This is where it begins

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

UNOPS: Life as an Intern

As a Global Development Studies student, people are often perplexed when I try to explain what I study. After countless blank stares while I  elaborate that Development Studies is an interdisciplinary field blending  history, political science, geography, economics and sociology; I decided that I needed a quick go-to reply when the inevitable question followed: “ …

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 …

A Climate for Conflict

A Climate for Conflict: https://vimeo.com/219507981 This is the 5th week that we have been in Nairobi. Some days it feels like time is going by slowly and that we have been in Nairobi for far longer than 5 weeks. We have established daily routines and are comfortable navigating our once intimidating neighbourhood. Yet, there are …

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 …

Week 1–Presuppositions and Economic Expression–A Reflection

Tutaonana Tanzania

As my time in Tanzania is coming to an end I thought it might be appropriate to reflect on my time here and how Dambisa Moyo’s book called “Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working and How There Is a Better Way for Africa” has influenced some of my thoughts. Having now lived in Dar es Salaam for about …

Mambo Zanzibar!

The interns took a trip to Zanzibar this weekend to immerse ourselves in the vibrancy and tranquility offered by the Tanzanian archipelago off the coast of East Africa. Although known for it’s magnificent beaches, Zanzibar offers some cultural and historical wonders. We started our journey in the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar, called …

Observed Cultural Differences in Dar es Salaam

“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” – Audre Lorde As someone who’s "travel experience" prior to this internship consisted of leaving the resort in Mexico to walk across the street and buy inexpensive bottled water, I have been amazed by the cultural differences. …