March 11, 2009
Media contact: Patty Wellborn
Office: 604-795-2819
patty.wellborn@ufv.ca
 
UFV introduces new Global Development Institute

Many university students hope to go out and “change the world” when they graduate, but it’s a big world out there with some really big problems. Figuring out where to start sometimes takes the wind out of well-meaning students’ sails.

That’s one of the reasons why University of the Fraser Valley geography instructor Cherie Enns, who is passionate about helping students find the right international internships, is glad UFV is launching a new Global Development Institute. The idea behind the GDI, she says, is to bring the many people who work on international projects and educational opportunities under one umbrella.

While just starting out, the GDI has some significant goals, including support for students and faculty interested in development research opportunities; building of partnerships between communities, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations; and identification of internship opportunities. The GDI will also take an active role in global development and aims to make policy recommendations on behalf of people living in poverty in order to improve their living conditions.

“The institute will take a leadership role in UFV’s international development activities,” Enns says. “We are already working with national and international development agencies and partners, and the GDI will further focus the university’s considerable expertise and technical resources on development initiatives that help reduce poverty and promote social justice in developing countries.

 “There are many people doing international work in the Fraser Valley and the GDI will bring them all together and get them connected. It will be a place where people can learn about study tours, internships, and other international opportunities.”

The institute will be a place where partnerships between students and development agencies can grow and where students can develop opportunities for learning abroad, or in other parts of Canada. It will also be centre for academic research on issues of international development.

The institute aims to be a leader in helping people who live in poverty and also hopes to reduce social injustices. There are four significant areas of development the GDI is focusing on: good governance and rule of law, children and development, environmental sustainability, and education. Each of these areas builds on the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals.

Enns says the GDI will become the physical home base for UFV’s proposed new degree on Global Development Studies. While it is still in the planning stages, some of the  courses are now available at UFV. The degree will include specific courses in international development, along with critical theory and practice in development.

“The program incorporates practicum placements where students would work with local or international non-governmental organizations and governmental organizations,” she explains.

The Global Development Institute will be a place where students can come and learn about the proposed degree, investigate the concentrations further, and explore internship opportunities.

Not only is the Fraser Valley known for its multicultural diversity, it is also the home of several key NGOs that have made important strides in global development. That’s why Enns is positive that there will be many opportunities for programming, student internships, collaboration, and future research.

“While many programs, faculty, staff, and students already have a commitment to teaching and research in the global area of development, the creation of the institute has offered a focal point for these activities and a vehicle for interdisciplinary collaboration and programs,” she says. “It strengthens UFV’s tradition of engagement in community development, whether in Canada or abroad.”

The GDI is holding two information sessions for students to explore the concept of internships. These sessions take place Thursday, March 12, from 6 to 7 p.m. and Monday, March 16, from 11 a.m. to noon, at UFV’s Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies on the Abbotsford campus.

An information gathering session will also take place on Thursday, March 19, when people who work in local NGOs will be invited to meet some students and talk about some of the work they are dong overseas.

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