This is where it begins

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

My Reflection: What does it mean to be a part of QES?

I have been home in Canada for just over a month, and I have been trying to write this piece in a way that is cohesive, persuasive and nuanced. My time in Kenya through the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship program truly altered my perspectives on aid, the “developing” world, international organizations and more. I found my …

Masked Generosity: A Narrative on Kenya’s Second-Hand Clothing Industry

Nairobi has a real knack for fashion, and I have only been able to scratch the surface in understanding the complexity of Kenyan style and its roots. In the Central Business District (CBD), I have attended markets full of beautiful and uniquely patterned textiles called Kitenges which are an emblem of East African fashion. At …

Foreign Aid: Hidden Agendas in Development

A few weeks ago, I sat in a conference meeting hosted by the European Union (EU) where they unveiled their Humanitarian Implementation Plan (HIP) 2019 for Somalia. Somalia’s situation is, “complicated,” to utilize the words of those representing the EU. Somalia is on the precipice of significant political, economic, social, and security developments that could …

My Internship with UNOPS: The Role of the Partnership Development Office

Before starting my internship, I did some extensive research on UNOPS and found myself confused and perplexed regarding the work they do, and how they do it. Furthermore, I was confused about the relationship between UNOPS and The United Nations (UN). UNOPS is inextricably connected to the United Nations as they dub themselves the “operational …

Culture Shock and The Expat Hermit

Studying Global Development Studies, I have many friends who travel abroad for development projects or leisure. Therefore, I had heard of culture shock, which is known as the looming feeling of anxiety one gets after arriving in a completely unfamiliar environment filled with new food, people, values, climate, language, and more (Global Perspectives, 2016). Culture …

A Lesson on Humility

“A leader is someone who takes initiative in isolating a problem and proposes a solution while gathering others to work towards that specific goal” -Robinson Esialimba and Sarah Mills On April 20th around 2000 youth gathered to participate in the Wings to Fly Event supported by the Equity Foundation. The Equity Foundation provides scholarships and …

Flooding and Inadequate Infrastructure

“Infrastructure is the cornerstone of modern society. From the supply of energy and water, and the treatment of waste, to the provision of effective healthcare and education services, it is infrastructure that enables society to function effectively, grow and prosper.” (The Importance of Infrastructure for Development, UNOPS, IMPG Publications, May 2017) During my time at …

Dandora Model Street Launch

 Image: Before and After Image of Mustard Seeds Court (Model Court)/ Source: DTL On Saturday April 14, I attended the Dandora Model Street Launch for phase 2. As an intern for the East Africa Institute I have done quite a substantial amount of research on the transformation of Dandora.  The Guest of Honour was Ms. …

Caring for Kenya’s Most Vulnerable

A few weeks ago, I visited First Love Children's Home (orphanage) located in Karen, Kenya. First Love International has locations all over the world: Malawi (Africa); Central Asia (Nepal & India); Southeast Asia (Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan); Europe (Ukraine) and South America (Columbia & Peru) (First Love International, 2017). The home in Kenya is run by …