Empowering Change: A new year brings new students to the Centre
January 26, 2024
By: Auz Momin
As the Kindred Centre for Peace Advancement community embarks on a new term, there are many new interns and co-op students joining the effort. The ideas, insights, and energy provided by these students will contribute to the innovative spirit of organizations affiliated with the Centre and enable them to grow their impact.
Abby, Jessa, and Desy joined The Ripple Effect Education (TREE), a Core Collaborator that equips children, youth, and adults with tools to transform conflict, seek justice, dismantle oppressive systems, and build peace into their lives.
Abby, a third-year psychology student at the University of Waterloo, is keen on social justice and working with children. “I think this job will be a great foundation for my experience of working with children in an influential way” stated Abby who is working in a workshop facilitator role.
Jessa is pursuing a master's degree in Social Justice and Community Engagement. Her interest in diversity, equity, and inclusion makes her “thrilled to collaborate with like-minded individuals, all dedicated to building a more just, equitable, and inclusive society.” Jessa added, “I'm passionate about social justice. Facilitating conflict management with TREE aligns with this passion, and I'm eager to enhance my facilitation skills, particularly with younger individuals.”
Desy is a student of Management in Community Services at Conestoga College. She has worked for three years as a medical social worker in a hospital and three years as a children’s counsellor, primarily for children in need of care, protection, and children in conflict with the law. Desy is excited to “contribute social commitments to the vulnerable sector of society alongside the Centre” and looks forward to practicing what she has learned in the classroom.
Roman and Saad have joined Project Ploughshares as research assistants through the recently launched Technology Governance Initiative at the Balsillie School of International Affairs. Project Ploughshares, another Core Collaborator in the Centre for Peace Advancement, is a leading peace research institute focused on disarmament efforts and international security.
Roman is a Master of Global Governance student at the Balsillie School working with Branka Marijan, a senior researcher at Ploughshares. Roman will be focusing on ethical concerns regarding the development of autonomous weapons systems and the impact of artificial intelligence and robotics on security provision and trends in warfare.
Saad is a Graduate of the Master of Arts in Global Governance, and will be working with Jessica West, a senior researcher at Ploughshares focusing on peace and security in outer space. Saad has been involved in research, reporting, campaign, and advocacy on a broad range of human rights issues including civil and political rights and refugee rights. He is looking forward to “shaping policy discussions related to space governance in line with international law and considerations for human rights and public interest.”
Ashley and Liz have joined the Centre for Community Based Research (CCBR), a Core Collaborator which helps mobilize people to participate in creating supportive communities, especially for those who have limited power and opportunities.
Ashley, a third-year psychology student at UWaterloo, is working as a knowledge dissemination and marketing assistant. “I see my work here helping me down the road through the experience I will gain as well as the professional confidence I hope to build up,” stated Ashley.
Liz is a student in the Master of Theological Studies program at Conrad Grebel University College and part time pastor at First Mennonite Church in Kitchener. She is working with CCBR on a research project with Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC) to explore how MCEC can better support and resource those working with youth. She is “looking forward to the findings of this research project and working with MCEC to figure out what their next steps could be based on the results.”
Finally, Auz has joined the Centre for Peace Advancement staff team as a Program Assistant. Auz is a third-year psychology student at UWaterloo. Auz is “excited to have the opportunity to work with the different Core Collaborators, community members and staff members at the CPA.”
Over 180 students have worked for the Kindred Centre for Peace Advancement and its participant organizations since 2014, an impressive roster of co-op students and interns from many faculties and walks of life. These students have advanced peace and justice during their time at the Centre, and, just as importantly, used these experiences as a springboard to make a positive impact on communities far beyond the Centre.