I have been home in Canada for just over a month, and I have been trying to write this piece in a way that is cohesive, persuasive and nuanced. My time in Kenya through the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship program truly altered my perspectives on aid, the “developing” world, international organizations and more. I found my … Continue reading My Reflection: What does it mean to be a part of QES?
Masked Generosity: A Narrative on Kenya’s Second-Hand Clothing Industry
Nairobi has a real knack for fashion, and I have only been able to scratch the surface in understanding the complexity of Kenyan style and its roots. In the Central Business District (CBD), I have attended markets full of beautiful and uniquely patterned textiles called Kitenges which are an emblem of East African fashion. At … Continue reading Masked Generosity: A Narrative on Kenya’s Second-Hand Clothing Industry
Foreign Aid: Hidden Agendas in Development
A few weeks ago, I sat in a conference meeting hosted by the European Union (EU) where they unveiled their Humanitarian Implementation Plan (HIP) 2019 for Somalia. Somalia’s situation is, “complicated,” to utilize the words of those representing the EU. Somalia is on the precipice of significant political, economic, social, and security developments that could … Continue reading Foreign Aid: Hidden Agendas in Development
My Internship with UNOPS: The Role of the Partnership Development Office
Before starting my internship, I did some extensive research on UNOPS and found myself confused and perplexed regarding the work they do, and how they do it. Furthermore, I was confused about the relationship between UNOPS and The United Nations (UN). UNOPS is inextricably connected to the United Nations as they dub themselves the “operational … Continue reading My Internship with UNOPS: The Role of the Partnership Development Office
Culture Shock and The Expat Hermit
Studying Global Development Studies, I have many friends who travel abroad for development projects or leisure. Therefore, I had heard of culture shock, which is known as the looming feeling of anxiety one gets after arriving in a completely unfamiliar environment filled with new food, people, values, climate, language, and more (Global Perspectives, 2016). Culture … Continue reading Culture Shock and The Expat Hermit
