Volunteer Operations

The more time I spent at SOS 24/7, the more I disliked it. I worked in the office, and every day I was exposed to the chaotic management, disorganised environment, in addition to undermining and even bullying of the demotivated staff and volunteers.

Member of Project 100 were usually sent to far-flung Malaysian districts with little training and very limited ongoing support. Volunteers would sometimes be recruited for projects that did not exist.

The teaching system has had success and great potential, but the materials were in need of an overhaul by native English speaker. Attempts to enhance the system or materials were usually rejected.

Crucially, what is not revealed to you in advance is that SOLS 24/7 has strong religious beliefs - namely the Baha'i faith - that underpin its entire philosophy. There's nothing wrong with that necessarily, of course. But when an organisation is presented as non-religious, it should be just that.

Twice-daily prayers, mandatory for pupils, should not feature at schools nor training centres. Pupils should not be co-erced into religious fasting. Religious fasting should not be disguised as part of the 'SOLS program'. Religious iconography should not be visible throughout schools and training centres.

But they all are.

It's little wonder the tens of students and volunteers have converted to the Baha'i faith. There is barely a long-term volunteer or member of staff who is not now Baha'i, across Malaysia, Cambodia and Timor Leste. Those who do not want to "Baha'i-ify", leave sooner rather than later.

No matter if you apply as a CDO (teacher) or you apply as a volunteer, project 100 is more than great experience! This is one of the rare programs I managed to find in south east Asia for which I didn't have to pay participation fee, but I actually had salary accommodation and food. Project 100 is aiming to reach underprivileged communities in Malaysia and reach children and adults that are willing to learn English. What makes it specially unique is that SOLS24/7 teaches English on special self developed teaching methods that gives fast results in just 3 months.
I would recommend this program to everyone, it is a real life changer for volunteers as well as for the communities volunteers work with!

Being with SOLS247 is an experience of a life time. You are not only helping poor people by teaching them English but you are also involved with the community life. Volunteering with SOLS gives you opportunity to meet people from all over the world and also to experience the real life of local people.

I came to Project 100 6 months ago as a 'Changemaker' for SOLS 247. I had completed a TEFL course and made a decision to re-direct my life in the pursuit of doing something good and helping others. I also thought it would be nice to do that somewhere warm and beautiful like Malaysia.

I was fully trained over 4 weeks, in a specialised Science of Language System which has been successfully used to teach thousands of students in under privileged communities in Cambodia, Timor Leste, Malaysia, Laos, Japan and India. The revolutionary SOLS system enables people to speak English within 3 - 6 months. I couldn't wait to try it out.

My initial training involved being taught Bahasa Melayu using the SOLS system. This taught me how to use the system and another language at the same time, which was brilliant. After that I was educated about Malaysian communities and sent out to an orphanage in a remote district in the north.

I taught English for 4 months and true to their word, the SOLS system does work! It is difficult to describe how rewarding it is to go into a community who speak no English, entirely integrating with them and committing your all to contribute to improving their quality of life, opportunities and confidence. The love and acceptance and learning I received was the greatest remuneration I have ever received. I also got a reasonable stipend for living costs and my food and accommodation for free.

I have had plenty of opportunities to visit the many sights and attractions around Malaysia and since I intend to fulfil my one year commitment, I have no doubt I will experience many more delights before I am through.

I would recommend this volunteering commitment to anyone who wants to be a 'changemaker' and help yourself through helping other.

Since joining SOLS 24/7 5 months ago I have been an intern in the communications department and it has been a great experience so far.

As of yet I have gained many new skills through practicing social media, strategy, photography, writing articles, event planning, networking and more as each day there are different events occurring.

I have particularly loved having the opportunity to visit the centre's to understand what I am marketing and create content for articles. It is truly inspiring seeing the CDO's working with the community and how the students respect and admire their teachers.

Though it is difficult covering a variety of roles and different projects, as a person it has helped me become more adaptable and flexible when working.

For those who are looking to intern for project or company where each day is different, and to know that everything you do is for a good cause I highly recommend joining SOLS 24/7.

I was very impressed with the educational programs which created such positive impact to communities. Within 3 months, most students were able to converse in basic English and use basic computer programs. Most students were very motivated to learn as their education programs encourage students to interact and build their self-confidence.

Furthermore, I feel that their methods are very cost-effective. I do not see a lot of wastage going into unnecessary administration, equipment or amenities. Money is allocated to where it is supposed to be, and that is to educate the people.

I also had so many opportunities to get to know the community. I made friends with neighbors, chatted with them, visited their houses and got involved in village festivals and events. This experience was certainly the best way for me to learn about the local people and culture.

The project managers were also very helpful. They were always willing to listen to my challenges and gave me support when I needed them. I became quite good friends to some of them.

Malaysia is also such a wonderful country. Malaysia is truly Asia...you can visit KL which has all the attractions of a city, you can go to the islands in Malaysia for holidays, or even visit waterfall and climb hills over the weekend. Not to forget, the rest of Asia is so easily accesible via Malaysia because of AirAsia. So you can make trips to other countries in Southeast Asia during your holidays.

I really had a wonderful time. A really great experience that I will never forget.

Today racial and religious disharmony is more prevalent than ever and has led to a break down in society in many parts of the world. What is so special about SOLS is that through education and empowerment, students and teachers of many different religions and nationalities can live and study together in love and unity.

I could always see that there is a benefit of working with people in a way that can contribute to the betterment of society and not necessarily in an office. I thought that getting involved in teaching was a natural way to achieve this goal.

Leaving my comfort zone and making the move to do social work in Asia has expanded my skills set on so many levels. Through working as an English and motivation teacher, every day your character can become more refined in terms of humility, confidence, compassion, leadership and communication skills.