Biography
Posted by Karyn DamoursLowther on August 26th, 2010
Hi everyone,
I am a second and final year student in the international studies Master’s degree program at the University of Montreal. I have a college diploma in social sciences and a Bachelor degree in psychology. My interest in human personalities and relationships, and my sensitivity to people suffering is what has paved my academic choices and path. Coupled with my love of languages, different cultures and novelty, it has lead me to where I am right now, about to embark on an exciting project in Peru this fall as part of the completion of my graduate degree, working as the assistant to the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives Project coordinator, at the Canadian Cooperation Services support Unit (CCSSU) in Lima. The CFLI provides funding to assist grass-roots organizations and community groups in carrying out projects that promote sustainable human development at the local level. I chose this project because the responsibilities are varied which is something I was looking for in order to develop different skills and the tasks also appear interesting. My tasks will include assisting the coordinator in evaluating project proposals and funding demands, supervise activities in the projects and visiting the communities where the projects will be. Very exciting J.
With this internship I hope to acquire different professional skills relevant to the field of international development, as well as personal skills that will enable me to interact efficiently with the Peruvian culture and also improve my Spanish, such a beautiful language. My career plan is to work for the economic and social development of developing countries of central and South America, preferably in either poverty alleviation, gender equality, human rights, health and education, in short, to be involved in any aspect of improving the lives of people who are very much in need.
I have some idea what to expect as I’ve been to a developing country (Guatemala) before (3 weeks), but it will be my first time spending a long time in a foreign country (4 months), so there is a lot I cannot predict, but I am not too worried about it as there will be other volunteers around and also one of my friends, that I actually met in Guatemala is spending a few months in Peru as well. It will also give me the chance to really get to know the culture and country, and I hope to get the chance to visit as many areas of Peru as possible.
Talk to you soon!
