Finally! After months of anticipation, I got the e-mail that I had been waiting for--confirmation of my 4th year International Development field placement! Starting in September, I will be working at Centro de Estudios y Promoción Comunal del Oriente (CEPCO)
in Tarapoto, Perú.
A little background on the organization:
CEPCO, or the Centre for Community Studies and Promotion
of the East, is a leading not-for-profit organization in the San Martin
region of Peru. CEPCO works to promote individual and associative capabilities for
participation in the management of integrated and sustainable development with
equity and solidarity, in a harmonious relationship with nature, society and
culture.
CEPCO was founded in 1985 in order to provide for
the basic needs of community members in the midst of economic crisis and
socio-political violence. CEPCO continues
to fulfill its original mission, while pursuing its vision of a sustainable future
for the Tarapoto community. The
organization promotes holistic individual and community development through wetland
conservation, improvement of the quality of education, youth engagement, and combating HIV/AIDS.
My job won't really be
defined until I arrive in Tarapoto and talk to the organization about their needs and my interests and skills, but I know
that they're looking for a student to assist with their project, "Strengthening the capacities of
children to lead sustainable management of the Cumbaza river basin." This could be a great opportunity, since I really enjoy community engagement and environmental education. It's also cool that a similar Mennonite Central Committee project in Haiti inspired my decision to study International Development almost 5 years ago!
I'm really excited to finally know where I'll be going, because now I feel like I can start preparing myself for the experience. It probably goes without saying that this placement is as intimidating as it is exciting, so I would appreciate any advice on working in international development or living in Peru! I hope that this blog can serve as a forum for conversation about international development, as well as a journal of my thoughts and experiences as a newcomer to the field.
Tupananchiskama ("Until next time" in Quechua),
Laura
