For International Development students at the University of Waterloo and St. Paul’s University-College, the final Capstone presentation is a culmination of four years of study, and an intensive two-term placement with the World University Service of Canada, and a local partner organizations in Bolivia, Ghana, Malawi, Nepal, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Vietnam.
Students had only just returned from their placements, and a sense of excitement filled the venue; perhaps stemming from the wrap-up of time spent overseas, or the excitement of the final steps toward finishing their degree.
Capstone Day is an opportunity for students to share some of what they’ve learned from local people and NGOs working on development and environmental challenges around the world”, says Gráinne Ryder. “For students, this experience brings real meaning to what can often be abstract concepts of sustainability, environmental degradation, social justice and poverty.”.
INDEV 402 student Hanna Hett discusses her experience with the international placement stating “we all had unique opportunities to witness the complexities of international development on the ground. All of us were able to pull important lessons from this that we will carry with us throughout our lives. On Capstone day, we had the chance to share these with each other, our professors, and faculty members. Personally, I am very grateful to have seen firsthand the value of local of knowledge (which often goes unheard) on the ground in Northern Ghana, and to have shared this on Capstone Day."
remarks from Brendon Larson (Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies), Bruce Frayne (Director of the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development) and Gráinne Ryder (Instructor, INDEV 402) set the tone for the day and opened the floor for students to share their field placement experience. The day’s events were moderated by Professor Larry Swatuk (School of Environment, Enterprise and Development), who has taught and mentored many of the students leading up to the completion of their degree. The close relationship that was evident between students themselves, and the faculty and staff that support this program, suggest that relationships will extend well beyond Capstone Day, as they continue to work together in the field of Develepment Studies. Social entrepreneurship, youth education and employment, women’s empowerment, ecological restoration and sustainability (urban/rural) were key themes highlighted throughout group discussion and presentations of poster exhibitions. Each individual account of their INDEV 402 field trip experience brought a sense of futuristic hope for an increase in sustainable solutions to contend with the challenges faced around the globe. Youth can and will lead change, as seen by the INDEV 402 students who dedicate themselves to learn about the difficulties many communities face around the world and combine efforts to determine more sustainable solutions.