. The American children made dolls and postcards for Namibian children; and the "Dolls for Dolls" program shipped the American children's efforts to Mr. Tikelis for distribution.
Mr. Tikelis concluded his Peace Corps Volunteer Service on December 4, 2001.
Pursuant to section 5(f) of the Peace Corps Act, 22 U.S.C. & 2054(f), as amended any former Volunteer employed by the United States Government following his Peace Corps Volunteer service is entitled to have any period of satisfactory Peace Corps service credited for purposes of retirement, seniority, reduction in force, leave and other privileges based on length of Government service.
This is to certify in accordance with Executive Order No. 11103 of April 10, 1963, that Mr. Christos Tikelis served satisfactorily as a Peace Corps Volunteer. His service ended on December 4, 2001. He is therefore eligible to be appointed as a career-conditional employee in the competitive civil service on a non-competitive basis.
The benefit under the Executive Order entitlement extends for a period of one year, except that the employing agency may extend the period for up to three years for a former Volunteer who enters military service, pursues studies as at a recognized institution of higher learning or engages in other activities which in the view of the appointed authority warrants extension of the period.
This DOS was signed and authorized by Country Director of Namibia, Judith Oki on 26 November 2001. A physical, signed copy is available upon request.
Peace Corps Namibia:
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 6862, Ausspannplatz
Windhoek, Namibia
TELEPHONE/FAX
Tel: (061) 226525/9
Fax: (061) 224211
BUSINESS ADDRESS
20 Nachtigal Street
Windhoek, Namibia
