UNB / CIDA IYIP Program in Malawi: Global Engagement and Learning Project Mzuzu University, Northern Malawi

I thought it might be interesting to start my blog with some information on what I am doing while in Malawi, and the purpose of this internship.

I have been selected as the 2012-2013 Urban/Rural Planning Intern with the University of New Brunswick and Mzuzu University in Northern Malawi.  This position is 1 of 4 internships selected for Mzuzu University as part of the International Youth Internship Program (IYIP) supported by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and is designed to provide Canadian graduates with the tools and experience they need to launch successful careers.

Development Challenges:   

Many parts of Africa are facing greater development challenges in 2012 than ever before.  According to the 2010 Human Development Report, Malawi is one of the world’s poorest countries with more than 2/3 of the population living on less than $1.25/day.  Malawi faces many challenges including high rates of maternal and child mortality, malnutrition / starvation, environmental degradation, inequality among men and women and limited access to basic education.

Each year, the University of New Brunswick sends a team of 9 CIDA IYIP and 6 AUCC Students for Development to help build local capacity to address these issues.  The Mzuzu University team will spend 9 months focused on building environmental sustainability though contributing to post-secondary education.  Working side-by-side with faculty, staff and students at the Department of Land Management, Mzuzu University we will teach, research and work in the areas of rural / urban planning, natural resource management, and sustainable land and water management.  We will have an opportunity to examine informal settlements, housing issues, water & sanitation, forest degradation and much more.

Urban/Rural Planning Internship: 

As the Urban / Rural Planning Intern, I will join the Department of Land Management at Mzuzu University.   Working directly with the Chair and Faculty, I will be responsible to:

·         Develop curriculum with a special focus on open and distance learning.

·         Assist in the delivery of lectures,

·         Provide one-on-one mentoring to Mzuzu University Students in Urban/Rural Planning,

·         Assist in urban/ rural planning related research and development projects.

·         Participate in professional develop opportunities for related Government of Malawi Ministries and local communities.