Volunteering for the 2022 edition of the International Development Week at Centennial College was a wonderful experience. Discussion on Building Back Better through Inclusive, Diverse, and Equitable Partnerships within Development is vital nowadays, and I believe it should happen more frequently in multiple settings. Every single session during the event contributed a wealth of fruitful and much-needed conversation, presented by panellists with the ideal profile to be talking about those topics.
The event began with a rich fireside conversation with the Parliamentary Secretary for International Development, Anita Vandenbeld, where we got the chance to ask her meaningful questions regarding Canada’s international assistance priorities. I treasured that conversation. as we learned a lot. I especially learned ways in which I can contribute more to Canada’s International Development field, even as an international student in Canada.
After the fireside conversation, we had two more sessions on that first day regarding Gender Equality and Localizations, and Decolonizing Aid, followed by three sessions on the second day, which discussed Finding a Purposeful Career Path, Climate Change, and Indigenization. I enjoyed each session, as they opened my mind a lot more. I learned many new things that I am looking forward to applying in my professional career.
The things that stood out the most for me were the importance of creating Gender Transformative policies and how MEAL can affect that, how the youth population in this field can positively influence the organizations and projects (I was glad to hear that!), helpful tips on how to get a job in the field, localization and decolonization (which I honestly did not know much about until these sessions) and my favorite session, Indigenization, Decolonization, and Resurgence! Thanks to that beautiful session, I am more motivated than ever to contribute to helping Indigenous Peoples all over the world to have their own respected space.
Finally, on another note, I honestly enjoyed being a volunteer at this event. Contributing my voice and time to making these conversations happen made me feel affirmed and empowered, and I am glad I got to do it. I loved the opportunity to ask the important questions unique to our sector; put my language skills into practice by translating; and I even enjoyed improvising a question for the Parliamentary Secretary! I’m looking forward to participating in the next International Development opportunity.
By: Francina Contreras Gómez
International Development Postgraduate Program