The University of Manitoba, in partnership with Don Bosco Catholic University in Brazil, is offering six (6) internship opportunities for University of Manitoba undergraduate or graduate students interested in working with the Guarani indigenous people (Mato Grosso do Sul-Brazil) on issues of food security, youth and children issues, or community economic development. These internships are for three-months and funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

Benefits of Participation:

•    Funding covering student expenses (airfare, room and board, and health insurance).
•    Course credit in selected Human Ecology courses.

Meet the Partipants:
Samina Ahmed
Children and Youth Assistant
2013 Students for Development
I am vey pleased to have been selected for the 2013 SFD internship in Brazil. I am currently a student in the Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Human Ecology, University of Manitoba. I am interested in working at an international level when it comes to the security and well being of others, particularly children and youth. I am excited to have the opportunity to work alongside the children and youth of the Guarani Indigenous people in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Under the supervision of Dr. Wilder Robles, I will be working with the Guarani people to help secure the future of children and youth in the community.

Dayna Kitt
Community Development Research Assistant
2013 Students for Development
I am currently in my third year in Family Social Sciences at the Faculty of Human Ecology, University of Manitoba. Family violence and social development are my two areas of study. I also graduated from Red River College with Business Administration.
I am honoured to be given this opportunity to travel to Mato Grosso du Sul, Brazil and work with the Guarani Indigenous community.  I look forward to working with the Guarani community and my fellow students under the supervision of Dr.Wilder Robles to promote economic development.

Deanna Mirlycourtois
Community Development Research Assistant
2013 Students for Development
I am currently  in my third year of studies, pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce Degree through the Asper School of Business (University of Manitoba), majoring in International Business and Management of Organizations. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to represent the University of Manitoba while traveling to Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil through the Students for Development program, to apply the knowledge I have acquired through my studies in business to promote sustainable economic development in the Guarani community, and to immerse myself in Brazilian culture. Under the supervision of Dr. Wilder Robles, I will be working with the Guarani to enhance small business practices in the community, and offer viable recommendations that will stimulate economic growth for a sustainable future.

Katherine Oksanen
Food Security Research Assistant
2013 Students for Development
I am currently studying Human Nutritional Sciences in the Faculty of Human Ecology, University of Manitoba. I have a keen interest in food security, especially in rural communities. I have extensive experience working with youth/community development programs both here in Canada as well as overseas. I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to travel to Mato Grosso du Sul, Brazil to work with the Guarani Indigenous community as part of the Food Security team. Under the supervision of Dr. Wilder Robles, I will be working with the Guarani to enhance food security programs in the community.

Thea Pedersen
Project and Research Assistant
2013 Students for Development
In December 2012, I completed a Bachelor of Human Ecology, majoring in Family Social, which focused on social development and economic health. Understanding how a community’s design and development influences the well being of its citizen’s intrigues me. After working for the provincial government and with non-profit agencies in Winnipeg, I have a better understanding of development, sustainability, and community autonomy. I am excited to have the opportunity to expand on my experiences by traveling to Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil to work on local community development projects. Under the supervision of Dr. Wilder Robles, six other students and I will be collaborating with the Guarani Indigenous people to work on projects with respect to nutrition, children and youth, and economic development.  As the SFD project assistant, I will be assisting Dr. Robles with the implementation of the second phase of this amazing project!

Maria Upton
Children and Youth Assistant
2013 Students for Development
I am a third year Family Social Sciences student in the Department of Family Social Sciences, Faculty of  Human Ecology, University of Manitoba. I have a great passion for working with children and youth in both developed and developing countries. I am very happy to have been selected to participate in the 2013 SFD internship in Brazil. I am eager to  travel to Masso Grosso du Sul and promote access to quality education  and good health for children and youth. Under the supervision of Dr. Wilder Robles, I will be developing and implementing educational programs for children and youth in the Guarani-Kaiowa Indigenous community of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

Jennifer Vancuren
Food Security Research Assistant
2013 Students for Development
I am currently studying Human Nutritional Sciences in the Faculty of Human Ecology, University of Manitoba. I am compelled to help people and give back to the community. I am excited and proud that a group of students from our university is working with the Students for Development for such an amazing project with the Guarani Indigenous community in Brazil. Under the supervision of Dr. Wilder Robles, I will be working with the Guarani to enhance food security programs in the community.

For more information, please contact Dr. Wilder Robles