The Powering Change scholarship provides financial support for Waterloo students working to make a difference for underserved communities across the globe
Growing up in a refugee camp, third-year Economics student Kassim Ibrahim developed a strong desire to give back to underserved communities. Ibrahim knew he wanted to make a difference because he witnessed the negative impact of limited access to healthcare. A fully-funded international work experience in Uganda, supported by the Powering Change program, became his first step towards this goal.
Powering Change is funded by Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) and offers transformative opportunities for students like Ibrahim, to make an impact volunteering in rural communities. GSO provides $10,000 in funding for in-person international work-integrated learning experiences. assists with international living costs and supports unpaid work opportunities.
It also aligns with the University of Waterloo's commitment to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Kassim Ibrahim at Reach Out Mbuya
“Powering Change is a win-win program – our students get to engage in meaningful work-integrated learning opportunities and underserved communities in the global south benefit from the world-class talent we produce at Waterloo,” says Lisa ter Woort, international account manager, Co-operative and Experiential Education and co-ordinator of Powering Change.
While supporting Reach Out Mbuya as a public health promotion assistant, Ibrahim addressed critical health issues and specifically the stigma around HIV/AIDS, which is prevalent in Uganda. To combat the stigma and help those who may be afraid to seek treatment, Ibrahim and his team travelled to remote communities to provide them with free testing, education and antiretroviral drugs.
The experience in Uganda strengthened Ibrahim’s commitment to becoming a doctor for underserved populations. “It aligned perfectly with what I plan to do in the future,” Ibrahim says. “I hope to return to the organization when I become a doctor because I see the challenges in the communities they are serving. They are doing great work.”
Diyadam Ranasinghe Arachchige (BES ’24), a Waterloo graduate and Powering Change participant who spent time in Peru, says his journey started with a nudge from a friend who had received funding for a field research trip. Inspired, Arachchige applied and was selected for a fair-trade assistant position at Cafe Femenino.
Diyadam with his team in the farms
His role involved meeting farmers to assess their agricultural needs and teaching soil management, pest control and organic farming techniques. He and his team tackled water scarcity and modernized farming operations. Their efforts lay the groundwork for long-term sustainable practices.
“The opportunity to contribute to creating a future where farmers were more empowered left me with a deep sense of purpose,” Ranasinghe Arachchige says. “Without the funding, I would not have been able to use my transferable skills to help those communities.”
Through his experience, Arachchige was inspired to explore future opportunities to work with organizations that support smallholder farmers and agroforestry initiatives.
Madeline Bauzon’s journey in Uganda was equally transformative, marked by personal growth and cultural immersion. As a fourth-year Psychology and Sexuality, Marriage and Family Studies student, she applied her classroom learning in her role as an accessibility support worker at Ekisa Ministries.
Bauzon supported educational and therapeutic services for children with disabilities, while shadowing various departments to gain a better understanding of the care and therapy provided.
The highlight for Bauzon was the cultural experience–conversations with locals and a trip to Sipi Falls. “With the funding, I could focus on the experience and be in the moment,” Bauzon says.
Madeline with team at Ekisa ministries
Beyond technical skills, Ranasinghe Arachchige gained a sense of adaptability and resourcefulness. From living and working in remote areas to learning a new language and culture, he valued the opportunity to see life through a different lens.
"The challenges faced by the local community made me appreciate the simplicity of life," Ranasinghe Arachchige says. “I learned to find joy in small comforts like sharing a cup of coffee with co-workers or taking in a beautiful sunset after a long day.”
These students’ experiences highlight the transformative power of international work-integrated learning. Through the Powering Change program, students have made meaningful contributions to communities and advanced their personal and professional growth.
Ibrahim advises students to consider and embrace international work term opportunities. “We are the next generation that can make a difference in the life of someone out there. Don't be afraid. Go and see the world.”
Banner photo credit: Kassim Ibrahim
