We have struggled, as many have, with the COVID pandemic. In 2020, our programs were all canceled. In 2021, we ran some of our programs virtually. Finally, and with the help of the U.S. Department of State, UMass, and our other funders, we were able to put together our biggest summer ever in 2022.
From May to August we managed six programs that brought 122 people from 33 different countries to the UMass Amherst Campus. Our programs included people from Argentina, Africa, the Middle East, and Pakistan. We managed over 200 talks and events in eight different cities on the Eastern seaboard and we hired 14 student mentors who all had an incredible international experience. We introduced our participants to UMass Amherst, the Amherst public schools, the Boston business community, the City of Holyoke and the Town of Amherst.
We visited the Tree House Foundation in Easthampton, the Western Massachusetts Food Bank, and the Amherst Survival Center — among many others. Nothing could have happened without you: our colleagues, speakers, vendors, hosts, and friends. It was remarkable to see people step up to help and engage with our groups after a two-year absence.
Also, as of this writing, we have a full menu of programs on hand for next summer.
More importantly, we brought tremendous diversity to the campus and the town and, we hope, enriched the lives of not only the people who came to Amherst, but all they met in Amherst as well.
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Dr. Mike Hannahan
Director, Civic Initiative
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Strengthening journalism in Pakistan
In September, we concluded the year-long online program, Digital Media and Journalism: Shared Narratives. The program's goal was to increase the technical/digital skills and the professional capacity of 30 early-career journalists in Pakistan.
We built this program by recognizing that journalists in both Pakistan and the U.S. share many common challenges and can learn from one another about how to overcome those challenges. Among these is the challenge of verification and reliability in an information ecosystem full of disinformation and changing business models that make sustained and accurate reporting a financial challenge.
Over nearly 40 live and recorded sessions, the journalists got to know one another and worked with a multitude of practicing journalists and professors both from the United States and Pakistan. We were very happy to have a couple of our SUSI alumni be those presenters!
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Not done with 2022!
In November, we will be hosting a group of students for an entrepreneurship program. They are from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia. Also, as of this writing, we have a full menu of programs on hand for next summer. We are partnering again with IREX to run this program.
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Podcast guest is Pakistan's ambassador to the U.S.
The latest episode of the podcast features Pakistan's ambassador to the United States, Masood Khan.
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Alumnu sawarded exciting mini-grants
Osama Alshgoor from the village of Alkarak, Jordan was awarded two grants! The first will help fix the problem of trash on trails near historical and cultural sites where he serves as a tour guide. It will be called "Ecogreen". His second mini-grant is a podcast where he and his guests will discuss the greatness of exchange programs as well as the difference between cultures. The podcast will be called "Juicy SUSI", named after the Study of the United States institute program that Osama attended in 2022.
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SUSI alum talks entrepreneurship
Mike Hannahan recently spoke with Danish Aziz Awan who is fully engaged in entrepreneurial activities in Pakistan. Danish is an alum of our 2019 Comparative Public Policy SUSI program. Danish gives some great advice for entrepreneurs and start-ups and what he remembers fondly about this time at UMass. His interview is audio only but you can find it on this Civic video page. |
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Alumni Spotlight - Amos Kiyingi
Young African Leaders Initiative - 2022
What have you been up to since the program?
I returned to Uganda, rejuvenated to continue the work we have been doing. We have since expanded the peace-building work into the eastern part of Uganda.
What was the most influential experience you had while in the U.S. with the Civic Initiative?
I say all the experiences were influential and to settle for just one is rather difficult, but nonetheless, I would go for the visit to the Amherst Survival Center. This is probably because my organization is in the process of setting a reconciliation centre and the Amherst Survival Center gave me so much insight into how much can be done in a space to improve lives, from providing meals, counseling, medical appointments, meeting local council members to job placement support. I also liked that all the services were offered in partnership with other organizations. This was a trend with every space we visited. The final thing that stood out was that the beneficiary didn't have to prove that they needed the service. Many times we are stuck on supporting those we consider to be poor and deserving and forget to be human to those that might not fit the criteria but are going through a tough time. These things have made the team and I rethink how we intend to use the space for the centre.
If you could spend another day in Amherst, how would you spend it?
I definitely, wouldn't go for the Mount Holyoke hike! But ,I would love to spend some time volunteering at the Amherst Survival Center, then enjoy a meal at the Chef Lau restaurant, followed by a relaxed evening walk in Northampton to enjoy the Smith College art and engage with locals at Toasted Owl Tavern.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a person chosen to participate in this program?
I would say go with an open mind to learn. There is plenty to learn that will positively impact you as a leader, be it something as simple as keeping time. I would encourage them to go with a generous heart to share their lived experiences with other fellows and Civic Initiative team because as a global village we must be willing to exchange knowledge and debate to advance with no man/woman left behind. Finally, I would say build relationships. Don't waste time being by yourself and counting down the days to return home. Engage with fellows, UMass/Civic Staff and the community.
What is next on your To-Do List?
Launching the Uganda Unites reconciliation and mediation centre: a space for young people to grow and be mentored.
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Staff Spotlight - Baba Ajao
Entrepreneurship and Economic Development since 2019
What have you been up to since the program?
Fortunately, a lot. I've been able to continue working on a lot of exciting projects, including several of my businesses, including True Given and HyoomKloh, which have kept me busy. I've also been traveling a lot, catching up with family and enjoying the summer and fall.
What is your favorite Civic memory?
This year, I would say the Startup selling exercise with the EED group. It provides a great opportunity for the groups to put what they have learned into practice; sometimes things go well, sometimes things don't, but it was really great and inspiring to see the positive transformation and self-reflection that occurred in real time.
What do you miss most about working with the Civic Initiative?
The fast-paced nature of the job and the constant interaction with all of these wonderful people you get to meet and know. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to learn and interact with so many wonderful people all at once. It's all too easy to lose sight of how beautiful and diverse the world is, and the Civic initiative serves as a constant reminder to me
What advice would you give a first-time Civic staff on their first day?
Civic Initiative is a one-of-a-kind program that allows you to reflect on yourself and broaden your horizons. Being open-minded is essential, and I can assure you that it will most likely be the best summer of your life.
What is next on your To-Do list?
Only a few people know this, but I've always been fascinated by the workforce development field, as well as the innovations and opportunities it offers. This field complements the current industry in which I work, which is financial services and financial stability. I believe that is where my focus will be in the coming months, and I will likely conduct a lot of interviews with stakeholders in workforce development to better understand the field.
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