***UPDATE*** The Modern Story Fellowship application is now closed. Fellows have been selected for the 2009/2010 Modern Story Program. Please check back in Spring of 2010 for 2010/2011 application information!
About The Modern Story:
The Modern Story (TMS) is a grassroots educational program that bridges the technological divide by introducing a digital media program to secondary government schools in India. Through a Fellowship program, TMS positions highly innovative leaders in the classroom with children of daily wageworkers who are from traditionally oppressed religious and caste minorities. During an eighth-month term, students learn to tell stories of personal, social, and environmental importance through the digital storytelling medium. Students inspire community awareness and action through local video screenings and global dialogue via a weblog.
About The Modern Story Fellowship:
The Fellowship recruits dynamic individuals from top institutions with strong backgrounds in creative technology and leadership skills, as well as an interest in bridging the digital and educational divide on a global level. Fellows work at schools in the greater Hyderabad area for a period of eight consecutive months (September-April). There are two fellowship positions available each year.
The purpose of The Modern Story Fellowship is to 1) introduce and sustain progressive pedagogy and a creative multimedia curriculum in low-income schools, and 2) offer recent college graduates the opportunity to participate directly in volunteer work abroad within the fields of education and technology.
The Modern Story will provide fellows with a travel and living stipend for the duration of the Fellowship. However, fellows are expected to participate in fundraising efforts before and during their fellowship term. TMS will provide fundraising assistance to interested applicants in the form of pre-drafted letters and proposals, grant suggestions, and support or help with fundraising events or activities.
Additional Details:
*The Modern Story is very much a grassroots organization. This project was started two years ago when the founders of TMS wanted to take their love for storytelling and educational technology abroad. Following the pilot-run in 2008, TMS launched its fellowship program and has completed two successful terms of the fellowship to this date. TMS is a developing organization and fellows are encouraged to take ownership of the program and help to mold and enhance the program.
*Fellows are responsible for day-to-day lesson planning and teaching (with TMS guidance and online support) in Andhra Pradesh and have limited support while they are there. Fellows are given emergency contacts in addition to local coordinators who will help fellows settle into accommodations and introduce fellows to the schools. This is very much an opportunity for adventurous, independent, and self-motivated individuals who want to work directly on the ground in a grassroots environment.
*Applicants should take time to read over TMS’s blog as it will give a very clear picture of what day-to-day activity would be like and what kind of student work is expected to be produced. Applicants will also get to know the student populations through watching the videos.
© The Modern Story
Hi,
I am really thank full to the authority of The modern story,that they help them who are really deprived in our society.
This exhibit is such a good way to educate people about people in India. I am really interested in seeing how this organization progresses.
[...] Fellowship [...]
Hey guys –
So, I am completely floored by this project! And the only thing your website has not answered for me is: how to get involved? I am currently living and studying in Hyderabad through a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship. I am originally from the US and until July had been working as a radio journalist and editing audio for an US oral history project, StoryCorps.
I saw that you have fellowship opportunities, but since I already have a fellowship, I was wondering if you take volunteers on a non-fellow basis. I am currently studying for a MA in Linguistics at Osmania, but the classes are not demanding and I would love to spend my time empowering kids through technology, giving their voices an outlet. Please email me if you get the chance.
And, again, amazing work!
Ashley Cleek