Media Release - For Immediate Release

April 9 2010

Saint Mary’s Grad Selected for Internship in Ghana

Dawit Berossa will apply the knowledge he learned during his graduate studies in International Development at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Berossa was selected as one of 20 youth interns from across Canada to participate in the Coady International Institute’s Youth In Partnership Program. He left for Tamale, Ghana on March 27 to work with Africa 2000 Network.

“The support system at Saint Mary’s International Center for international students was fabulous” said Berossa. He added “I have been using different programs for newcomers that helped me a lot in my career.” Berossa came from Ethiopia four years ago to pursue his education at Saint Mary’s University.

“My role is to work with local communities to increase their production capacity for a sustainable livelihood,” said Berossa. “Mobilizing the assets of a community is a major challenge in Ghana and I am looking forward to the experience I will gain there.”

Berossa says he decided to apply to the program because of his interest in global issues and desire to use his skills to work internationally. “I am excited about this opportunity because the work we do will have a positive impact on the people in Ghana and it will be an incredible work experience for me as well.” added Berossa.

Berossa and 19 other youth interns are undergoing an intense two-week orientation session at the Coady International Institute on the campus of St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

The Coady International Institute’s Youth In Partnership Program gives Canadian university graduates experience working with development organizations in their fields of study. The program helps them increase their understanding of global development issues while contributing to the Coady Institute’s overseas partnerships.

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For More Information:

Steve Proctor
External Affairs
Saint Mary's University
(902) 420.5513
E-mail: steve.proctor@smu.ca
www.smu.ca

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