Field Placement Update!

So, I have some exciting news...

I just accepted a new field placement as Community Network Development Advisor at CEDEMUNEP, the Centre for Black Peruvian Women's Development (Centro de Desarrollo de la Mujer Negra Peruana)!  This is a pretty big change, as I was originally going to be working with youth on a wetland conservation project in the Amazon, and will instead be living and working in the bustling cities of Callao (the port district of Lima) and Chincha.  But it's an exciting opportunity, because I think this new position will be a much better fit.

"CEDEMUNEP is a non-profit organization founded in Lima, Peru in 1997, with a mission is to promote the rights of Afro-descendant populations, with particular emphasis on Afro-Peruvian women and gender equity and equality. CEDEMUNEP brings the voices and perspectives of Afro-Peruvians to the formal political process and delivers programs to strengthen their socio-economic, organizational, and political development.

 
CEDEMUNEP’s projects revolve around fostering the integral development, cultural identity, and participation of Afro-Peruvian women in the decision-making processes, and non-discrimination and prevention of violence against them.

MATCH, WUSC and the CEDEMUNEP will work in partnership with Afro-Peruvian women organizations in Peru to promote the political participation and leadership of Afro-Peruvian women. The Project will train emerging and established leaders as well as build an Action Plan for a network of Afro-Peruvian organizations to work together on shared objectives."

I chose this organization because of the incredible work they are doing to empower black woman leaders in Peru, giving them a voice in politics, raising the profile of Afro-Peruvian issues, and strengthening their development and integration into society.  Working at CEDEMUNEP will be a great way to connect work in the field with my local experience as a community organizer in Waterloo, engaging with students and community members to work for social and environmental justice.  I'm excited to have the chance to work in urban community development, and explore the possibility of building a career in this field!

The future is bright :)