Internship Search

I am a Dartmouth College student seeking an internship in East Africa from the end of December to the end of March. I have taken two semesters of Swahili and plan to earn a degree in international relations, comparative politics, and development economics. I also write for the College’s student-run newspaper. I can receive funding from the College for an unpaid internship if I can demonstrate that I have a clear idea of my work schedule and expenses by October 30, the funding application deadline.
I would be interested in any position that allows me to apply my interests in human rights, international politics, sustainable development, or journalism. I am confident that I will be an asset to such a position because I know that I will be passionate about my work. I devote myself entirely to everything that I do, and I am comfortable juggling numerous commitments. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

My Resume

Thank you,
Lauren Rosenbaum
(719) 660-3372
lauren.rosenbaum@dartmouth.edu

“Looking for a communications officer.....”

Intrahealth International in Nairobi is looking to recruit an individual for the position of Communications officer. The candidate must be familiar with the Kenyan health system, possess good command of English, strong writing skills (at least 3 years experience in writing short articles, briefs),and have at least 3 years experience in applying ways to disseminate information to a wide audience (e.g. posters, update blog sites). Any strong candidates are welcome to contact kmullei@intrahealth.org

An Agenda for Progress at a Time of Global Crisis: A Call for African Leadership

The Africa Progress Panel (APP) promotes Africa’s development by tracking progress, drawing attention to opportunities and catalyzing action. It is an independent and authoritative body with a membership comprising unique skills and experience. Chaired by Kofi Annan, it includes distinguished African and international figures which positions it uniquely to engage on issues with both African and G8 leaders, as well as with the continent’s newer trading and donor partners. The Panel has recently issued a Social Media Release report on Africa in the current crisis and the leadership challenges that lay ahead in order to restore the solid economic growth Africa has experienced in the past decade.. How has the financial downturn affected your country? What leadership challenges can you identify?

Carbon Credit Offsets?

Global warming is caused by the build up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere from human activity, primarily the burning of fossil fuels to provide the energy and services we use every day. We burn fossil fuels for electricity (from coal and gas) in our homes and businesses, our cars, flights and to create the food, clothes and other things we buy and consume every day. Carbon offsets enable individuals and businesses to reduce the CO2 emissions they are responsible for by offsetting, reducing or displacing the CO2 in another place, typically where it is more economical to do so. Carbon offsets typically include renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects (Carbon Emission Offset Directory). Is this a sustainable practice. Offsetting pollution in one area by reducing pollution in another? Is there are more thorough solution that would address pollution in general?

Debt Relief for Profit?

The issue of debt relief has been clouded by the mechanisms by which the donor countries ‘relieve’ the debt from debtor countries. Typically, the debt is bought by third parties commonly known as vulture funds. In a two step process, the buy the debt from the poorer country at low prices and then sell the debt to the donor country at inflated prices and with interest accrued. Is there a better way to relieve debt? Should it involve third parties?

The Kyoto Box

In the past few decades there have been numerous initiatives targeting inventors with the aim of creating new, cheap and efficient ways of harnessing abundant sun in the equatorial regions of the planet to produce energy as an alternative to burning wood for energy. The idea behind these initiatives is that deforestation in the regions of the planet most severely affected by its repercussions could be curbed. From the fuel efficient charcoal stove, to the new Kyoto Box, many inventions driven by these initiatives make a brief appearance before fading away unimplemented. Why have these gadgets not caught on despite obvious advantages? Is there a deeper issue that is not being addressed?

Credit Crisis Wave Sweeps Across Africa in 2009

African Leaders are meeting in London this week to discuss Africa's response to the global crisis. Last week, Tanzania announced cancellations of over $3bn of foreign investment projects as credit lines in global markets were reduced or cut. Across the globe, governments have spent trillions of dollars bailing out financial institutions. Africa, while not in the direct line of fire, is suffering secondary effects of the crisis as aggregate demand collapses in traditional export markets. What have government responses been in Africa? Is your country taking steps to dampen the effects of the crisis?

ILLEGAL TOXIC WASTE FOR AFRICA?

A recent article from the BBC highlighted a recent trend in Africa where countries such as Ghana and Nigeria have become dumping grounds for ‘second-hand’ or ‘re-useable’ goods that contain toxic and environmentally damaging material. In most cases, goods such as television sets and computer monitors are not used in their state, but rather stripped for spare parts and sold to second hand dealers. In the process, toxic chemicals contained in them find their way into the environment. Should African governments allow the import of potentially dangerous second-hand goods?

NEW SOIL MAP FOR AFRICA

42 countries in Africa are set to benefit from a 'soil health diagnosis' study headed by the International Center for Tropical Agriculture. This $18 million project will produce an interactive high-resolution soil map known as the African Soil Information Service (AfSIS). As the push for more investment in agriculture by African governments gains steam, this will be a helpful resource. Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (Agra) believes this information will allow governments to plan which types of fertilizers to use in different soil-types across the continent. Is this a necessary resource? Has the lack of knowledge of soil conditions been the cause of African hunger?