This is where it begins

https://achiengcanadaexperiences.wordpress.com/2022/06/08/this-is-all-where-it-begins/

Virtual Internships: A Reflection

It has officially been six months since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. The global pandemic has and will change many aspects of our daily lives. Covid-19 is not only affecting the health of millions, it also has adverse effects on our global economy; specifically, development funding. In the global development sector, funding is extremely …

Internships during a Global Pandemic

Our names are Abbey Lin and Taelyr Keeley. We are currently in our final year of the Bachelor of Arts in Global Development Studies at the University of the Fraser Valley. Before the COVID-19 pandemic spread throughout the globe, we applied and were accepted to participate in the East Africa Internship Program. We weren’t sure …

Highlights of Nairobi, Kenya

Karl Krahn You may be wondering, “1) Who is Arsalan, 2) Where is he going, and 3) Why is his name on a cake?” Well, 1) Arsalan is one of the many great friends we have made here during our internship in Kenya as QES scholars. 2) He left in November because his contract was …

Open Eyes and Hearts

Travel with open eyes and you will become a scholar–        Swahili Proverb *Dear readers:  I must highlight that there are many other factors that play a part of in this topic, such as privilege and the pedestal outsiders can be put on, but such topics are for another time. And by no means am I …

Nairobi Food Day and The Future of Food

This week in Nairobi is another busy one of meetings and research as we dig deeper into our work with the East Africa Institute and UNOPS, as well as our volunteering and community involvement. All three of us interns got the joy of attending the EAI at the “Nairobi Food Day” event on Tuesday, joining …

Thanksgiving in Canada!

There have been many firsts for me since I left Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, for Canada. First, it was the longest flight I ever had. Another first for me was the experience of fall weather; days of erratic weather patterns. My body couldn’t fathom how a place could be sunny, then suddenly turn into …

An internship in food systems & empathy

Here in Tanzania this semester we are a team of six women, all in our 20's, all studying in different fields, all with varying amounts of international experience, research experience, work experience, and all with different personalities, triggers, annoyances, likes and dislikes. Prior to leaving, our advisors tried to explain to us how it might …

Empty Grocery Aisles and an Introduction to Nairobi’s Food System

My first day in Nairobi three weeks ago included meetings, errands, and getting to know a small part of Nairobi with my fellow interns Chelsea and Karl. In search of some basic groceries, we decided to check out supermarket giant Nakumatt while visiting a local shopping centre. One of the largest and most wide-spread supermarket …

Reflections from Nairobi

Jambo! One of the patterns I have noticed in this vibrant city is her love for juxtapositions. Dusty, broken and trash littered sidewalks are walked upon by sharply dressed business people. Tall, modern buildings are neighbors with dilapidated and crowded markets; while gated, secure communities provide little protection against the incessant mosquitoes and boisterous traffic. …