S-CAR Student and Alum at USAID

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), whose mission is “to partner to end extreme poverty and to promote resilient, democratic societies while advancing the security and prosperity of the United States,” is the primary US federal government agency, tasked with administering civilian foreign aid.  This agency was created by executive order in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy.  Although the organization was started to mainly provide "technical and capital assistance programs," the 1970s show a shift to a "basic human needs" approach focusing on "food and nutrition, population planning, health, and human resource development and education."  Currently, the organization also helps in rebuilding efforts after war in Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Eurasia, and the Middle East. In addition, USAID has helped in disaster and poverty relief, as well as tackling global problems such as environmental issues, bilateral interests, and socio-economic development.    

Over the years, many more people have come to work on projects that USAID assists than just permanent USAID staff. In 2012, the 3,909 employees of USAID, were helped on projects by over 1,000 people in local communities and government agencies who also received assiatnce from USAID to embark on projects.

S-CAR has many students and alumni that work and intern for USAID. Last summer, I visited Rahwa Woldeyesus and Daniel Sheehy at their workplace in Washington DC.  Daniel an alumnus, is a full time employee at USAID, while Rahwa an alumna,  is currently interning with them.  They both expressed their commitment to the conflict resolution field and how this experience had made them come to enjoy working in the field as well as doing research and project management.

Rahwa began in the Pathways Program, a two year internship, managing ADR in Diversity and Inclusion while she was a student at S-CAR.  She has also been involved in communication and marketing special events.  She manages ADR mediation with informal EEO complaints. “It is all about partnership, so far as it is functional and sustainable.” She graduated from S-CAR in May 2014 and is looking to make the step to also work as a full time employee at USAID.

Daniel works as a Program Analyst at USAID and is using his background to effect meaningful democratic participation.  Daniel is a graduate from the S-CAR Malta program, a highly intensive program, in which students receive two degrees in a 14-month period - an MS in Conflict Analysis and Resolution and an MA in Conflict Resolution and Mediterranean Security.  Although jobs and internships at USAID are very competitive, S-CAR graduates have demonstrated that they are attainable. Check out their website at: www.usaid.gov/work-usaid.

Thank you, Daniel and Rahwa, for letting me visit with you. Keep up the great work and representing S-CAR.