Laura Smith, International Economics and Development
Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Canadian NGO: Centre d'étude et de coopération internationale (CECI)
Local NGO: Save Generations Organization
At the halfway point of my mandate in Kigali, Rwanda, I have plenty to reflect upon. My role as a Women’s Economic Empowerment Officer, in partnership with the Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI), has led me to Save Generations Organization (SGO). A Rwandan Development and Women's Rights organization dedicated to preparing, empowering, and equipping future generations while advocating for the rights of children, youth, and women.
Moving to Rwanda was a leap of faith in many ways—my first time in Africa, my first time living alone, my first experience working at an NGO, and more. Now, in hindsight, I can confidently say that coming to Kigali has been one of my best decisions. Embracing this opportunity, I've been able to apply my background in economics and contribute within a grassroots, person-centered context, making this experience truly invaluable.
Allow me to share some personal context. This marks my final semester of my Honours Bachelor in International Economics and Development so I see this experience as an unofficial capstone to end my undergraduate studies on a high note. Throughout my journey at the University of Ottawa, I had the pleasure of completing four cooperative education work terms that have provided me with opportunities to apply my academic knowledge outside of the classroom. I extrapolated trends and crafted monthly summaries on Canadian spending patterns at Statistics Canada, troubleshot financial process automations at Global Affairs Canada, and contributed to a performance audit at the Office of the Auditor General. I am extremely grateful for all these experiences that contributed to my skillset and knowledge. However, I was still eager to apply my knowledge and contribute to development and women’s empowerment in a local context.
My volunteer assignment is both challenging and fulfilling. I’m tasked with conducting an internal program-based assessment of SGO’s women’s and girls’ socioeconomic empowerment program. My role includes analyzing the program's strengths, challenges, gaps, and progress and subsequently crafting a comprehensive report. This report will describe lessons learnt and recommendations that will be used to inform future interventions and resource mobilization. As I delve into my assignment, I am learning about SGO’s work to empower women’s cooperatives. Each day, I am inspired by their dedication and tireless efforts to uplift women and amplify their voices.
Here in Kigali, in a grassroots setting focused on person-centered development, I am reminded of the transformative role economists can play in improving lives and uplifting communities. This experience underscores that economists' roles extend far beyond tracking stock indices like the Dow Jones. Surpassing numbers and theories, an understanding of international economics equips us with a powerful toolset to foster empowerment. As I prepare for graduate studies in economics starting in September, I carry with me the belief that economics is a dynamic force that empowers us to understand the world around us and, when paired with an empathetic international perspective, can be a catalyst for positive change.